Why is it named "Spirit Palace"（Shenque）?

"Shen" (神) refers to the primordial spirit (which can be understood as the "chief commander" of the body); "Que" (阙) means the gate of an ancient imperial palace. Together, it means "the great gate through which the primordial spirit enters and exits." Ancient people believed that when a fetus is in the mother's womb, it relies entirely on this place to absorb nutrients for growth. The Heart governs the blood and houses the primordial spirit, and this acupoint happens to be the "palace gate" for the spirit's entry and exit, so it is named "Shenque."

What is the use of this acupoint?

Shenque acupoint can greatly replenish primordial Qi, warm the body, and bring back the Yang energy that is about to dissipate. Because it is located right in the middle of the abdomen, it serves as the hub connecting the upper and lower Qi and blood. It is also adjacent to the stomach, large intestine, and small intestine, so it is particularly skilled at regulating the Spleen and Stomach, stopping diarrhea, and relieving constipation. Regularly massaging here can relieve belly pain. If you experience diarrhea or abdominal cramping, gently massaging the navel with your palm, or applying a warm towel before massaging, will yield even better results. Specifically, it helps with the following issues:

● Spleen and Stomach weakness, poor appetite

● Diarrhea, constipation

● Pain around the navel

● Abdominal coldness, aversion to cold

● Body weakness and fatigue (works better when combined with other points)

Where is this acupoint and how to find it?

● Location: Located in the middle of the abdomen, right in the center of the umbilicus—which is the belly button itself.

● Quick Finder: The depression of the belly button is it. Lie flat or sit down, and locate the belly button directly.

● Sensation Confirmation: Once located, massage the area with your palm. There will be a distinct "bloating sensation" (similar to a balloon being pumped with air and expanding), or a feeling of deep warmth and relaxation inside the abdomen. This indicates you have found it correctly.

Tips: The standard for judging correct acupoint selection is "De Qi" (obtaining Qi). This means the practitioner feels a heavy, sinking suction under their hands, while the receiver experiences an aching, numbing, bloating, warming, itching, or painful sensation, or even a feeling of energy transmission and diffusion.

How to perform moxibustion?

It is recommended to use medium or even large-sized moxa sticks for direct moxibustion. The larger the individual's body size, the larger the moxa stick should be chosen. The duration should be guided by personal comfort. When performing moxibustion on the correct acupoint, general patients will have a feeling of wanting to stay there all the time—much like a person eating, who only wants to stop once fully satisfied. Feeling as if there is a tiny mouth at the moxibustion spot actively drawing the moxa heat deep inside, rather than the heat being blocked on the outside, means you have found the right acupoint for moxibustion.

Matching Tools:

（ Note：patting (Pai Da), and scraping (Gua Sha) can also be used on the same acupoint.）

Which acupoints work better when paired together?

● For Diarrhea, Constipation, and Periumbilical Cramping: Pair with Gongsun (SP4), Shuifen (CV9), Tianshu (ST25), and Zusanli (ST36).

● For Rectal Prolapse, Urinary Incontinence, Kidney Deficiency, and Infertility: Pair with Changqiang (GV1), Qihai (CV6), and Guanyuan (CV4).