Points of the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Channel

The kidney channel has 27 bilateral points: 10 on the foot and posteromedial aspect of the leg; 17 on the abdomen and chest. The first is on the sole of the foot, KI 1 (yŏng quán); the last is below the clavicle, KI 27 (shù fǔ). The points of this channel are used to treat genitourinary, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory system disorders and those of the channel’s running course.

KI 1 (Yŏng Quán, 涌泉)

Jing-well point

Location. On the sole of the foot; in the deepest depression when the toes are fexed (Pic. 3-55).

Actions. Nourish yin, reinforce the kidney, calm the liver, extinguish excessive wind, and restore consciousness.

Indications. Convulsive syncope, depression, manic psychosis, epilepsy, fearfulness, forgetfulness, infantile convulsion, other brain disorders; headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sore throat, nosebleed, loss of voice; other head, face, and sensory organ disorders; dyspnea, cough, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, tuberculosis, other chest and lung disorders; impotence, amenorrhea, difficult labor, infertility, other external genital disorders; plantar heat sensation, toe pain, paralysis of the legs, other running course disorders.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~1.0 cun to induce local distention that can spread to the entire sole of the foot. For headache, needle toward LV 3 (tài chōng) to induce a sensation that reaches the vertex. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or 5~10 minutes of moxa stick; medicinal and natural moxibustion may be used.

Precautions. Deep insertion is prohibited to avoid injuring the plantar arterial arch. Scarring moxibustion is forbidden.

Annotation. The point is first mentioned in The Spiritual Pivot-Fundamental Points (Líng Shū-Bĕn Shū, 灵枢·本输). The kidney belongs to water. Its jing-well point is analogous to the gushing of a spring at its origin; hence the name yŏng quán, gushing spring.

Modern clinical observation and research. KI 1 (yŏng quán) was used to treat infantile convulsion in six patients, 1 to 4 years old, who often suffered convulsions after high fever. Needles were inserted 20 mm, manipulated with even methods until the child recovered from convulsion, and retained for 10 minutes. In fve of the six cases, symptoms disappeared after the treatment.¹

1 Ma YQ, Deng AH. Infantile convulsion treated with acupuncture on KI 1 (yŏng quán) 针刺涌泉穴治疗小儿惊厥. Chinese Acupuncture ＆ Moxibustion. 2009; 29(4): 301.

KI 2 (Rán Gŭ, 然谷)

Ying-spring point

Location. On the medial aspect of the foot below the navicular tuberosity at the border between the red and white fesh (Pic. 3-56).

Actions. Nourish yin and reinforce kidney, clear heat and remove dampness.

Indications. Irregular menstruation, prolapsed uterus, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, metrorrhagia, metrostaxis, infertility; seminal emission, difficult urination, pruritus vulvae; diarrhea, fullness in chest and hypochondrium, hemoptysis, neonatal tetanus, diabetes, jaundice.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~1.0 cun. Local distention can spread to the sole of the foot. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. Scarring moxibustion is forbidden.

Annotation. The point is first mentioned in The Spiritual Pivot-Fundamental Points (Líng Shū-Bĕn Shū, 灵枢-本输); it is named for its location in the depression inferior to the navicular tuberosity. Rán means navicular tuberosity; gŭ means valley or depression.

KI 3 (Tài Xī, 太溪)

Shu-stream point; yuan-source point

Location. On the posteromedial aspect of the ankle in the depression between the prominence of the medial malleolus and the calcaneal tendon (Pic. 3-56).

Location.method. The point is between the posterior border of the medial malleolus and the anterior border of the Achilles tendon at the level of the prominence of the medial malleolus.

Actions. Nourish yin and reinforce the kidney, and strengthen earth to generate metal.

Indications. Enuresis, retention of urine, strangury, seminal emission, impotence, frequent urination, edema, other kidney disorders; irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, infertility, other gynecologic disorders; cough, asthma, coughing blood, other chest and lung disorders; insomnia, forgetfulness, neurasthenia, other brain disorders; headache, toothache, sore and swollen throat, sudden aphonia, nosebleed, tinnitus, deafiness, glaucoma, night blindness, hot sensation in mouth, other disorders of the five sensory organs; swelling and pain in the medial malleolus, heel pain, coldness in the lower extremities, spinal coldness and pain, other disorders of the running course; weakness, depletion, hair loss, consumptive thirst.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~1.0 cun or deeply toward BL 60 (kūn lún). Local soreness and distention can be felt, and a numb, electric-like sensation can radiate to the sole of the foot. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or treat for 5~10 minutes with a moxa stick.

Precautions. When needling deeply toward BL 60 (kūn lún), avoid the posterior tibial artery and vein. Scarring moxibustion is forbidden.

Annotation. The point first appeared in the The Spiritual Pivot-Fundamental Points (Líng Shū-Bĕn Shū, 灵枢·本输); it is the yuan-source point of the foot shaoyin channel where qi and blood infuse. Foot shaoyin channel qi emerges at KI 1 (yǒng quán), passes KI 2 (rán gǔ), and gathers to become a large stream. Tài means large; xī means stream.

KI 4 (Dà Zhōng, 大钟)

Luo-connecting point

Location. On the medial aspect of the foot posteroinferior to the medial malleolus and superior to the calcaneus in the depression anterior to the medial attachment of the calcaneal tendon (Pic. 3-56).

Actions. Drain water and relieve edema, reinforce the kidney and regulate menstruation, clear heat and calm the mind.

Indications. Sore throat, bleeding at the base of the tongue, dysphagia, other throat disorders; cough, coughing of blood, asthma, other chest and lung disorders; vexation, insomnia, dementia, other disorders of heart and mind; frequent urination, irregular menstruation, other kidney disorders; heel pain, lumbar pain, other disorders of the running course; somnolence, malaria.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~1.0 cun. Local soreness and distention will be felt. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or 5~10 minutes with a moxa stick.

Precautions. Scarring moxibustion is forbidden.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Spiritual Pivot-Channels (Líng Shū-Jīng Mài, 灵枢·经脉). It is named for its function as foot shaoyin channel luo-connecting point where channel qi gathers from KI 3 (tài xī) and connects to the foot taiyang bladder channel. Zhōng means gather.

Modern clinical observation and research. KI 4 (dà zhōng) and HT 5 (tōng lĭ), used as the principal points to treat infantile enuresis patients (n=30), were needled to a depth of 0.5 cun, manipulated for 5 seconds and retained for 15~30 minutes after the arrival of qi, and manipulated once during retention. Moxibustion was used at abdominal points. After 10-30 treatments, 24 children recovered.¹

KI 5 (Shuǐ Quán, 水泉)

Xi-cleft point

Location. On the medial aspect of the foot in the depression anterior to the calcaneal tuberosity, 1 cun inferior to KI 3 (tài xī) (Pic. 3-56).

Actions. Drain water and relieve edema, invigorate blood, and regulate menstruation.

Indications. Irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, prolapsed uterus, other gynecologic disorders; difficult urination, abdominal pain, blurred vision, other kidney disorders; heel pain, other disorders of the running course.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.3~0.5 cun. Local soreness, numbness, and distention can ascend along the channel to the knee and the medial aspect of the thigh, chest, and sometimes the throat. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). Quán means spring; the point is the xi-cleft point of foot shaoyin channel, where kidney qi and blood gather deeply, so it is called shuǐ quán, water spring.

KI 6 (Zhào Hǎi, 照海)

Confuence point of the yinqiao mai

Location. On the medial aspect of the foot in the depression inferior to the medial malleolus, 1 cun inferior to the prominence of the medial malleolus (Pic. 3-56).

Actions. Nourish yin and regulate menstruation, relieve convulsions and spasms, relieve throat, and calm the mind.

1 Tan YH, Li XL. Thirty infants with enuresis treated with acupuncture at HT 5 (tōng lĭ) and KI 4 (dà zhōng) 针刺通里、大钟穴治疗小儿遗尿30例. Chinese Journal of Traditional Medical Science and Technology. 2003; 10(5): 300.

Indications. Swollen face, sore and red eyes, blurred vision, tinnitus, sore and dry throat, globus hystericus, sudden aphonia; cardiac pain, insomnia, asthma, parasitic tympanites, abdominal pain, borborygmus, diarrhea; irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, prolapsed uterus, difficult labor, hernia, seminal emission, retention of urine, frequent urination, enuresis; epilepsy; phobia; swollen and red foot; hand and foot convulsions.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and numbness can spread to the entire ankle region. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or 5~10 minutes with a moxa stick.

Precautions. To avoid piercing the posterior tibial artery and vein, do not insert the needle tip toward the back. Scarring moxibustion is forbidden.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经); it is where the yinqiao mai starts, the qi of the foot shaoyin channel gathers, and channel qi is abundant, as in the vast sea. Zhào means obvious; hăi means sea. The point is called obvious sea.

Modern clinical observation and research. To treat insomnia, KI 6 (zhào hǎi) was needled on one side, stimulated until the patient felt numbness or heaviness, and retained for 20 minutes once a day for two weeks. Of 128 patients, 60 recovered (46.88%); 44 significantly improved (34.38%); 14 improved (10.94%); 10 did not benefit (7.81%).¹

KI 7 (Fù Liū, 复溜)

Jing-river point

Location. On the posteromedial aspect of the leg anterior to the calcaneal tendon, 2 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus (Pic. 3-57).

Actions. Induce sweat to release the exterior, warm yang, and drain water.

Indications. Edema, abnormal sweating, other disorders of body fluid distribution and transportation; abdominal distention, diarrhea, borborygmus, other stomach and intestinal disorders; stiff and painful waist and spine; lower limbs atrophy and paralysis.

Manipulation. Needle perpendicularly 0.8~1.0 cun. Local soreness and numbness can spread to the sole of the foot. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use a moxa stick for 10~15 minutes; medicinal and natural moxibustion may be used.

Precautions. Avoid piercing the posterior tibial artery and vein when inserting the needle deeply. Change the direction of the needle if the patient experiences heat, numbness, and spasms at the heel or ankle, or movement disorders will ensue.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Spiritual Pivot-FundamentalPoints (Líng Shū-Bĕn Shū, 灵枢·本输). Foot shaoyin channel qi originates at KI 1 (yŏng quán) and passes through KI 3 (tài xī), KI 4 (dà zhōng), KI 5 (shuĭquán), KI 6 (zhào hăi), and again to KI 3 before returning to KI 7 (fù liū) like water returns to a stream. Thus the point was named fù liū, returning current; fù means return; liū means slide.

1 Tu XS, Peng DC. One hundred twenty-eight cases of insomnia treated with acupuncture at KI 6 (zhào hǎi) 针刺照海穴治疗失眠症128例. Journal of External Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2009; 18(3): 11.

Modern clinical observation and research. In a case series, LI 4 (hé gŭ) was reinforced and KI 7 was reduced in spontaneous sweating, LI 4 reduced and KI 7 reinforced in night sweating. Needles were retained for 30 minutes and manipulated every 5 minutes. Treatment was given once a day in two 10-treatments courses with two days between them. At a two-month follow up, 31 patients had recovered; 9 had improved; 3 showed some improvement; 3 showed no improvement.¹

KI 8 (Jiāo Xìn, 交信)

Xi-cleft point of the yinqiao mai

Location. On the medial aspect of the leg in the depression posterior to the medial border of the tibia, 2 cun superior to the prominence of the medial mallelous (Pic. 3-57).

Actions. Reinforce the kidney and regulate menstruation, clear heat and promote diuresis.

Indications. Irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea, uterine bleeding, vaginal itching, prolapse of the uterus; qi, heat, blood, urolithic, and chylous strangury; hernia; diarrhea, constipation, dysentery, other stomach and intestinal disorders; medial leg pain.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.8~1.0 cun. Local soreness and distention can spread to the sole. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 7 (fù liū).

Annotation. This point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhēn Jiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). Because the foot shaoyin channel connects to the spleen channel at SP 6 (sān yīn jiāo), the point is called jiāo xìn, connects to belief. Jiāo means converge; xìn, belief, is the attribute that belongs to the spleen according to the fve phases.²

KI 9 (Zhù Bīn, 筑宾)

Xi-cleft point of the yinwei mai

Location. On the posteromedial aspect of the leg between the soleus muscle and the calcaneal tendon, 5 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus (Pic. 3-57).

Actions. Regulate the liver, reinforce the kidney, clear heat, and drain dampness.

Indications. Depression, manic psychosis, epilepsy, and other brain disorders; hernia; vomiting phlegm, protruding tongue; pain of the medial aspect of the lower leg.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and distention can spread to the thigh. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 7 (fù liū).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). It is the xi-cleft point of the yinwei mai and sits on the foot shaoyin channel like a guest house; hence its name, zhù bīn, guest house.

KI 10 (Yīn Gǔ, 阴谷)

He-sea point

Location. On the posteromedial aspect of the knee just lateral to the semitendinosus tendon in the popliteal crease (Pic. 3-57).

Actions. Reinforce the kidney and invigorate yang, regulate qi and relieve pain.

1 Zhang JQ. Acupuncture at LI 4 (hé gŭ) and KI 7 (fù liū) in 46 cases of profuse sweating辨证针刺合谷、复溜治疗原发性多汗症46例. Chinese Acupuncture ＆ Moxibustion. 2006; 26(11): 838.

2 The fve attributes are benevolence, loyalty, courtesy, intelligence, and belief.

Indications. Depression, manic psychosis; lower abdominal pain, difficult urination, hernia, seminal emission, impotence, itching of scrotum, uterine bleeding, morbid leukorrhea, amenorrhea, other genitourinary system disorders; medial knee and leg pain.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.8~1.2 cun. Local soreness and distention can spread to the entire popliteal fossa. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. Scarring moxibustion is forbidden.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Spiritual Pivot-Fundamental Points (Líng Shū-Bĕn Shū,灵枢·本输) and is named for its location in the depression at the medial end of the popliteal fossa. Yīn means medial or internal; gǔ means valley or depression.

KI 11 (Héng Gǔ, 横骨)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai

Location. On the lower abdomen, 5 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-58).

Actions. Control nocturnal emission, and regulate the lower jiao.

Indications. Abdominal pain and distention, diarrhea, constipation, other intestinal disorders; enuresis, retention of urine, seminal emission, impotence, other genitourinary system disorders; amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, other gynecologic disorders.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.8~1.2 cun. Local soreness and distention can spread to the lower abdomen and external genitals. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or use a moxa stick for 10~15 minutes.

Precautions. The patient should empty the bladder before treatment. Needle slowly to avoid piercing the bladder and other abdominal cavity organs.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Pulse Classic (Mài Jīng, 脉经); it is named for its location above the pubis, a horizontal bone: héng means horizontal; gǔ means bone.

KI 12 (Dà Hè, 大赫)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai

Location. On the lower abdomen, 4 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-58).

Actions. Control nocturnal emission and morbid leukorrhea, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain.

Indications. Seminal emission, impotence, other andrological disorders; irregular menstruation, prolapse of the uterus, dysmenorrhea, infertility, morbid leukorrhea, vaginal pain, other gynecological disorders; diarrhea, dysentery, other stomach and intestinal disorders.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.8~1.2 cun. Local soreness and distention can spread upward to the abdomen and chest or downward to the perineum. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 11 (héng gǔ).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhēn Jiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). Dà hè means abundant; the point is so called because it is the intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai where yin and essence are abundant.

KI 13 (Qì Xué, 气穴)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai

Location. On the lower abdomen, 3 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-58).

Actions. Relieve diarrhea and regulate the lower jiao, regulate chong mai and ren mai, and reinforce kidney qi.

Indications. Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, infertility, other gynecological disorders; seminal emission, impotence, phallodynia, other andrological disorders; difficult urination; diarrhea, dysentery, other stomach and intestinal disorders.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly or obliquely 0.8~1.2 cun. Local soreness and distention can spread to the lower abdomen. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 11 (héng gǔ).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). The kidney governs qi reception; the point, 0.5 cun lateral to RN 4 (guānyuán), is responsible for gathering qi. Xué means point; hence the name qì xué, qi point.

KI 14 (Sì Mǎn, 四满)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai

Location. On the lower abdomen, 2 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-58).

Actions. Regulate qi, reinforce the spleen, regulate menstruation, relieve diarrhea, clear heat, and eliminate dampness.

Indications. Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, infertility, gynecological disorders; seminal emission, enuresis, edema, other genitourinary system disorders; abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, other stomach and intestinal disorders.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.8~1.2 cun. Local soreness and distention will be felt. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 11 (héng gǔ).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). Sì means four; mǎn means full; this fourth foot shaoyin channel point on the abdomen is where water flls the urinary bladder and is used to treat abdominal accumulation and fullness.

KI 15 (Zhōng Zhù, 中注)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai

Location. On the lower abdomen, 1 cun inferior to umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-58).

Actions. Regulate bowel movements, clear heat, regulate menstruation, move qi, and relieve pain.

Indications. Pain and distention of the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, hernia, other stomach and intestinal disorders; qi, heat, blood, urolithic, and chylous strangury; irregular menstruation; back pain.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.8~1.2 cun. Local soreness and distention can go upward to abdomen, chest, and throat. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 11 (héng gǔ).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). Zhōng means center; zhù means to pour; this intersecting point of the foot shaoyin and the chong channels is where qi goes to the uterus, so it is called zhōng zhù, middle pouring.

KI 16 (Huāng Shù, 肓俞)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai

Location. On the upper abdomen, 0.5 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus (Pic. 3-58).

Actions. Regulate bowel movements, regulate qi, and relieve pain.

Indications. Abdominal pain and distention, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, hernia, other stomach and intestinal disorders; qi, heat, blood, urolithic, and chylous strangury; irregular menstruation; back and spine pain.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.8~1.2 cun. Local soreness and distention can spread downward to the perineum. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. Avoid piercing the parietal peritoneum.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhēn Jiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). The name shows that this point connects to the region between the heart and diaphragm. Huāng means region between the heart and diaphragm; huāng shù means transport to the area between heart and diaphragm.

KI 17 (Shāng Qū, 商曲)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai

Location. On the upper abdomen, 2 cun superior to the center of the umbilicus and, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-59).

Actions. Rectify intestinal qi, harmonize the middle jiao, and resolve dampness.

Indications. Abdominal pain and distention, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, abdominal accumulation, other stomach and intestinal disorders.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and distention can spread to the upper abdomen. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use warming needle moxibustion for 20 minutes, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 16 (huāng shù).

Annotation. The point appeared in The SystematicClassic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhēn Jiŭ JiăYĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经) and is located where the large intestine bends transversely. In the fve phases, the large intestine belongs to metal: shāng refers to the musical tone that belongs to metal. Qū means bend; hence, shān⁝ qū, bend of the large intestine.

KI 18 (Shí Guān, 石关)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai

Location. On the upper abdomen, 3 cun superior to the center of the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-59).

Actions. Nourish yin, clear heat, harmonize the middle jiao, and resolve food stagnation.

Indications. Stomachache, vomiting, abdominal pain, distention, constipation, other stomach and intestinal disorders; infertility.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and distention will be felt. Moxibustion: Use 5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 16 (huāng shù).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). It is located near the stomach and is a key point for dredging and dissipating stone-like masses. Shí means stone; guān means important; hence shí guān, important stone.

KI 19 (Yīn Dū, 阴都)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and the chong mai

Location. On the upper abdomen, 4 cun superior to the center of the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-59).

Actions. Regulate the stomach, intestines, qi, and blood.

Indications. Abdominal pain and distention, borborygmus, constipation, other stomach and intestinal disorders.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and distention can spread to the stomach region. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. Pay attention to needling depth to avoid piercing the parietal peritoneum. The size of the liver should be noted when needling the point on the right side to avoid piercing that organ and causing bleeding.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhēn Jiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). It is an intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chongmai where yin qi accumulates. Dū means city, a gathering place; so the point is called yīn dū, yin gathering.

KI 20 (Fù Tōng Gǔ, 腹通谷)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai

Location. On the upper abdomen, 5 cun superior to the center of the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-59).

Actions. Clear heart heat, reinforce the kidney, direct qi downward, and arrest vomiting.

Indications. Abdominal pain and distention, vomiting, other stomach and intestinal disorders; chest and heart pain, palpitation, other heart and chest disorders.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and distention can spread upward to the upper abdomen. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 19 (yīn dū).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经) and is named for its location on the abdomen, the pathway for food and water. Tōng means passing through; gǔ means food and water; hence fù tōng gǔ, organ where food and water passes.

