Kidney Meridian
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KI-11
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
5 cun below the umbilicus, on the upper border of symphysis pubis, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It is at the same level as Qugu REN-2 which is at the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Moves Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner
- Resolves Dampness
- Clears Heat
Indications
Eye pain
Red eyes
Genitalia pain
Urinary retention
Urinary difficulty
Inner canthus pain
Hypogastric fullness
Lower abdominal pain
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.
Therefore, Henggu KID-11 is able to strongly promote Qi and Blood circulation in the Lower Burner, characterized by symptoms such as genital pain or lower abdominal pain.
Since the Penetrating Vessels run to the eyes, KID-11 can be used as a distal point to clear Heat from the eye. Typical symptoms are redness or pain on the eyes and inner canthus.
Finally, KID-11 resolves Dampness from the Lower Burner as well, so that it treats symptoms like urination difficulty, retention of urine or hypogastric fullness.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture, 282 CE): Documents Henggu as the meeting point of the Kidney channel and Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), noting its location at the pubic bone region.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture, 1601): Records Henggu for treating lower abdominal fullness, genital pain, urinary difficulties, and reproductive disorders. Notes the point's connection with the Chong Mai for blood and Qi circulation in the lower burner.
Jiayi Jing: The name 'Henggu' (横骨) refers to the ancient anatomical term for the pubic bone, indicating the point's location at the superior border of the symphysis pubis.
How to Locate
Palpate the upper border of the pubic symphysis and identify Henggu KID-11 directly superior to its bony margin and 0.5 cun lateral to the midline.
Caution
Avoid deep needling to prevent injury to the urinary bladder, especially when full. Patients should empty their bladder before treatment. Contraindicated during pregnancy due to the point's strong effect on the lower Jiao and its proximity to reproductive organs. Use caution with obese patients where anatomical landmarks may be difficult to identify.
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 around the pubic area, with possible sensation radiating to the genitalia or lower abdomen. Deqi may produce a warm, spreading sensation in the lower abdomen.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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