CV4 (Guanyuan / Gate of Origin) Acupuncture Point Guide
Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
Professional acupuncture supplies and practical clinical resources for qualified practitioners in Ireland and across Europe.
CV4, known as Guanyuan (“Gate of Origin”), is located in the anterior lower abdomen. This guide summarises the standard location, traditional functions, common combinations, anatomy and essential safety considerations.
This is a professional reference for appropriately trained practitioners. It is not a self-treatment guide and does not replace accredited anatomical and clinical training.
CV4 Guanyuan quick reference
| Point name | CV4 — Guanyuan (“Gate of Origin”) |
|---|---|
| Channel | Conception Vessel |
| Classification | Front-Mu point of the Small Intestine; meeting point of the Conception Vessel with the Spleen, Liver and Kidney channels |
| Region | Anterior lower abdomen |
| Laterality | Midline |
| Core landmark | On the anterior midline, 3 B-cun inferior to the centre of the umbilicus. |
Location of CV4 Guanyuan
On the anterior midline, 3 B-cun inferior to the centre of the umbilicus.
Use proportional B-cun measurement together with palpation and individual anatomy. A fixed centimetre measurement is not a substitute for anatomical location.
Traditional functions of CV4
- Tonifies Original Qi and benefits the Kidneys.
- Nourishes Blood and Yin.
- Warms and fortifies Yang where deficiency is diagnosed.
- Regulates the uterus and lower Jiao in traditional practice.
These descriptions belong to traditional acupuncture theory. They are not claims that CV4 has been proven to diagnose, prevent or treat disease.
Traditional clinical applications
- Deficiency presentations involving fatigue, cold or weakness within an individualised diagnosis.
- Menstrual, fertility or lower-Jiao presentations only within professional scope and after appropriate assessment.
- Urinary or digestive symptoms after red flags and biomedical causes have been considered.
Point selection should follow a complete assessment, differential diagnosis, informed consent and an individualised treatment plan.
Common point combinations
- CV4 + CV6: traditionally used to strengthen Qi and support the lower Jiao.
- CV4 + ST36: considered for constitutional Qi deficiency.
- CV4 + SP6: used in selected gynaecological strategies with appropriate pregnancy screening.
These are traditional examples rather than fixed prescriptions.
Anatomy and practitioner notes
CV4 overlies the lower abdominal wall and peritoneal cavity; the urinary bladder may extend superiorly when full. Pregnancy, previous surgery, hernia, masses and altered anatomy materially change risk.
Needling and essential safety
Screen for pregnancy and ensure the bladder is emptied before treatment. Deep needling can enter the peritoneal cavity or injure a distended bladder or gravid uterus. Use only within accredited abdominal acupuncture training and avoid needling where acute abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding, mass, infection or surgical complication is suspected.
Use sterile, single-use needles, appropriate skin preparation and a technique suited to the patient’s anatomy, health, medicines and treatment position. Stop and reassess if unexpected sharp, electrical or strongly radiating sensation occurs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is CV4 Guanyuan?
On the anterior midline, 3 B-cun inferior to the centre of the umbilicus.
What does Guanyuan mean?
Guanyuan is commonly translated as “Gate of Origin”. The English rendering helps explain the traditional name but does not replace the anatomical landmark.
Can patients use this guide for self-needling?
No. This resource is written for qualified practitioners and does not replace supervised anatomical and clinical training.
Continue exploring Project Lotus
Visit our Acupuncture Point Guides, or read the CV6 Qihai Guide and CV12 Zhongwan Guide.
Practitioners can also browse our professional acupuncture needles and the wider Practitioner Guides library.
Professional disclaimer: This article is provided for qualified acupuncture and healthcare practitioners for general educational purposes. Traditional actions and applications describe established acupuncture theory and are not claims of proven clinical efficacy. It is not medical advice, does not replace accredited training and should not be used as a universal treatment protocol. Practitioners remain responsible for assessment, consent, safe technique, infection control, record keeping, referral and compliance with professional and legal obligations.
Reference standards and safety reading:
World Health Organization. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region.
World Health Organization. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture.
Master Tung’s Acupuncture / eLotus CORE. CV4 Guanyuan reference page.
