Shen Men The Heavenly Gate

Shen Men (Chinese), The Heavenly Gate, is traditionally used to treat anxiety, stress, and pain anywhere in the body. This point has been recognized for its application in many pain and dysfunctional conditions.

The Shen Men is often considered to be a primary auricular acupuncture or pressure point for the treatment of pain conditions. It is considered to alleviate anxiety, apprehension, fear, and to help regulate the sympathetic nervous system. A tender Shen Men is usually regarded by the auricular acupuncturist as an indication of the presence of pain. It is regularly employed in addiction and substance abuse treatments. It is also recognized for its role in the treatment of inflammation.

To stimulated the point, an auricular (ear) acupuncturist can put a needle into the point. Acupressure can also be applied by placing ear seeds or magnetic beads which do not puncture the skin. Vicaria seeds are typically used and come already attached to a very small piece of surgical tape. It is applied over the point and left in place for a few days.

The location of the Shen Men point is on the helix, or upper portion of the ear, just inside the triangular area. Another way that this point can be stimulated is with your fingers simply by rubbing the point.

There are many meridian points located on the ears, each with specific associations to parts of the body. Although just one point will have an effect, often when 4 or 5 points are combined into an auricular prescription, as with the NADA Protocol, you will get more profound results.

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