Kidney Meridian
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KI-2
Fire-Huo
Spring-Ying Point
Needle Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Foot — Dorsum, Ankle
Location
Anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus tip, in the depression on the lower border of the navicular bone, at the border of the 'red and white' skin.
Main Actions
- Cools the Blood and clears Empty-Heat
- Regulates the Kidneys
- Regulates the Lower Burner
Indications
Commentary
Rangu KID-2 is the Spring-Ying Point with various functions, particularly for Excess patterns.
Most importantly, it is a major point in clearing Empty-Heat, especially from the Kidneys. However, it is also able to clear Lung Empty-Heat when combined with Yuji LU-10 or clear Heart Empty-Heat when used with Yinxi HE-6. Typical manifestations are malar flush, five-palm heat, feeling of heat in the evening or afternoon, mental restlessness, dry throat and mouth at night as well as thirst without desire to drink.
Secondly, it regulates Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner, especially for the Kidney Channel and the Yin Stepping Vessel points in the Lower Burner. Typical symptoms are genitalia itching, infertility, irregular menstruation, difficult urination, unilateral abdominal pain and abdominal masses.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 2 'Ben Shu': "然谷，然骨之下者也" — "Rangu is below the rangu bone (navicular)." This is the earliest classical reference naming and locating this point.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Records the point as being "in the depression anterior to the large bone that rises in front of the medial malleolus."
Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "妇人绝子，灸然谷各五十壮" — "For women who cannot conceive, apply 50 cones of moxa to each Rangu point."
How to Locate
Palpate from distal to proximal along the tarsal section of the medial aspect of the foot, past the shaft and the head of the 1st metatarsal bone and the medial cuneiform bone, finally reaching the prominent navicular bone. Locate Rangu KID-2 anterior to the navicular bone, at the inferior angle of the joint between the medial cuneiform bone and the navicular bone.
Caution
Be mindful of the medial plantar artery and medial tarsal artery branches in this area. Use shallow insertion and avoid aggressive manipulation. The medial plantar nerve runs nearby, so patients may experience sharp sensations if needled improperly. Not recommended for cupping or gua sha due to the bony, uneven terrain of the medial foot arch.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically below the border of the bone, from the medial aspect of the foot,
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distention and soreness at the point, often radiating toward the sole of the foot. Some patients may experience a spreading sensation along the medial arch.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Fire-Huo
Transporting Type
Spring-Ying Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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