Kidney Meridian
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KI-20
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Upper
Location
5 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Middle Burner
- Open the chest and transforms Phlegm
Indications
Malaria
Vomiting
Coughing
Dyspnoea
Epilepsy
Red eyes
Diarrhoea
Heart pain
Stiff neck
Palpitations
Loss of voice
Chest fullness
Disorientation
Swollen tongue
Mouth deviation
Tongue protrusion
Inability to speak
Abdominal distention
Inner canthus redness
Lateral costal region pain
Undigested food in the stools
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.
As for Futonggu KID-20, it is not a major point. Its main action is to regulate the Middle Burner, open the chest and transform Phlegm.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Futonggu among points treating abdominal pain, vomiting, and distension of the abdomen.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records this point for treating heart pain, palpitations, vomiting, and abdominal fullness, noting its connection with the Chong Mai.
Regarding the name: 'Fu' (腹) refers to the abdomen; 'Tong' (通) means passing or connecting; 'Gu' (谷) means valley or grain. The name signifies that this point is located on the abdomen where food and water pass, relating to its function of regulating digestion and the Middle Jiao.
How to Locate
Divide the distance between the umbilicus center and the sternocostal angle into 8 equal parts. Each part is about 1 cun. Futonggu KID-20 is 5 cun above the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
Deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity. Exercise caution with needle depth, particularly in thin patients or those with abdominal distension. Perpendicular insertion should be shallow to medium depth only. Avoid needling on a full stomach. Use care during pregnancy.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the needling site, with sensation possibly radiating to the epigastric region. Some patients may feel the sensation spread along the Kidney channel or toward the midline.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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