Ren, Conception Vessel
The Ren – Conception Vessel is one of eight Extraordinary Vessels
Ren-Conception Vessel
These Vessels are pathways for Qi, similar to the twelve meridians.
The eight Extraordinary Vessels are different than the twelve meridians in that they “run deeper,” acting as reservoirs of Qi. Only two of the eight Extraordinary Vessels have acupoints.
The Ren (Conception Vessel) is located on the center line of the front of the body. It begins in the uterus, emerges onto the pelvic floor and then comes up across the abdomen, chest, throat and ends on the chin, just beneath the lower lip.
There are 24 acupoints on the Ren Conception Vessel.
Ren 4 and Ren 6
These two Ren points are nourishing and vitalizing for the uterus.
I use both of them to support the circulation of Qi in the uterus and the surrounding area. By maintaining the circulation of Qi, we support the vibrancy of the uterus. These points are also used to soothe symptoms such as menstrual cramps or bloating.
In practice, I explore both points. Sometimes I am drawn to spend more time massaging one point than the other, and sometimes not. I also ask my client to give me her experience of my contact to the points. Together, we explore how much pressure to use, how long to massage the point(s), and whether to be still or add movement.
How to locate Ren 6
Ren 6 is 1.5 cun (inches) directly below the naval.
This distance is equivalent to the width of your client’s first and second finger combined. Have your client hold her first two fingers together. Next have her place her first finger at the lower edge of her naval. Ren 6 will be below the naval, at the edge of here 3rd finger.
How to locate Ren 4
Ren 4 is 3 cun (inches) directly below the naval.
This distance is equivalent to the width of your client’s four fingers. Have your client hold her fingers together. Next, have her place her first finger at the lower edge of her naval. Ren 4 will be below the naval, at the edge of here 5th finger.
To go deeper, check out the 3 part Mini-series: The 8 Extraordinary Vessels –
Thank you for your article. It has helped me very much!
You are welcome 🙂
Cindy…first off THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR THE WORK U PUT IN!!!!! WHAT A BLESSING!!! I seek your educational services if I may….please if able, reach out to me via email i am seeking an instructor i can pay to teach me this! If this is something you do please let me know via email!!!
Hi Heather,
I have lots of online classes – you can view them here
https://www.bigtreeschool.com/collections
🙂
Cindy
Hi, you give the best explanations available online, on how to locate points as well as any concept touched upon, in your articles. Love your very informative articles. Thank you for sharing.
[…] Ren, Conception Vessel […]
Would there be any effect, any point, in treating these points in someone who has had a hysterectomy?
Bianca,
Great question. I think that massaging the lower abdomen and working with the points helps to keep the Qi flowing. Surgeries often lead to stagnation in the area, so massage and activating points counteracts that tendency.
Also, even though organs are removed, the energetics of it remain.