What are the acupoints of the kidney?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the kidney acupoints include Taixi (KI3), Yongquan (KI1), RanGu (KI2), Guanyuan (CV4), and Shenshu (BL23). It is recommended to consume an appropriate amount of high-quality protein, such as lean meat, milk, and eggs, and to avoid excessive intake of high-salt and high-fat foods to reduce the burden on the kidneys. At the same time, it is important to maintain adequate sleep and avoid staying up late or excessive fatigue.
Generally, the acupoints related to the kidney include Taixi (KI3), Yongquan (KI1), Ran Gu (KI2), Guanyuan (CV4), and Shenshu (BL23). Detailed descriptions are as follows:
1. Taixi (KI3)
Taixi is located in the depression behind the medial malleolus (inner ankle) and the Achilles tendon of the foot. It is the primary source point of the kidney meridian. This acupoint nourishes yin to benefit the kidney, strengthens yang to relieve lower back pain, and is commonly used to treat symptoms such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness, and blurred vision caused by kidney deficiency.
2. Yongquan (KI1)
Yongquan is located in the depression of the forefoot, specifically the hollow formed when the toes are flexed. It is the starting point of the kidney meridian and functions to replenish the kidney and consolidate the vital essence. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as urinary dysfunction, constipation, dizziness, and headache.
3. Ran Gu (KI2)
Ran Gu is located on the inner side of the foot, below the prominence of the navicular bone. It belongs to the Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin and is classified as a "Rivulet" point of this meridian. It benefits qi to strengthen the kidney and clears heat to relieve dampness. It is commonly used to treat symptoms such as seminal emission, impotence, and urinary dysfunction.
4. Guanyuan (CV4)
Guanyuan is located four finger-widths below the navel. It is a convergence point of the three yin meridians of the foot and the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai). It functions to strengthen the kidney and consolidate essence, restore yang to prevent prolapse, and regulate qi and blood circulation. It is commonly used to treat symptoms such as seminal emission due to kidney deficiency, physical weakness, and forgetfulness.
5. Shenshu (BL23)
Shenshu is located 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. It is a back-shu point of the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang in the lumbar region. It strengthens the kidney and consolidates yang, nourishing kidney energy. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, seminal emission, and edema.
It is recommended to consume an appropriate amount of high-quality protein regularly, such as lean meat, milk, and eggs, while avoiding excessive intake of high-salt and high-fat foods to reduce the burden on the kidneys. At the same time, ensure sufficient sleep and avoid staying up late or overexertion.
