Zhaohai KI-6 location
KI-6

Zhaohai KI-6

Shining Sea · 照海 · Zhào Hǎi
Kidney Meridian

Needle Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Body Area

Ankle

Location

Approximately 1 cun below the medial malleolus tip, over the joint space between the talus and the calcaneus.

Previous on channel

Shuiquan KI-5

Next on channel

Fuliu KI-7

Main Actions

  • Nourishes the Kidney Yin and clears Empty-Heat
  • Invigorates the Yin Stepping Vessel
  • Regulates the Uterus and menstruation
  • Calms the Mind
  • Benefits the throat and eyes
  • Benefits the Uterus and menstruation

Commentary

Zhaohai KID-6 is a very important point of the Kidney Channel with various functions. 

Most importantly, it strongly nourishes Kidney Yin and it is supposed to be the best point for this action. Patients with Kidney Yin Deficiency tends to have dizziness, tinnitus, night sweat and back pain. 

KID-6 also nourishes Body Fluids, which is a part of Yin. It moistens Dryness and clears Empty-Heat from throat and eyes. Thus it benefits the eyes and throat with symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, red eyes, floaters, insomnia, somnolence as well as dry throat or cough. It also clears Heat from the  Heart, Intestines, Uterus and genitals.

This point treats skin disease as well, such as skin rush or itchiness as it clears Heat from the Blood. 

Yin Deficiency also cause disharmony in the Uterus, characterized by symptoms such as irregular periods, amenorrhoea, painful periods, infertility due to Cold in the Uterus, difficult labor and postpartum umbilical pain. 

Furthermore, it calms the Mind and eases anxiety and restlessness derived from long-term Yin Deficiency. Insomnia is one of the symptoms and it can be treated by stimulating Zhaohai KID-6, so as to carry Yin energy to the eyes and make it close. 

KID-6 is the opening point of Yin Stepping Vessel (Yin Qiao Mai), and it regulates Qi, Blood and Yin of this vessel. It carries Yin energy in forms of Body Fluids to the eyes and throat. Other typical symptoms includes itching of genitals, involuntary erection, hypogastric pain, abdominal pain, tightness and contraction of the muscles of the inner aspect of the legs, cramps of feet and hemiplegia. 

Classical Sources

Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): First documentation of Zhaohai as a distinct point on the Kidney channel, describing its location below the medial malleolus.

Ling Shu (Divine Pivot): Discusses the Yin Qiao Mai pathway, noting that it originates at the heel and ascends to connect with the eyes, explaining the point's use for eye conditions and sleep disorders.

Tong Xuan Zhi Yao Fu (Ode of Penetrating Mystery): "For lassitude of the four limbs, rely on Zhaohai to eliminate it."

Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium): Zhang Jiebin stated: "For epilepsy occurring at night, moxa the Yin Qiao [Zhaohai]."

Qian Jin Yao Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): Sun Simiao called this point "Louyin" (Draining Yin), referring to its function in replenishing Kidney Yin when depleted.

How to Locate

Palpate distally from the tip of the medial malleolus, until reaching the depression of the joint space between the talus and the calcaneus. Shuiquan KID-5 is at the same level as Zhaohai KID-6. It is also located between the two foot bones mentioned above.

Caution

Located in a bony depression between small tendons (tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus). Care should be taken not to pierce these small tendons as it may cause local pain. The posterior tibial artery and vein, as well as the tibial nerve, lie deeper in this area. Avoid in patients with significant ankle edema as landmarks may be obscured. During pregnancy, use with caution as the point has traditionally been associated with regulating menstruation and uterine function.

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Depth Category

Shallow

Standard Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needling Directions

0.3–0.5 cun vertically or obliquely in a proximal direction. The needle may reach the deltoid ligament.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Local aching and distension around the ankle area. Sensation may spread to the medial aspect of the foot or radiate upward along the medial leg. Due to its location in a bony area between small tendons, deqi may be more subtle than at other points.

Moxibustion

Recommended

Duration: 5–10 minutes

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

N/A

Gua Sha

Questionable

Extraordinary Vessel Connection

Confluent Point opens to:

Yin Qiao Mai (陰蹻脈)

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