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Kidney Meridian (Shao Yin)

KI Zu Shao Yin Shen Jing 足少阴肾经 Water Shao Yin 📍 27 points ➡️ Voet → Borst 🔗 Paired with BL 🕐 17:00–19:00

Introduction & pathophysiology

The Kidney Meridian (Shao Yin) regulates growth, reproduction, bones, and vitality. In dysfunction, we see low back pain, fatigue, insomnia, memory loss, hair loss, dental issues, and infertility. The 27 points run from the sole of the foot via the trunk to the chest. The peak hour is from 17:00 to 19:00.

Functions within TCM

1. Stores Essence (Jing)
2. Regulates growth and development
3. Controls bones and spinal cord
4. Regulates water metabolism
5. Receives Qi (respiration)

Clinical applications

**Urinary:** Incontinence, frequent urination
**Reproduction:** Infertility, impotence, PMS
**Bones:** Osteoporosis, low back pain, arthritis
**Neurology:** Memory loss, dizziness
**General:** Fatigue, hair loss, dental issues

Primary dysfunction patterns

Kidney Qi deficiencyFrequent urination, low back painKidney Yang deficiencyCold hands/feet, impotenceKidney Yin deficiencyNight sweats, dry mouth, insomniaKidney Essence deficiencyPremature aging, memory loss

Key points

KI-1Hypertension, insomnia, strokeKI-3Low back pain, fatigue, asthmaKI-6Sore throat, insomnia, urineKI-7Edema, sweating, hot flashesKI-27Asthma, cough, chest tightness

Point selection per pattern

Kidney Qi deficiencyKI-3, KI-7CV-4, BL-23Kidney Yang deficiencyKI-7(moxa), KI-10(moxa)CV-4(moxa)Kidney Yin deficiencyKI-6, KI-10CV-4, ST-36Kidney Essence deficiencyKI-3, KI-10CV-4, BL-23

All points of the Kidney Meridian (Shao Yin)

KI-14
Fourth for Fullnesses
Siman
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-15
Pouring into the Middle
Zhongzhu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-16
Vitals Tissues Shu
Huangshu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-17
Metal Bend
Shangqu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-18
Stone Gate
Shiguan
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-19
Yin Metropolis
Yindu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-20
Abdominal Food Passage
Futonggu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-21
Hidden Gate
Youmen
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-22
Stepping Upwards
Bulang
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-23
Spirit Manor
Shenfeng
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-24
Spirit Ruin
Lingxu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-25
Spirit Storehouse
Shencang
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-26
Refined Chest
Yuzhong
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-27
Shu Mansion
Shufu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-1
Bubbling Well
Yongquan
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-2
Blazing Valley
Rangu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-3
Great Stream
Taixi
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-4
Large Bell
Dazhong
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-5
Water Spring
Shuiquan
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-6
Shining Sea
Zhaohai
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-7
Continuing Flow
Fuliu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-8
Intersecting with Spleen
Jiaoxin
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-9
Strong Knees
Zhubin
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-10
Yin Valley
Yingu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-11
Pubic Bone
Henggu
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-12
Big Plentifulness
Dahe
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details
KI-13
Kidney Qi Cave
Qixue
📍 Along the Kidney meridian pathway on the foot, leg, abdomen, chest
💊 Kidney disorders, low back pain, fatigue, infertility, menstrual disorders, asthma, palpitations
📖 View details

Contraindications & safety

KI-1Avoid with very sensitive solesKI-6Caution with epilepsyKI-22 to KI-27Pneumothorax risk

Relation with other meridians

Exterior-interior with Bladder (BL)
Cooperation with Lung (LU) for fluids
Reinforcing back points: BL-23, BL-52

Clinical notes

Kidney time: 17:00-19:00
Best time for relaxation and yoga
KI-1 is the most important calming point for hypertension

Comorbidity & drug interactions

DiureticsEnhance KI effect - adjust dosageBlood pressure medicationCheck BP before KI-1CorticosteroidsWorsen KI Yin deficiency - support with KI-6

Prognostic signs

Weak, deep pulse|Severe KI deficiency - long treatment
Rapid, empty pulse|KI Yin deficiency - worse at night
Short, weak pulse|Moderate to poor prognosis

Conclusion

The Kidney Meridian is the foundation of vitality and essential for age-related issues.