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What are the functions of Shenmai point?

2026-09-07 04:20:25

Overview of the efficacy and function of Shenmai point

Shenmai point is an important point on the bladder meridian of Foot Taiyang, located on the outside of the foot, in the depression directly below the lateral ankle.Its main functions includeRelieve neurological symptoms such as headache, insomnia, and epilepsy, andImprove local problems such as lower limb pain and heel pain.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that stimulating the Shenmai point can dredge the meridians, reconcile Qi and blood, and also have an auxiliary effect on Yang Qi deficiency and cold-damp paralysis.In modern clinical practice, this point is often used for acupuncture, massage or moxibustion treatment, but it needs to be operated under the guidance of a professional physician.The following will provide a detailed explanation of traditional functions, modern applications and precautions.

The efficacy of Shenmai points from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine

What are the functions of Shenmai point?

In ancient books such as "The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic", the Shenmai point is classified as the starting point of the "Yangqiao Vein", which is responsible for the movement of Yang Qi in the human body.The traditional effects can be summarized into three points: First,Soothe the mind and calm the mind, used for insomnia, dreaminess or anxiety; the second isRelax the muscles and activate the circulation, relieve ankle sprains or rheumatic arthralgia; the third isWake up and wake up, auxiliary treatment of stroke sequelae or dizziness.Zhang Jingyue, a medical scientist in the Ming Dynasty, once mentioned that "the application of Shen Mai to unblock yang can relieve foot and knee diseases", emphasizing its role in warming yang and dispersing cold.It should be noted that the effect of a single acupoint is limited, and it is often necessary to combine Kunlun, Zhaohai and other acupoints to enhance the effect.

Modern medical research and clinical application

Modern research has found that stimulating the Shenmai point can regulate brain blood flow through neural reflexes and improve migraine or neurasthenia.Some clinical trials (such as the 2021 study in "Chinese Acupuncture") show that electroacupuncture at Shenmai points can significantly reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures.In addition, this point is widely used in rehabilitation medicine, such as:

IndicationsTreatmentEffectiveness (sample data)
heel painMoxibustion + massage78% (n=120)
insomniaAcupuncture combined with Shenmen point65% (n=90)

It should be noted that the above data need to be combined with individual differences and serious organic diseases need to be excluded.

Operation methods and precautions

In daily health care, you can press the Shenmai point with your thumb for 3-5 minutes, with only slight soreness and swelling, and avoid using too much force.Professional treatment must be performed by a physician. Use with caution in the following situations:

  • Pregnant or menstruating women
  • Local skin damage or infection
  • People with severe hypertension or heart disease

At present, there are no special products on the market for Shenmai points, but some acupuncture device manufacturers (such as "Huatuo Brand") produce related acupuncture needles, and they need to check the medical device registration qualifications.

Summary and scientific cognition suggestions

As a traditional acupoint, the efficacy of Shenmai point is supported by theories from ancient books and evidenced by modern research, but its auxiliary therapeutic effect should be viewed rationally.For chronic diseases, it is recommended to combine traditional Chinese and Western medicine for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment to avoid exaggerating the effect of a single acupoint.Daily massage can be used as a way to maintain health, but if symptoms persist, you need to seek medical attention promptly.

Quote sources:

  1. "The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic Lingshu" Meridians Chapter
  2. Zhang Jingyue's "Leijing Tuyi" (Medical Classics of the Ming Dynasty)
  3. "Chinese Acupuncture" Issue 5, 2021 "Clinical Observation on Shenmai Points in the Treatment of Epilepsy"
  4. Medical device manufacturer: Huatuo Brand (Registration Certificate Number: Suzhuzhen 2020214XXXX)

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