Kidney Meridian
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KI-24
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Chest
Location
In the 3rd intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Invigorates Liver Qi
- Descends the Lung Qi
Commentary
For all the Kidney Channel points in the various intercostal spaces of the chest (from Bulang KID-22 to Shufu KID-27), they share similar actions of descending Rebellious Lung or Stomach Qi.
Therefore, they are indicated for symptoms such as wheezing, dyspnoea or coughing by harmonizing the Qi Excess in the upper part of the body and Qi Deficiency in the lower part. This Qi imbalance happens because the Kidney is not strong enough to receive Lung Qi.
In additional to the functions of descending Rebellious Lung Qi and strengthening the Kidney's ability to receive Qi, Lingxu KID-24 also opens the chests and invigorates Liver Qi.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhēn Jiǔ Jiǎ Yǐ Jīng - The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Documents KI-24 for treating chest and hypochondriac fullness and distension, pain, and irritability with inability to eat.
Name Etymology: "Líng" (灵) refers to spirit or divine energy, while "xū" (墟) means ruins or an abandoned mound. The name suggests this is where the subtle spirit-Qi from the previous point (Shenfeng/Spirit Seal) arrives and disperses upward like mist rising from ancient ruins, leaving the point relatively empty of substantial Qi.
How to Locate
First identify the 3th intercostal space by counting 3 spaces down from the clavicle. Lingxu KID-24 is on this space and also 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Yutang REN-18 is at the level of the 3rd intercostal space but on the anterior midline.
Caution
PNEUMOTHORAX RISK: This point overlies the pleural cavity. Deep or perpendicular needling can puncture the lung, causing pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Always use oblique or transverse insertion along the intercostal space, never exceeding 0.5 cun depth. The heart and pericardium are also nearby. Contraindicated for deep needling in all patients, especially those who are thin or have narrow intercostal spaces.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely along the course of the intercostal space or with or against the channel pathway. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading across the intercostal space. Some patients may experience a sensation radiating along the chest wall. Gentle manipulation is essential given the shallow depth required.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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