Kidney (KI)

🖤

Kidney Meridian (Foot Shao Yin) – Summary

The Kidney Meridian is one of the most vital meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It stores the body’s Jing (Essence)—the source of life force—and governs growth, development, reproduction, bones, hearing, and longevity.

🔹 Basic Info

Chinese Name: 足少阴肾经 (Zú Shàoyīn Shèn Jīng)
Element: Water 💧
Yin-Yang Pair: Bladder Meridian
Time of Peak Activity: 5 AM – 7 AM
Number of Points: 27 acupuncture points (KI-1 to KI-27)

🔹 Functions of the Kidney Meridian

Stores Jing (Essence): foundation of life, growth, fertility, aging
Governs birth, development, reproduction, and sexual function
Produces marrow, fills the brain, controls bones and teeth
Dominates water metabolism (urination, fluid regulation)
Opens into the ears; manifests in the hair
Houses the Zhi (willpower/spiritual endurance)

🔹 Kidney Meridian Pathway

Begins at the sole of the foot (KI-1)
Runs up the inner leg, through the abdomen, and into the chest
Internally connects to the Kidneys, Bladder, Liver, Lungs, and Heart
Ends at the chest below the clavicle (KI-27)

🔹 Common Kidney Meridian Points

Point	Name (Pinyin)	Location	Function
KI-1	Yongquan	Sole of foot	Grounds energy, revives consciousness
KI-3	Taixi	Ankle (near Achilles)	Primary point to tonify Kidney Qi, Yin, Yang, Jing
KI-6	Zhaohai	Below inner ankle	Nourishes Kidney Yin, calms Shen, treats throat dryness
KI-7	Fuliu	2 cun above KI-3	Regulates water passages, sweating, edema
KI-10	Yingu	Back of knee	Benefits urination, sexual function
KI-27	Shufu	Below clavicle	Opens chest, aids breathing, cough, asthma