AMAZING ACUPRESSURE POINT SERIES #11: By Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute

Governing Vessel 4 (Acupressure point GV 4)

Pinyin Names – Ming Men, Jingong, Jiajiguan

English Translations – Gate of Life, Gate of Vitality, Place of Essence

Note: The Governing Vessel is also known as Du Mai

Some Chinese texts refer to Extraordinary Governing Vessel 4 as the place where the animal’s “spark” of life originated. The acupressure point GV 4 resides between the two Kidneys. It is said that this is where yin and yang combined to create life, hence it as seen as the location of the original yin and yang of the body. This is why GV 4 is considered a powerful acupoint and is commonly used in so many of the healing arts including Tibetan medicine, Hindu tantrism, and even Kabalistic Sefirot (netzach).

Acupoint Classification

Governing Vessel 4 is one of the Doorways to the Earth Points. This point affects the pelvic region of the animal’s body and especially the lower two orifices. It impacts the hormonal system and the emotions. In Chinese medicine it is seen as one of the “hinges” of the torso.

Acupressure point GV 4 is the meeting acupoint for the Bladder and Kidney Divergent channels. Because it is the connecting point for these two divergent channels, it has strong internal-external impact.

Governing Vessel 4 has no contraindications.

Energetic Actions

Acupressure point GV 4 tonifies Kidney yang, clears heat/fire, dispels internal wind, expels cold, dries dampness, benefits essence/Jing, regulates the Governing Vessel, strengthens the back and hind limbs, regulates water passages, replenishes blood, and clears the mind/shen.

Indicators / Clinical Signs

GV 4 can be included in an acupressure session when the animal presents with the indicators or clinical signs listed:

Pain, spasms, weakness or stiffness in the lumbar spine and/or hind limbs

Fever or febrile disease

Fatigue

Dizziness or head shaking

Fertility issues

Abdominal pain

Excessive fear or fright

Depression or shen disturbance

Seizures

Anal prolapse

Urinary incontinence

Location

Equine – Found on the dorsal midline in the depression between the 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae.

Canine & Feline – Located on the dorsal midline between the spinous processes of the 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae.