Kidney Meridian
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KI-12
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
4 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yin
- Benefits the Essence
- Regulates the Uterus and menstruation
- Promotes ovulation
Indications
Commentary
All the Kidney points on the abdomen (from Henggu KID-11 to Youmen KID-21) are also part of the Penetrating Vessel. Thus their indications are related to both the Channel and the Vessel.
The Penetrating Vessel is the 'Sea of Blood', 'Sea of the 12 Channel' as well as the 'Sea of the abdomen avenue'. Thus its points are often able to invigorate the Blood and Qi and remove Stagnation, especially in the abdomen.
One of the most important function of Dahe KID-12 is to regulate the Uterus and menstruation. It is often used for various gynecologic disorders by tonifying and strengthening the Kidneys, Uterus as well as Penetrating and Directing Vessels. Manifestations include Uterus prolapse, irregular and painful periods and infertility.
When used together with Zhongji REN-3 and Sanyinjiao SP-6, it can also be used to promote ovulation at the beginning of the third phase of the menstrual cycle.
Like many other Kidney Channel points, Dahe KID-12 is also able to tonifies the Kidneys, especially the Kidney Yin. Therefore, it treats symptoms such as back pain, tinnitus, deafness, night sweating as well as dry throat and eyes.
Dahe KID-12 is supposed to be the place Kidney Essence gathers as well. Thus it treats manifestations such as impotence or seminal emissions.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成): "大赫（一名阴维，一名阴关）" - Lists Dahe with alternative names Yinwei and Yinguan, indicating its role in regulating the Yin vessels and the genital gate.
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经): Documents the point's indications for genital pain, seminal emission, and women's disorders of the lower jiao.
How to Locate
Divide the distance between the umbilicus center and the upper border of the pubic symphysis into 5 equal part. Each part is about 1 cun. Dahe KID-12 is 1 cun above the upper border of the public symphysis and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
Empty the bladder before needling to avoid puncturing a full urinary bladder. Deep insertion risks peritoneal penetration. This point is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its strong effect on the uterus and Chong Mai. Use shallow to moderate depth only and avoid aggressive manipulation.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, full bladder, pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness in the lower abdomen, with possible radiation toward the genitalia or along the medial thigh. Some patients may feel warmth spreading in the hypogastric region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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