Kidney Meridian
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KI-13
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
0.5–1.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
3 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates Penetrating and Directing Vessel as well as the Uterus
- Invigorates Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner
- Tonifies the Kidneys and Essence
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.
Therefore, Qixue KID-13 is indicated for symptoms such as abdominal pain and fullness as well as back pain radiating up and down. Apart from Stagnant Qi, this point can also subdues Rebellious Qi in the Penetrating Vessel, which is also known as Running Piglet Syndrome. In this case, the patients feel that strong Qi rushes to the chest and throat from the lower abdomen. In the meanwhile, they also suffer from lower abdominal fullness and pain, painful periods, feeling of chest oppression, palpitations, anxiety as well as feeling of lump in the throat. A Reducing Needling method should be used for this type of Excess case.
On the other hand, KID-13 is also a powerful tonifying point on Kidneys and Kidney Essence. It is because it promotes the circulation of Essence in the Penetrating Vessel. Manifestations include back pain, tinnitus, deafness and weak knees.
When applied together with Guanyuan REN-4, KID-13 also strengthens the Kidneys' ability to receive Lung Qi. Thus it treats chronic asthma.
Furthermore, KID-13 is indicated for various gynecologic disorders as well, by tonifying and regulating the Uterus, Penetrating and Directing Vessels. Typical symptoms include amenorrhoea, irregular and heavy periods, infertility as well as impotence.
Classical Sources
The name Qixue (氣穴) translates as "Qi Hole" or "Qi Cave." The classical texts explain that this point lies beside Guanyuan (REN-4), functioning like a cave where Kidney Qi is stored and accessed.
Classical sources identify KI-13 as a meeting point of the Kidney channel (Foot Shaoyin) and the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel). This connection makes it significant for regulating the Chong and Ren vessels and for treating disorders of Essence and Blood circulation.
The Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) lists this point for treating Running Piglet syndrome (Ben Tun Qi), where Qi rushes upward from the lower abdomen causing distress.
How to Locate
Divide the distance between the umbilicus center and the upper border of the pubic symphysis into 5 equal part. Each part is about 1 cun. Qixue KID-13 is 2 cun above the upper border of the public symphysis and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
Avoid deep needling to prevent injury to the urinary bladder, especially when it is full. This point is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its strong action on the uterus and Chong Mai. Ensure the patient has emptied their bladder before needling. Use perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion with careful depth control.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.2 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, full bladder, pregnancy
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading across the lower abdomen. Deqi may radiate toward the midline or down toward the genitals. Some patients report a warming or fullness sensation in the pelvic region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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