GV4 Ming Men (命门) Dog Acupuncture Point
In dogs, GV4 (Ming Men, 命门) is a point on the Governing Vessel meridian. Location: Dorsal between the second and third lumbar vertebrae. Traditional indications in this chart include all kidney problems, pain in the lower back and knees, discopathy.
This page is educational. It describes a point in dogs as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Quick facts
- Species
- Dog
- Point code
- GV4
- Pinyin
- Ming Men
- Chinese name
- 命门
- Meridian
- Governing Vessel
- Element or system
- Sea of Yang meridians
- Point category and notes
- Warms Yang, tonifies Kidney; Key clinical point
Where is GV4 Ming Men on a dog?
Dorsal between the second and third lumbar vertebrae.
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
Want GV4 Ming Men on a chart you can keep? Our printable dog acupuncture point chart and cards are an instant download you can print or edit for study notes and clinic handouts.
Traditional indications
- All kidney problems
- pain in the lower back and knees
- discopathy
- spondylosis
- disorders in the urogenital system
- infertility
- conditions of sexual deficiency
- exhaustion
- intestinal problems with cold and/or yang deficiency
- sprain and rheumatism in the hind leg
- problems in the urogenital system and intestinal area
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 dogs.
Dog conditions that mention GV4 Ming Men
PetAcu dog condition guides that name this point:
Points often discussed alongside GV4 Ming Men
These points appear in the same dog condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each dog.
See these points together on a editable dog acupuncture points map with English and Chinese names, available as a digital download from PetAcu.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. This point lies on or beside the spine, so depth and angle must account for the spinal cord and vertebral canal, particularly in dogs with spinal disease.
Some owners are shown gentle acupressure by their veterinarian. Do not press on a painful area, and stop if your dog shows pain, guarding or anxiety. If your dog suddenly cannot walk or is in severe pain, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about GV4 Ming Men
Where is GV4 Ming Men on a dog?
Dorsal between the second and third lumbar vertebrae. Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is GV4 Ming Men used for in veterinary acupuncture?
The source chart lists all kidney problems, pain in the lower back and knees, discopathy, spondylosis, disorders in the urogenital system, infertility, conditions of sexual deficiency, exhaustion and others as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use GV4 Ming Men at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle acupressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your dog is in pain, has a spinal problem or has not been examined.
Is there a printable or downloadable dog acupuncture point chart?
Yes. PetAcu offers a printable dog acupuncture point chart and illustrated point cards as an instant digital download, with English and Chinese names, so points such as GV4 Ming Men are easy to find again. Editable files are available for study notes and clinic handouts. See the printable dog acupuncture point cards or browse PetAcu digital products. A chart is a learning and reference aid, not a treatment plan.
Learn more and next steps
Printable dog acupuncture point cards
Illustrated cards showing common dog points, with English and Chinese names and Five Element colour coding. Instant download on Gumroad.
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Original PetAcu charts and reference materials for students, veterinary professionals and curious owners, with more species and clinic materials in preparation.
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Other Governing Vessel points with guides
Species: dog. Point data compiled by PetAcu from Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats: A Pocket Atlas (Eul-Matern, Thieme, 2nd edition, 2022). Back to the dog acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas. Looking for a downloadable version? Get the dog acupuncture chart and point cards or other PetAcu digital charts.