Kidney Meridian
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KI-22
Exit Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Chest
Location
In the 5th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Subdues Rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi
- Opens the chest
Indications
Commentary
For all the Kidney Channel points in the various intercostal spaces of the chest (from Bulang KID-22 to Shufu KID-27), they share similar actions of descending Rebellious Lung or Stomach Qi.
Therefore, they are indicated for symptoms such as wheezing, dyspnoea or coughing by harmonizing the Qi Excess in the upper part of the body and Qi Deficiency in the lower part. This Qi imbalance happens because the Kidney is not strong enough to receive Lung Qi.
Bulang KID-22 is not a major point of the Channel. Apart from the above feature, it also opens the chest.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First documented this point, describing its location in the fifth intercostal space and indications for chest and respiratory conditions.
Qianjin Yaofang (千金要方 - Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): Records the alternate name 'Bulang' (步郎) and its applications for chest pain, cough, and digestive disorders.
How to Locate
First identify the 5th intercostal space by counting 5 spaces down from the clavicle. Bulang KID-22 is on this space and also 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Zhongting REN-16 is at the level of the 5th intercostal space but on the anterior midline.
Caution
Deep needling is strictly contraindicated due to the risk of puncturing the heart, lungs, or liver. Always needle obliquely at shallow depth (0.3-0.5 cun). Practitioners should be particularly cautious on the left side where the heart lies beneath. Chest points require careful attention to patient breathing and gentle needling technique.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely with or against the channel pathway. Caution: Avoid injuring the Liver on the right side, the Heart on the left side and the pleura.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the point, sometimes radiating along the intercostal space. Deqi sensation may be mild due to shallow needling depth required.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Exit Point
Related Resources
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