Kidney Meridian
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KI-16
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 — Middle
Location
0.5 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.
Main Actions
- Moves Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner
- Regulates and warms the intestines
- Benefits the Membranes
- Tonifies the Kidneys
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.
Like other Kidney Points of the abdomen, Huangshu KID-16 tonifies the Kidneys (both Yin and Yang). Therefore it is able to ease back pain, tinnitus, deafness, fatigue and weak knees.
Furthermore, this point regulates and warms the intestines, especially the Cold in the Large Intestine. It is able to treat both constipation and diarrhoea.
The 'Huang' of the point's name means Membranes, which refers to the space between the Heart and the diaphragm. Therefore, Huangshu KID-16 influences the Heart and Lungs. It can calm the Heart and relieve anxiety caused by Rebellious Qi of the Penetrating Vessel. Thus it is able to harmonize the Kidneys and the Heart.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists KI-16 as a point for treating abdominal pain, distension, and disorders of the intestines.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Recognizes Huangshu as part of the Kidney channel's abdominal trajectory and its connection with the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel).
Regarding the name: 'Huang' (肓) refers to the membranes or fatty tissues between the Heart and diaphragm—a vital space considered difficult to reach therapeutically. 'Shu' (俞) means transporting point, indicating where Kidney Qi infuses into these vital membranes.
How to Locate
Locate Huangshu KID-16 at the same level as the umbilicus, but 0.5 cun in a lateral direction.
Caution
This point lies close to the peritoneum and small intestine. Perpendicular needling should be performed carefully with controlled depth (0.5–1.0 cun). Avoid excessive depth to prevent peritoneal penetration. Exercise caution during pregnancy due to proximity to reproductive organs and the point's influence on Chong Mai. Avoid needling directly into the umbilicus (Shenque REN-8 area).
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy. Avoid the umbilicus.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Localized distension and soreness around the umbilical region. Deqi may radiate across the abdomen or downward toward the lower abdomen. Some patients experience a deep, warm sensation reflecting the point's connection to the Kidney system and Chong Mai.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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