KI 21 (Yōu Mén, 幽门)

Intersecting point of the foot shaoyin channel and chong mai

Location. On the upper abdomen, 6 cun superior to the center of the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-59).

Actions. Regulate the stomach and intestines, unblock milk, and disperse mammary abscesses.

Indications. Abdominal pain and distention, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, other stomach and intestinal disorders.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle perpendicularly 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and heaviness can radiate to the stomach. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. Pay attention to needling depth to avoid injuring the liver and stomach.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhēn Jiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). Yōu means hidden; mén means entrance. Foot shaoyin channel qi enters the chest at this point; hence yōu mén, hidden door.

KI 22 (Bù Láng, 步廊)

Location. On the anterior thorax in the fifth intercostal space 2 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-60).

Actions. Relieve cough and asthma, supplement the kidney to improve reception of qi.

Indications. Cough, asthma, chest pain, other chest and lung disorders; mastitis.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle obliquely or transversely 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and heaviness will be felt. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion, or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. Deep needling can injure the heart and lung.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhēn Jiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). Bù means walking; láng means corridor. The arrival of channel qi at this point is analogous to its passing through a corridor; hence the name bù lán⁝, walking corridor.

KI 23 (Shén Fēng, 神封)

Location. On the anterior thorax in the fourth intercostal space 2 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-60).

Actions. Unblock milk, disperse mammary abscesses, direct qi downward, and relieve cough and asthma.

Indications. Cough, asthma, chest pain, other chest and lung disorders; mastitis; vomiting.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle obliquely or transversely 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and distention will be felt. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 22 (bù láng).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). It is located between the lung and heart, which houses the spirit. Shén means spirit; fēng, manor; hence the name spirit manor.

KI 24 (Líng Xū, 灵墟)

Location. On the anterior thorax in the third intercostal space 2 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-60).

Actions. Soothe the chest, regulate qi, clear heat, and direct qi downward.

Indications. Cough, asthma, chest pain; mastitis; vomiting.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle obliquely or transversely 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and distention will be felt. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precaution. See KI 22 (bù láng).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). It located beside the heart, where the soul resides. Líng means soul; xū means place. Thus the point is called líng xū.

KI 25 (Shén Cáng, 神藏)

Location. On the anterior thorax in the second intercostal space 2 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-60).

Actions. Relieve cough and asthma, soothe the chest, and rectify qi.

Indications. Cough, asthma, chest pain; vomiting.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle obliquely 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and distention can radiate to the chest. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. To avoid injuring the heart and lung, do not needle perpendicularly or deeply.

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). Shén means spirit; the point is located beside the heart, where the spirit resides, so it is called shén cán⁝, spirit place.

KI 26 (Yù Zhōng, 彧中)

Location. On the anterior thorax in the first intercostal space 2 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-60).

Actions. Relieve cough and asthma, direct qi downward, and arrest vomiting.

Indications. Cough, asthma, distending pain in chest and hypochondrium, vomiting.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle obliquely or transversely 0.5~0.8 cun. Local soreness and distention will be felt. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 25 (shén cáng).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (ZhēnJiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). Yù means luxuriance, which refers to its location near the lung; zhōng means in the middle. Because the point is near the lung, it is called yù zhōng, luxuriant middle.

KI 27 (Shù Fǔ, 俞府)

Location. On the anterior thorax just inferior to the clavicle and 2 cun lateral to the anterior median line (Pic. 3-60).

Actions. Relieve cough and asthma, rectify qi and direct it downward.

Indications. Cough, asthma, distending pain in chest and hypochondrium, vomiting.

Manipulation. Acupuncture: Needle obliquely or transversely 0.5~0.8 cun; induce local soreness and distention. Moxibustion: Use 3~5 cones of cone moxibustion or use a moxa stick for 5~10 minutes.

Precautions. See KI 25 (shén cáng).

Annotation. The point appeared in The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhēn Jiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经). Shù means transport; fǔ means house. Foot shaoyin channel qi is transported and gathers at this point, so it is called shù fǔ.