Shan Gen (山根) Cat Acupuncture Point
In cats, Shan Gen (山根) is a veterinary point: at the junction of furred and unfurred skin on the nasal bridge (midline). Traditional indications in this chart include common cold, fever, heat stroke.
This page is educational. It describes a point in cats as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals, and cats are small and sensitive. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Quick facts
- Species
- Cat
- Point code
- Shan Gen
- Pinyin
- Shan Gen
- English name
- Mountain Root
- Chinese name
- 山根
- Meridian
- Governing Vessel (veterinary points)
- Element or system
- Sea of Yang meridians
- Needle depth listed (practitioners only)
- 0.2 cm shallow needling, or gentle rubbing or pressure
- Point category
- Vet extra point; Sedation point
Needle depths are shallow because cats are small. They are shown for reference and are not instructions for owners.
Where is Shan Gen on a cat?
At the junction of furred and unfurred skin on the nasal bridge (midline).
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
Traditional indications
- Common cold
- fever
- heat stroke
- sedation
Indications are taken from traditional veterinary acupuncture charts. They describe how the point has been used and are not proof that it treats these conditions in cats.
Can Shan Gen be used as a cat acupressure point?
The source chart lists finger pressure as an option at this point, which is why it is one of the few points sometimes mentioned for cat acupressure. If your veterinarian shows you how, use very light pressure for a few seconds and stop if your cat pulls away, hisses or seems distressed.
Do not use pressure on a cat that is in pain, vomiting, struggling to breathe or has not been examined, and do not use it instead of veterinary care.
Cat conditions that mention Shan Gen
PetAcu cat condition guides that name this point:
Points often discussed alongside Shan Gen
These feline acupuncture points appear in the same cat condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each cat.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Cats are small and sensitive, and shallow needling and short sessions are usual. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point and on the size and condition of the cat. Note from the source chart: Listed as a calming point in cats; finger pressure can be used instead of a needle.
Never apply pressure or heat to a painful area on a cat. If your cat suddenly cannot use the back legs, is breathing with an open mouth, or is straining to urinate, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about Shan Gen
Where is Shan Gen on a cat?
At the junction of furred and unfurred skin on the nasal bridge (midline). Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is Shan Gen used for in feline acupuncture?
The source chart lists common cold, fever, heat stroke, sedation as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use Shan Gen as a cat acupressure point at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle pressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your cat is unwell, in pain or has not been examined.
Learn more and next steps
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Other Governing Vessel (veterinary points) acupuncture points for cats
Species: cat. Point data compiled by PetAcu from small-animal acupuncture textbooks and TCVM references (feline chapters). Back to the cat acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas.