Kidney Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
KI-5
Xi-Cleft Point
Needle Depth
0.3-0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Ankle
Location
1 cun directly below Taixi KID-3, in the depression over the joint space between the talus and calcaneus.
Main Actions
- Benefits urination
- Regulates the Uterus and menstruation
Indications
Commentary
Like any Accumulation-Xi point, Shuiquan KID-5 is used mostly in acute Excess patterns to ease pain. It is effective in treating urinary disorders such as cystitis or urethritis. Typical symptoms are dribbling of urine and urination difficulties.
On top of that, Accumulation-Xi points of the Yin Channels (eg: Kidney Channel here) have one more function that is indicated for Blood disorders. For the case of Shuiquan KID-5, it regulates the Uterus and menstruation. Manifestations include scanty, irregular and painful periods, amenorrhoea or Uterus prolapse.
Classical Sources
Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (針灸甲乙經) - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion:
"Shuiquan is the Xi-Cleft point of the Kidney channel. It treats menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, and difficult urination."
Name Etymology:
The name Shuiquan (水泉) means "Water Spring." The character 'Shui' (水) represents water, and 'Quan' (泉) means spring or pool. This name reflects the point's location on the Kidney channel, where Qi collects like water gathering in a pool. The Kidney governs water metabolism in TCM theory, and this point is where Kidney channel Qi deeply converges, forming a reservoir of vital energy.
How to Locate
First locate Taixi KID-3, in the depression between the medial malleolus and Achilles tendon, level with the tip of the medial malleolus. From there, measure 1 cun inferiorly and locate Shuiquan KID-5 in a palpable depression over the joint space between the talus and calcaneus.
Caution
Located near the tibial posterior artery and vein, as well as the tibial nerve branches. Use appropriate depth (0.3-0.5 cun) to avoid neurovascular structures. Exercise caution during pregnancy as this point strongly moves Blood and regulates the uterus - reduce stimulation or avoid if there is any risk of miscarriage. Not recommended for heavy stimulation in patients with severe Kidney deficiency.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3-0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun obliquely to vertically superior to the margin of the bone.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local aching or distension around the medial aspect of the heel. Deqi may radiate along the medial ankle toward the sole of the foot or up the inner aspect of the lower leg following the Kidney channel pathway. Some patients may experience a sensation of warmth spreading through the foot.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Xi-Cleft Point
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians