Kidney Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
KI-23
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 4th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Subdues Rebellious Stomach and Lung Qi
- Benefits the breasts
Indications
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 Qi and strengthening the Kidney's ability to receive Qi, Shenfeng KID-23 also benefits the breasts by easing pain, distension and lumps there.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (針灸甲乙經, ABC of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Chest and hypochondriac distension and fullness, inability to breathe, cough with counterflow, mastitis, shivering with chills—Shenfeng governs these."
Zhenjiu Dacheng (針灸大成, Great Compendium of Acupuncture): "Governs chest fullness with inability to breathe, cough with counterflow, mastitis, vomiting, shivering with aversion to cold, and loss of appetite."
How to Locate
First identify the 4th intercostal space by counting 4 spaces down from the clavicle. Shenfeng KID-23 is on this space and also 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Shanzhong REN-17 is at the level of the 4th intercostal space but on the anterior midline.
Caution
Located over the thoracic cavity with the heart and lungs beneath. On the left side, the heart lies directly deep to this point. Never needle deeply. Use oblique or transverse insertion only. Risk of pneumothorax and cardiac injury with improper technique. Not recommended for cupping or gua sha due to proximity to vital structures.
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: Heart, pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness in the chest area, sensation may spread along the intercostal space. Due to shallow insertion requirements, deqi is typically mild.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians