Kidney Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
KI-4
Luo-Connecting Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Ankle
Location
Posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus, in the depression medial to the Achilles tendon, superior to its insertion at the calcaneus.
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Kidney's receiving of Qi
- Calms and lifts the Mind
- Benefits the urination
- Strengthens the back
Indications
Commentary
Being the Connecting-Luo point of the Kidney Channel, Dazhong KID-4 plays an important role in regulating the relationship between the Kidneys and the Lungs. It strengthens the Kidneys' receiving of Lung Qi, so as to treat symptoms such as cough, coughing of blood, wheezing, breathlessness, rattling sound in throat as well as feeling of oppression of the chest.
Secondly, it has a powerful effect on calming the Mind and lifting the spirit, if the patients suffer from fatigue and depression due to long-term Kidney Qi Deficiency. Other manifestations include palpitations, agitation, mental retardation, manic behavior, propensity to anger, somnolence, fright and sadness.
The symptom of strong desire to sleep may be caused either by Spleen Deficiency due to Phlegm and Dampness accumulation, or by Kidney Yang or Kidney Essence Deficiency. Dazhong KID-4 is a major point for somnolence due to Kidney Deficiency.
Finally the Luo-Connecting Channel runs to the lumbar spine, therefore Dazhong KID-4 is able to enhance the back, so as to treat symptoms such as lower back pain.
It also benefits urination and treat symptoms such as difficult urination, dribbling of urine or retention of urine.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter on Meridians: First recorded mention of Dazhong as the Luo-connecting point of the Kidney channel. The text describes how the Kidney's Luo vessel separates at Dazhong, connects with the Bladder channel, and runs to the lumbar spine.
Name Etymology: 'Da' (大) means large or great; 'Zhong' (钟) refers to an ancient bell instrument with a deep, resonant sound. The name poetically describes Kidney channel water flowing downward from Taixi like a waterfall hitting the heel bone, creating a sound "like a great bell."
How to Locate
From the tip of the medial malleolus, draw a horizontal line to the medial border of the Achilles tendon. From there, measure 0.5 cun in a distal direction. Dazhong KID-4 is in a depression anterior to the Achilles tendon, slightly superior to its insertion at the calcaneus. Or: the point is located posterior to the midpoint of a line connecting Taixi KID-3 and Shuiquan KID-5 anterior to the Achilles tendon.
Caution
Avoid puncturing the Achilles tendon directly. The tibial nerve and posterior tibial artery run in front of the tendon - careful angle control is important. Classical sources indicate this point is forbidden after the second month of pregnancy due to its strong action on Kidney Qi.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.3–0.5 cun. Avoid puncturing the tendon.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the medial ankle and heel area. The sensation may radiate along the medial aspect of the foot or upward along the Kidney channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
N/A
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Luo-Connecting Point
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians