Taixi KI-3 location
KI-3

Taixi KI-3

Great Ravine · 太溪 · Tài Xī
Kidney Meridian
Earth-Tu Stream-Shu Point Yuan-Source Point

Needle Depth

0.5–0.8 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Body Area

Ankle

Location

In the depression between the medial malleolus tip and Achilles tendon (Calcaneal tendon), level with the tip of the medial malleolus.

Previous on channel

Rangu KI-2

Next on channel

Dazhong KI-4

Main Actions

  • Tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang
  • Strengthens the Kidney's receiving Lung Qi
  • Benefits the Kidney Essence
  • Benefits the lower back and knees
  • Regulates the Uterus

Commentary

Taixi KID-3 is an extremely important point due to its powerful tonifying effect on the Kidneys. In fact, it can be indicated for all types of Kidney Deficiency patterns such as Kidney Deficiency of Yin, Yang, Qi, Essence and its inability to receive Qi from the Lungs. It is often used together with Shenshu BL-23 and Guanyuan REN-4. 

It is also the Source-Yuan point of the Channel, which allow it to go directly to the core of the Original Qi. 

Mostly importantly, it tonifies both Kidney Yin and Yang. Typical manifestations are backache,
dizziness, tinnitus, exhaustion, feeling cold, frequent urination, cold and weak knees and etc. The patients might be also suffer from Empty-Heat if Yin Deficiency persists for a very long time, characterized by dry throat, night sweating and hot palms and soles. 

Secondly, Taixi KID-3 tonifies Essence, bones and Marrow. Typical symptoms include seminal emissions, nocturnal emissions, impotence, premature ejaculation and poor sexual ability. 

Stronger Essence benefits the Uterus, thus Taixi KID-3 is able to treat various gynecological disorders such as irregular periods, infertility, scanty or heavy periods. 

Finally, the point also strengthens the lower back and knees since the Kidneys rule these two parts of the body. Symptoms include lower back pain, weak knees, knees pain or cold legs. 

Needling is usually applied for Taixi KID-3 apart from the case of Kidney Yang Deficiency, in which case, moxibustion is used more often. 

Classical Sources

Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): "The Kidney [meridian] exits at Taixi." This establishes KI-3 as the Shu-Stream and Yuan-Source point where Kidney Qi gathers.

Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "Located posterior to the medial malleolus, above the calcaneus, in the depression where the artery pulsates."

Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture): Lists extensive indications including chronic malaria, cough, heart pain like needle pricks, cold hands and feet up to the joints, wheezing, vomiting, phlegm, sticky mouth, frequent belching, cold hernia, fever with lack of sweating, drowsiness, yellow urine, wasting-thirst, difficult defecation, throat swelling, coughing blood, and emaciation.

Hui Yuan Zhen Jiu Xue (Comprehensive Acupuncture): "Taixi—mountain valleys connect to streams, streams connect to rivers. The Kidney stores the Will and favors stillness, emerging from the deep ravine to nourish the great will, hence called Taixi."

How to Locate

Identify the tip of the medial malleolus and glide finger horizontally towards the Achilles tendon. Taixi KID-3 is located in a depression that can be palpated anterior to the tendon.

Caution

The posterior tibial artery and vein pass through this area. Palpate for the pulse before needling and avoid direct puncture of the vessel. The tibial nerve also runs through this region. Use gentle needling technique and avoid aggressive manipulation in patients with thin tissue or poor circulation.

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Depth Category

Shallow

Standard Depth

0.5–0.8 cun

Needling Directions

Vertically 0.3–1 cun.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Distention and soreness locally at the ankle, often with a numb or radiating sensation extending toward the sole of the foot. Some patients may feel warmth spreading through the ankle area. The deqi sensation may also radiate upward along the medial aspect of the lower leg following the Kidney channel pathway.

Moxibustion

Particularly Recommended

Duration: 5–15 minutes

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

Questionable

Gua Sha

Questionable

Five Element & Transporting Classification

Five Phase

Earth-Tu

Transporting Type

Stream-Shu Point

Mother-Child Role

Mother (Tonifying)

Special Point Classifications

Yuan-Source Point

Related Resources

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