Kidney Meridian
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KI-18
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
3 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner
- Eases pain
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Indications
Lockjaw
Red eyes
Eye pain
Vomiting
Retching
Hiccuping
Dark Urine
Infertility
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Spine stiffness
Inner canthus pain
Inner canthus redness
Postpartum abdominal pain
Postpartum lateral costal region pain
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 Shiguan KID-18, it can remove the malign blood that stagnates in the Uterus after childbirth. It also invigorates Qi and Blood in the abdomen and the lateral costal region, so as to ease severe pain. It is also useful for many other gynecological disorders.
On the other hand, it also harmonizes the Stomach and treats symptoms such as hiccup, vomiting, retching, much spittle and inability to open the mouth.
Classical Sources
《針灸甲乙經》(Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing - The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Stone Pass (Shiguan) is first documented in this classical text, establishing its location at 3 cun above the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the midline.
《太平聖惠方》(Taiping Shenghui Fang): This text refers to the point as "You Guan" (右關), an alternative name.
Name Etymology: "Shi" (石) means stone or rock, referring to kidney-water; "Guan" (關) means gate or pass. The name indicates this is a critical point where the Chong Mai qi of the Kidney channel descends and condenses like water becoming stone, unable to rise further. It also references its importance in treating "stone water" (石水), an ancient term for severe abdominal fluid accumulation.
How to Locate
Divide the distance between the umbilicus center and the sternocostal angle into 8 equal parts. Each part is about 1 cun. Shiguan KID-18 is 3 cun above the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
Located on the upper abdomen where deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity and potentially injure underlying organs. Use caution during pregnancy as abdominal points with strong qi and blood-moving properties may affect the uterus. Avoid deep needling in patients with abdominal distension, organ enlargement, or thin abdominal walls. Always needle perpendicular and within recommended depth (0.5-1.0 cun).
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 around the point, sometimes radiating toward the umbilicus or along the Kidney channel pathway on the abdomen. A deep, heavy sensation is typical.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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