In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), spring is all about nurturing the liver and the gallbladder, ensuring they receive enough energy and nutrients during their season to support you throughout the year. But why does Jing Men (Captila Gate, GB25), a point on the gallbladder meridian, have such a substantial impact on kidney health?
Understanding the deep interconnection between the gallbladder, liver, and kidneys in TCM can reveal why stimulating this acupoint offers powerful benefits. Jing Men helps fortify your kidneys and enhance your vitality.
How Ancient Wisdom Explains Jing Men’s Impact on Kidney Health
Jing Men has been recognized since the ancient medical text “The Pulse Classic (Mai Jing)” as a special acupoint where kidney qi or vital energy gathers. The name itself holds deeper meaning—while “jing” translates to “capital,” in classical Chinese it also signifies “origin.” In TCM, the kidney stores “yuan qi,” the “original energy” inherited at birth that sustains a person’s vitality over their lifetime.
Strong kidney function is associated with youthfulness, longevity, and vigor. This acupoint is also often used to address chronic kidney conditions and support water metabolism, which aligns with how modern medicine views kidney function in regulating fluids and waste elimination.
Scientific Insights Into Jing Men’s Benefits
Modern research is beginning to uncover the vast potential of Jing Men in supporting kidney health and beyond. A 2021 study examined how acupoint therapy affects kidney function in rats with high uric acid levels. The researchers found that high uric acid caused kidney damage and decreased important proteins that help remove uric acid from the body.
After the rats received treatment at specific acupuncture points where vital energy converges—known as Shu-Mu point therapy—including Jing Men, they exhibited improved health, lower uric acid levels, and enhanced kidney function. This indicates that stimulating these acupuncture points may help protect the kidneys and regulate uric acid balance.
Another study examined different treatment approaches for endometriosis, comparing acupuncture at Shu-Mu points, routine acupuncture, and the Western medication Danazol. While all three methods were effective, acupuncture at Shu-Mu points provided the most significant relief from pain, menstrual irregularities, and other symptoms.
This method notably reduced serum CA125 levels, a marker linked to endometriosis, while causing fewer side effects than Western medicine. These findings suggest that targeted acupoint therapy could serve as a safer, more effective alternative for managing endometriosis-related discomfort.
How to Locate and Stimulate Jing Men
Jing Men is located on the side of your abdomen, slightly in front of and below the free end of the 12th rib. An easy way to locate it is by bending your arms at the elbows, pressing them against the sides of your body, and measuring two finger-widths back toward your spine. As you press gently around this area, you may notice a sore or tender spot—this is Jing Men.
There are several ways to activate this acupoint.
- Press firmly for three to five seconds, release for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes on each side. If massaging another person, you can bend your index finger and use the phalanx to apply pressure.
- For self-massage, use your thumb to massage the acupoint in circular motions for one to three minutes per side.
- To extend the benefits, consider applying an herbal patch overnight.
- For deeper activation, consider advanced therapies such as cupping or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort). These should be performed by a qualified TCM practitioner.
Important Considerations Before Using Jing Men
Jing Men should not be stimulated if you have injuries in the surrounding area. If using herbal patches, opt for those with natural ingredients and avoid harsh artificial additives, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
If you experience intense sensations when pressing this point, it may indicate underlying kidney issues, making it even more crucial to support kidney health through a healthy lifestyle.
Small Actions, Big Impact on Kidney Health
One in seven Americans suffers from chronic kidney disease. In TCM, modern lifestyle habits—such as high stress, irregular sleep, and poor dietary choices—are believed to drain original vital energy, weakening kidney function over time.
Supporting your kidney health through acupressure is a simple yet powerful way to counteract these effects. Whether for yourself or a loved one, consider incorporating this practice into your routine. It’s free, has no side effects, and offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with your body while promoting long-term well-being.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung helped ensure the accuracy and clarity of this article.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 14 Mar 2025
