Yongquan KI-1 location
KI-1

Yongquan KI-1

Gushing Spring · 涌泉 · Yǒng Quán
Kidney Meridian
Wood-Mu Well-Jing Point Entry Point

Safety Warnings

  • Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only

Needle Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Body Area

Foot — Sole

Location

In the depression between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones on the sole when the foot is in plantar flexion, approximately at the junction of the anterior and middle third of the sole.

Main Actions

  • Nourishes Yin and clears Empty-Heat
  • Regulates Qi the Lower Burner
  • Expels Interior Wind
  • Calms the Mind
  • Restores consciousness

Commentary

Needling of Yongquan KID-1 is very painful and is therefore only recommended for severe disorders or in an emergency. Acupressure or moxibustion is more used instead. For treating collapse, unconsciousness, shock or a severe Excess condition, this point should be strongly stimulated. Cautions should be taken in just pronounced Deficiency conditions. 

One of its most important function is to tonify Yin and clear Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, especially in the Heart. Typical manifestations are dry tongue and throat, insomnia, dizziness, tinnitus as well as night sweating. 

Furthermore, Yongquan KID-1 expels Interior Wind, characterized by epilepsy, headache, vertigo and loss of consciousness due to Wind-Stroke. In fact, it is often used in emergency to restore consciousness. 

It has a strong descending effect that drives Pernicious Evils such as Wind or Empty-Heat from the Head. It also descends Liver Yang or Liver Wind from the Head. 

It strongly calms the Mind as well. thus eases symptoms such as severe anxiety, poor memory, fear, manic behavior and violent behavior with desire to kill people. 

Finally, Yongquan KID-1 connects to the Bladder Channel via a branch from Zhiyin BL-67 of the little toe. 

It has a powerful effect on regulating Qi in the Lower Burner using Reducing Needling Method. Patients with Qi Stagnation in Lower Burner usually suffer from constipation, difficult defecation, difficult urination, abdominal fullness, umbilical pain, infertility and impotence as well as abdominal pain in pregnancy with urinary retention.

Actually for all the Channels that originates at the fingertip or toes, this principle applies. Their first point (Well-Jing) receive Qi and impact from the related Channels which terminate at the finger or toes.

For example, for all the Channels of the Hand (Yang starts while Yin ends):

  • The Large Intestine Channel of Hand Yang-Ming starts where the Lung Channel of Hand Tai-Yin ends. 
  • Triple Burner Channel of Hand Shao-Yang starts where the Pericardium Channel of Hand Jue-Yin ends.
  • The Small Intestine Channel of Hand Tai-Yang starts where the Heart Channel of Hand Shao-Yin ends. 

For all the Channels of the Foot (Yin starts while Yang ends):  

  • The Kidney Channel of Foot Shao-Yin starts where the Bladder Channel of Foot Tai-Yang ends.
  • The Spleen Channel of Foot Tai-Yin starts where the Stomach Channel of Foot Yang-Ming ends.
  • The Liver Channel of Foot Jue-Yin starts where the Gall Bladder Channel of Foot Shao-Yang ends.

Classical Sources

Ling Shu (Divine Pivot), Chapter 2: "The Kidney originates from Yongquan" - establishing this as the first point where Kidney Qi emerges from the earth, like spring water gushing forth.

Huang Di Nei Jing: "Kidney Qi emerges at Yongquan; Yongquan is the foot's center" - highlighting its role as the root of Kidney channel energy.

Bian Que Xin Shu (Bian Que's Heart Book): Describes treating chronic leg conditions and weakness through this point, noting its importance for lower limb disorders.

Ji Ji Guang Sheng Ji (Emergency Life-Preserving Collection): Recommends daily massage of the foot center (Yongquan) to "consolidate essence, harmonize blood, promote health and longevity."

How to Locate

Palpate for a pressure sensitive point, on third from the anterior border of the foot sole, at the midpoint of the foot width, dorsal to the balls of the foot.

Caution

Needling KI-1 is very painful due to the high density of nerve endings on the sole of the foot - use only for severe disorders or emergencies. Acupressure or moxibustion is preferred for routine treatment. Use caution in pronounced Deficiency conditions, as strong stimulation may further deplete. Take care to avoid the plantar arterial arch during needling. This point is one of the Nine Revival Points (回阳九穴) used for yang collapse and emergency resuscitation.

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Depth Category

Shallow

Standard Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needling Directions

Vertically 0.5-1 cun

Expected Deqi Sensation

Strong, often intense sensation that may feel like an electric shock radiating through the sole. Due to the dense nerve endings in this area, deqi is typically sharp and immediate. Patients commonly experience a spreading warmth or tingling throughout the foot. Because needling is quite painful at this location, moxibustion or acupressure is often preferred for regular treatments.

Moxibustion

Particularly Recommended

Duration: 5–10 minutes

Cupping

Contraindicated

Bloodletting

Questionable

Gua Sha

Contraindicated

Five Element & Transporting Classification

Five Phase

Wood-Mu

Transporting Type

Well-Jing Point

Mother-Child Role

Child (Reducing)

Special Point Classifications

Entry Point

Related Resources

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