The human body contains over 400 acupoints, each possessing distinct therapeutic functions. Among them are vital health-preserving points like Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Yongquan (KI1). Today we focus on Guanyuan (CV4). The Classic of Bian Que records: During the Southern Song Dynasty, an elderly man named Wang Chao reached ninety years old yet retained a radiant complexion and physical vigor rivaling his youth.When asked if he possessed any extraordinary techniques, Wang Chao replied: "No extraordinary techniques, only the power of fire. Every year at the turn of summer and autumn, I moxibustion the Guanyuan point with mugwort wool. Over time, I became impervious to cold and heat. To this day, the area below my navel remains as warm as fire."
The Guanyuan point mentioned in this story is a crucial point in traditional Chinese health preservation.Located three cun directly below the navel (as shown in Figure 1), it is the meeting point of the Conception Vessel and the three Yin meridians of the foot. It is also where the primordial energies of Yin and Yang converge, hence its name "Guanyuan" (Gate of Primordial Energy). Regularly massaging this point can replenish vital energy, warm the kidneys and nourish essence, dispel cold and restore Yang, and regulate the Chong and Ren vessels. It is particularly recommended for the following conditions:
Yang Deficiency.As people age, they often experience yang deficiency and declining constitution, leading to recurrent colds, indigestion, lower back and leg pain, cold limbs, edema, and difficulty urinating. Elderly individuals can perform the following daily: morning and evening, overlap both hands and massage the abdomen around the Guanyuan point for 9 minutes; then overlap the fingertips of both index fingers and press the Guanyuan point for 6 minutes until a sensation of soreness and fullness is felt locally. This method warms and supplements yang energy, strengthens the kidneys, and consolidates essence.
Primary Dysmenorrhea. Young women are prone to menstrual cramps. Lie supine with hands overlapping (right hand beneath), massage the lower abdomen around the Guanyuan acupoint 100 times clockwise and 100 times counterclockwise. Next, press the Guanyuan acupoint with the pads of both middle fingers for 6 minutes. Then, use the right palm to push downward from the navel across the abdomen 50 times.Finally, place both palms overlapping over Guanyuan and rest quietly for 20 minutes. Additionally, rubbing the waist until warm is beneficial. This method enhances organ function, regulates qi and blood, and prevents/treats primary dysmenorrhea caused by yang deficiency or yang deficiency with cold.Premature ejaculation. Middle-aged men often experience premature ejaculation due to weakened semen retention. Massaging Guanyuan can alleviate symptoms. Sit on the bed and rub the lower abdomen with your palms, centering on the Guanyuan point, for 100–200 times until the area feels warm. Then use both thumbs to press the Sanyinjiao points on either side (as shown in Figure 2) for 100–200 times.