Almost everyone who has supported a loved one through pregnancy—whether as a mother, partner, or caregiver—knows the experience goes far beyond physical strain. Emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and mood swings can weigh just as heavily. That’s the acupoint, Rushing Gate (Chong Men, SP12), deserves attention.
Positioned on the lower abdomen, the Chong Men acupoint is especially valuable for those navigating pregnancy, recovery, or postpartum support. It also opens a window into one of traditional Chinese medicine’s (TCM) unique diagnostic concepts: fetal qi disturbance.
TCM Perspective: A Meeting Place of Vital Channels
Chong Men was first recorded in the classical medical text “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“The A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”). Its importance lies in being a convergence point of three powerful meridians: the Spleen, Liver, and the Yin Linking Vessel (Yin Wei Mai). All three are strongly associated with women’s health in TCM since they regulate blood and yin energy—two concepts central to reproductive and emotional well-being. This acupoint is a gateway to multiple systems as they work together to bring the body back to its natural internal balance during periods of great physiological change.
What Chong Men Can Help With
Chong Men is often used to support women experiencing complications related to childbirth or recovery. One of its key functions is to help stop bleeding that continues after delivery. Even more uniquely, it plays a role in addressing a condition in TCM known as “fetal qi rushing up.” This refers to a pattern of symptoms like shortness of breath, chest and abdominal tightness, irritability, and general discomfort.
In Western medical terms, this could resemble symptoms seen in cases of pregnancy-related heart strain or early signs of respiratory infection. It can also be triggered by overexertion, leading to uterine contractions, abdominal pain, or vaginal bleeding. In such cases, Chong Men is used to stabilize the body’s energy and bring relief.
Clinical Use and Modern Research
While modern medicine is still exploring the exact therapeutic mechanism of acupoints, it’s looking into their functional applications. In one study, 64 women with tubal infertility were treated using a comprehensive protocol that included acupuncture at Chong Men along with five other acupoints and ginger-partitioned moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort).
The results were striking: 31 women were fully cured, 20 saw significant improvements, eight showed some benefit, and only five didn’t respond—an overall effectiveness rate of 92.2 percent. While the study featured a small sample and included multiple treatment components, it gives an encouraging glimpse into Chong Men’s potential contribution to reproductive care.
How to Locate and Activate Chong Men
To locate Chong Men, lie down on your back and find the crease where your thigh meets the pelvis. Trace that line carefully until you find a spot where the external iliac artery is pulsating, which eventually becomes the femoral artery. Gently feel around that area to find a point that may be tender or sore when pressed. This is Chong Men. Due to its close proximity to a major artery, always approach this point with caution.
Activating the Acupoint
You don’t need to be a professional to benefit from Chong Men. Here are safe ways to activate the point:
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patches: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
For deeper therapeutic effects, consult a trained TCM practitioner to determine whether acupuncture or moxibustion can be used in your specific situation.
Precautions
Due to its location near the femoral artery, direct needling at this point is not recommended. Stick to acupressure unless under the care of a trained TCM professional. Also, avoid stimulation if there are injuries in the area. For herbal patches, choose products with natural ingredients to avoid irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
A Small Gesture, a Big Difference
Women’s health—especially during and after pregnancy—deserves deliberate care and attention. Whether you’re the one expecting or you’re supporting someone through the process, Chong Men offers a helpful yet gentle method to provide relief and support. A simple daily massage or warming herbal patch might go a long way in helping the body find balance in a time of change. Use it as an intentional act of care during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 13 June 2025
