Kidney Meridian
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KI-9
Xi-Cleft Point
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Medial
Location
On the line drawn from Taixi KID-3 to Yingu KID-10. It is located at the lower end of the belly of gastrocnemius muscle in the medial aspect, about 5 cun above Taixi KID-3.
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yin
- Calms the Mind
- Opens the chest
Indications
Anxiety
Insomnia
Tinnitus
Back pain
Dizziness
Dry throat
Palpitation
Night sweat
Restlessness
Manic behavior
Chest fullness
Vomiting Phlegm
Xiphoid process stiffness
Commentary
Zhubin KID-9's main function is to tonify Kidney Yin, thus it is able to treat symptoms such as back pain, dizziness, tinnitus, night sweating and dry throat.
Kidney Yin Deficiency may also lead to emotional or mental issues such as anxiety, insomnia, palpitations or manic behavior. KID-9 has a powerful calming effect on the Mind as it tonifies Kidney Yin.
Finally, it opens the chest by removing Obstructions and regulating the Yin Linking Vessel.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (针灸甲乙经): First named this point and established it as the Xi-Cleft point of the Yin Wei Mai.
Suwen - Ci Yaotong Lun (素问·刺腰痛论): "Needle the Feiyang vessel, located 5 cun above the medial malleolus, in front of the Shaoyin channel, at its meeting with the Yin Wei." This passage locates Zhubin at the intersection of the Kidney channel and Yin Wei Mai.
Lingshu - Jingmai (灵枢·经脉): References the point's location on the Kidney channel pathway.
How to Locate
First identify Taixi KID-3 in a depression between the medial malleolus and Achilles tendon, level with the tip of the medial malleolus. Then locate Yingu KID-10 on the medial side of the popliteal fossa when the knee is flexed. Draw an imaginary line between these two reference points and locate Zhubin KID-9, 5 cun above KID-3, 2 cun posterior to the medial border of the tibia.
Caution
Located near the tibial nerve and posterior tibial vessels in the deep layer. Use appropriate needle depth and angle. The point lies between muscles (gastrocnemius and flexor digitorum longus), so needle carefully to avoid excessive tissue trauma. In pregnant women, this point is traditionally used to support healthy pregnancy when gently stimulated—it is not contraindicated but should be used with appropriate care.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Deqi typically manifests as a distending, heavy, or slightly electric sensation that may radiate along the medial aspect of the lower leg. Some patients experience a warm sensation spreading toward the ankle or knee.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Xi-Cleft Point
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