Kidney Meridian
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KI-27
Exit Point
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 depression on the lower border of the clavicle, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Subdues Rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi
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.
Classical Sources
《針灸甲乙經》Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Coughing with rebellious Qi rising, wheezing with inability to breathe, vomiting and chest fullness, inability to eat or drink - Shufu governs these."
《針灸大成》Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Treats coughing with rebellious Qi, vomiting, wheezing and coughing, abdominal distension with inability to eat or drink, prolonged chest pain and wheezing - moxibustion of 7 cones is effective."
《循經考穴編》Xúnjīng Kǎoxué Biān: "Prolonged coughing with phlegm, steaming bone fever, women with reckless blood movement due to blood heat."
How to Locate
First identify the first rib directly below the clavicle. Locate Shufu KID-27 on the 1st rib or, in some case, at its lower border. It is also 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
Deep perpendicular or oblique needling may puncture the lung (pneumothorax risk). Always needle obliquely or transversely along the intercostal space, directing laterally. Not recommended for deep insertion. The lung apex lies beneath this area - extra caution required especially in thin patients.
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 spaces or with or against the channel pathway. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading across the upper chest. Some patients may feel sensation radiating toward the shoulder or down the chest. Avoid overly strong stimulation due to proximity to the lung apex.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Exit Point
Related Resources
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