Kidney Channel

Huangshu KID-16

Chinese: 肓俞

Pinyin: Huāng Yú

Location

0.5 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus. 

How to locate

Locate Huangshu KID-16 at the same level as the umbilicus, but 0.5 cun in a lateral direction. 

Main actions

  1. Moves Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner
  2. Regulates and warms the intestines
  3. Benefits the Membranes
  4. Tonifies the Kidneys

Indications

Fatigue Tinnitus Deafness Back pain Diarrhoea Weak knees Constipation Abdominal pain Umbilical pain Abdominal distension

Needling

Vertically 0.5–1 cun.

Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy. Avoid the umbilicus.

Commentary for Huangshu KID-16

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. 

Like other Kidney Points of the abdomen, Huangshu KID-16 tonifies the Kidneys (both Yin and Yang). Therefore it is able to ease back pain, tinnitus, deafness, fatigue and weak knees. 

Furthermore, this point regulates and warms the intestines, especially the Cold in the Large Intestine. It is able to treat both constipation and diarrhoea. 

The 'Huang' of the point's name means Membranes, which refers to the space between the Heart and the diaphragm. Therefore, Huangshu KID-16 influences the Heart and Lungs. It can calm the Heart and relieve anxiety caused by Rebellious Qi of the Penetrating Vessel. Thus it is able to harmonize the Kidneys and the Heart.