Camphorwood Gate is a valuable ally for digestion, metabolism, and overall organ balance.
Widely used in clinical practice, Camphorwood Gate is more than an ordinary acupressure point—it’s a key player in digestion, metabolism, and overall organ balance.
Understanding the Power of Zhang Men
Tucked under your lowest rib, Camphorwood (Zhang Men, LR13) is a powerful acupoint sometimes called Completion Gate or Chapter Gate in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
How Camphorwood Gate Benefits Your Body
More than easing the occasional upset stomach, Zhang Men supports the entire digestive process. It regulates the liver and spleen, two vital organs in digestion and metabolism. Stimulating the acupoint helps relieve:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Stomach pain and bloating
- Indigestion and poor appetite
- Metabolic imbalances, especially in diabetic patients
Bridging Ancient Wisdom With Science
The wisdom of the ancients and modern science combine to illustrate the power of Zhang Men.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Zhang Men is classified as one of the Eight Hui meeting points, a busy junction where diverse qi (energy) types converge. This acupoint specifically governs the five solid organs—liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and heart—but is most closely associated with spleen health, a key player in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Scientific Research and Western Medicine
Recent studies have shed light on the beneficial effects of acupuncture on digestion and overall metabolic health, which is exciting for those looking for natural treatments. One study found that acupuncture can help increase hemoglobin levels in women who experience anemia, a blood condition affecting 9.3 percent of the U.S. population.
Researchers found that these improvements were not just in symptoms but also influenced the balance of bacteria in the gut. After treatment, there was an increase in good bacteria, essential for effective digestion, while levels of harmful bacteria decreased. These findings suggest that stimulating acupoints like Zhang Men can support healthy digestion and maintain a balanced metabolism.
How to Locate and Stimulate Zhang Men
To find Zhang Men, position your hand on the side of your waist and identify the lowest rib—it is located just beneath it, on the sides of your abdomen.
Another common method to find it is to bend your elbows and press them against your body. The point where your elbows touch the body is called Zhang Men.
- Massage: Using your thumb, apply firm circular motions for one to three minutes on each side.
- Tapping: Use a loose cupped hand or fist to pat the area for three to five minutes rhythmically.
- Heat Therapy: Apply a warming herbal patch or use a blow dryer on low to warm the acupoint.
- Professional Treatment: Consult a trained TCM practitioner for acupuncture, moxibustion, or cupping. These advanced techniques can offer a deeper stimulation of the acupoint.
Who Should Use Caution With Zhang Men
While Zhang Men provides various benefits, stimulating this acupoint is not advised for pregnant women, as it can increase blood flow along the liver meridian. Additionally, people with injuries or open wounds at the acupoint location should only use acupressure after fully recovering.
A Preventive Self-Care Practice
Don’t wait for digestive issues to arise—regularly stimulating Zhang Men can be a preventive practice, especially for those at risk of diabetes. Incorporate acupressure into your routine as a daily self-care habit to tap into the benefits of holistic wellness.
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Whether you’re using it for immediate relief or long-term wellness, Zhang Men truly is your (and your spleen’s) new best friend.
