Kidney Meridian
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KI-15
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
1 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Intestines
- Regulates the Lower Burner
Indications
Diarrhoea
Dry stools
Constipation
Abdomen pain
Lumbar spine pain
Inner canthus pain
Dysenteric disorder
Inner canthus redness
Heat in lower abdomen
Irregular menstruation
Commentary
All the Kidney points on the abdomen (from Henggu KID-11 to Youmen KID-21) are also part of the Penetrating Vessel. Thus their indications are related to both the Channel and the Vessel.
The Penetrating Vessel is the 'Sea of Blood', 'Sea of the 12 Channel' as well as the 'Sea of the abdomen avenue'. Thus its points are often able to invigorate the Blood and Qi and remove Stagnation, especially in the abdomen.
Zhongzhu KID-15 is not a major point of the Kidney Channel. Apart from the above features, its main function is to regulate the intestines and Lower Burner.
Classical Sources
Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Zhongzhu among the abdominal points of the Kidney channel that intersect with the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel).
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): Describes the pathway of the Kidney channel passing through the abdominal region, connecting with the Chong Mai as the 'Sea of Blood' and 'Sea of the Twelve Channels.'
How to Locate
Divide the distance between the umbilicus center and the upper border of the pubic symphysis into 5 equal parts. Each part is about 1 cun. Zhongzhu KID-15 is 4 cun above the upper border of the public symphysis and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
This point is located over the peritoneum, requiring careful needling technique to avoid penetrating the abdominal cavity. Use caution during pregnancy as this point is on the lower abdomen and intersects with the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), which is closely connected to the uterus and reproductive function. Deep perpendicular needling should be avoided; keep insertion shallow to moderate depth.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Localized distending or soreness sensation in the lower abdomen. Deqi may radiate toward the umbilicus or downward toward the pelvic region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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