Kidney Meridian
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KI-17
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 — Upper
Location
2 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates Large Intestine and dissolves accumulation
Indications
Nausea
Vomiting
Eye pain
Red eyes
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Poor appetite
Abdominal mass
Abdominal pain
Abdominal fullness
Inner canthus pain
Difficulty swallowing
Inner canthus redness
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.
For the case of Shangqu KID-17, it is mainly used to regulate Spleen Qi, harmonizes the Stomach and dissolve accumulation in the Large Intestines.
The point's name 'Shang' refers to the Metal element, which corresponding to the Large Intestine. Therefore, KID-17 is a useful local point to promote bowel movement and eases related pain.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经): "Shangqu is located 2 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It treats abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation."
Lingshu (灵枢): The Chong Mai is described as the "Sea of the Five Zang and Six Fu Organs" and the "Sea of Blood," with KI-17 being one of the points where the Kidney channel intersects with this important extraordinary vessel.
How to Locate
Divide the distance between the umbilicus center and the sternocostal angle into 8 equal parts. Each part is about 1 cun. Shangqu KID-17 is 2 cun above the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
Located on the upper abdomen with the peritoneum beneath. Deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity. Use caution during pregnancy as this is an abdominal point with connection to the Chong Mai (which relates to reproductive functions). Avoid deep or strong stimulation in patients with abdominal distension or full bladder.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness radiating across the upper abdomen. Deqi may spread horizontally toward the midline or laterally along the abdominal region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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