Eight Gates

The Eight Gates are eight specific points on a person's Chakra Pathway System. They limit the overall flow of chakra within a person's body. The basis for the idea of the chakra gates comes from the body's limits on the functions within it. This makes the body much weaker, but it keeps the body from expiring too soon. By opening these gates, the user can surpass their own physical limits at the cost of extreme damage to their own bodies.

Rock Lee is able to open the first five gates. Might Guy, who taught Lee the skill, is able to open at least six. Kakashi can open at least one gate, as shown during Kakashi's one-handed rock climbing where a shot of his brain shows the relevant point activating, as well as in his usage of the Front Lotus.

The state of having all Eight Gates open is known as. Any shinobi who activates this state will temporarily gain powers greater than a Kage, but they will die because of the damage done to their body. However, in Naruto Shippūden 2: Bonds, Shinnō managed to use a technique that allowed him to open all the gates without any drawbacks.

Gates

 * 1) The, located in the brain. Removes the restraints of the brain. Unlocking this gate allows the user to use the Front Lotus.
 * 2) The, located in the brain. Forcibly increases one's physical strength and temporary re-energizes the body.
 * 3) The, located on the spinal cord. Allows the user to use the Reverse Lotus. The increased blood flow turns the skin red.
 * 4) The, located on the spinal cord. Increases the user's speed and power. May cause muscles tissue to tear on use.
 * 5) The, per above. Located in the abdomen.
 * 6) The, per above. Located in the stomach. Allows the user to perform the Morning Peacock. Opening of this gate releases such large amounts of chakra that it can cause nearby water bodies to form a vortex around the user.
 * 7) The, per above. Located below the stomach. In the video games, allows the user to perform the Eternal Chaotic Dance.
 * 8) The, located at the heart. Releasing this gate uses up all of the body's energy. It makes the heart pump at maximum power and exceeds the power of every other gate. Shinnō is able to open it without dying by using his "body revival technique".

Trivia

 * In Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2, Neji Hyūga uses a jutsu called Eight Gates Bombardment to specifically block access to the eight gates.