Nabhi
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Nabhi is located at the umbilicus, is considered the seat of prana vayu (“the root of 72,000 nadis” (Lad & Durve, 2008, p. 166)), as well as the seat of samana vayu, influencing digestion and kindling the agni of the digestive system. It’s indicated for a wide range of abdominal and digestive issues, as well as low immunity and chronic fatigue syndrome (Lad & Durve, 2008).
Between the main Nabhi, at the navel, and the other four Nabhi marma located in the four corners around the navel, many internal organs are regulated, including: the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and adrenals (Lad & Durve, 2008).
The main Nabhi corresponds to Shén què Rèn 8 “Spirit Gateway” (què, literally, “paired watchtowers at imperial palace gate” (Wenlin), or “the watchtower above the gates which protect a city” (Deadman & Al-Khafaji, 1998, p. 508).
Though needling this point is prohibited (moxibustion and massage can be used), Shén què is a powerful point to “restore” collapsed yang or boost severely deficient qì, indicated for more serious, or even emergent, disorders such as shock, ceaseless diarrhea in the elderly, or prolapsed rectum due to Spleen yang deficiency.
Non-“medical” uses could include gentle stimulation of qì and yang for improved health through such activities as deep, abdominal breathing.
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Lad, V. & Durve, A. (2008). Marma Points of Ayurveda. Albuquerque, NM: The Ayurvedic Press.
Deadman, P. & Al-Khafaji, M. (1998). A Manual of Acupuncture. East Sussex, England: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
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