2)膀胱经原穴。本穴物质为天部的寒凉水气，气血场范围大，最能体现膀胱经的气血之性，为膀胱经寒湿水气的输出之源，故为膀胱经原穴。
运行规律：吸热后循膀胱经上行。
功能作用：生发气血。
65束骨俞穴，属木。
名解：1）束骨。束，捆也、束缚也。骨，水也。束骨名意指膀胱经的寒湿水气在此聚集不能上行。本穴物质为膀胱经上部经脉下行的寒湿水气和下部经脉上行的阳气，二气交会后聚集穴内既不能升亦不能降，如被束缚一般，故名束骨。
2)膀胱经俞穴。俞，输也。本穴的水湿之气来路为膀胱经，去路则是膀胱经之外的足背各部，有对外输出气血的作用，故为膀胱经俞穴。
3)本穴属木。属木，指本穴气血运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为天部的水湿之气，其运行为横向的向外传输，有风木的横行特征，故其属木。
运行规律：由穴内横向传于穴外。
功能作用：输布水湿。
66足通谷荥穴，属水。
名解：1）足通谷。通，通道、通行也。谷，肉之大会也，两山中间的空旷之处也。足通谷名意指膀光经经气在此冷降归地。本穴物质一为膀胱经上部经脉下行的寒湿水气，二为至阴穴上传于此的天部湿热水气，二气交会后的运行变化主要是散热缩合冷降，冷降之水循膀胱经回流至阴穴，故名足通谷。
2)膀胱经荥穴。荥，极小的水流也。本穴物质为天部的水湿之气，其变化主要为散热冷降，冷降的地部经水极为细小，故为膀胱经荥穴。
3)本穴属水。属水，指本穴气血表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为天部的水湿之气，其变化为散热冷降，表现出水的润下特征，故其属水。
运行规律：大部分水湿冷降归地后回流至阴穴，小部分吸热后上行天之天部。
功能作用：升清降浊。
67至阴井穴，属金。
名解：1）至阴。至，极也。阴，寒也，水也。至阴名意指体内膀胱经的寒湿水气由此外输体表。本穴物质为来自体内膀胱经的寒湿水气，它位于人体的最下部，是人体寒湿水气到达的极寒之地，故名至阴。
2)膀胱经井穴。井，地部孔隙也。本穴有地部有孔隙与体内相通，为膀胱经体内与体表的气血交换处，故为膀胱经井穴。
3)本穴属金。属金，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质主要是体内输出的温热水气，出体表后散热而凉，表现出肺金之气的秋凉特征，故其属金。
运行规律：散热冷缩并交于足通谷穴。
功能作用：散热生气。
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经穴秘密上 经穴秘密下
中医瑰宝苑
经穴秘密下
转自民间中医网
经穴秘密上
经穴秘密下
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足少阴肾经少血多气，气血物质的运行变化是由液态向气态的吸热蒸升变化。
1涌泉井穴，属木。
别名：地冲。
名解：1）涌泉。涌，外涌而出也。泉，泉水也。涌泉名意指体内肾经的经水由此外涌而出体表。本穴为肾经经脉的第一穴，它联通肾经的体内体表经脉，肾经体内经脉中的高温高压的水液由此外涌而出体表，故名涌泉。
2)地冲。地，地部也。冲，冲突也。地冲名意指体内肾经的经水由此外涌而出体表。理同涌泉名解。
3)肾经井穴。井，地部孔隙也。本穴气血运行是体内经水由地部孔隙外出体表，故为肾经井穴。
4)本穴属木。属木，指本穴气血运行变化表现的五行属性。本穴物质为体内外出体表的高温水液，出体表后水液大量气化为天部的水湿之气，此气因其湿重不能上行天部的更高层次，而是蒸升到天部的较低层次，只表现出木的一发特征，故其属木。
功能作用：散热生气。
2然谷荥穴，属火。
别名：龙渊，龙泉。
名解：1）然谷。然，燃也。谷，两山所夹空隙也。然谷名意指肾经外涌的地部经水在此大量气化。本穴物质为肾经涌泉穴传来的地部经水，性温热，至本穴后水液大量气化水湿，经水如同被燃烧蒸发一般，故名然谷。
2)龙渊。龙，变幻莫测、能大能小、见首不见尾之物也，此指本穴地部经水的各种变化。渊，深渊也，范围大也。龙渊名意指肾经经水在此由液化气，范围巨大。理同然谷名意。龙泉名意与龙渊同。
3)肾经荥穴。荥，极小的水流也。本穴物质为肾水气化的天部之气，在本穴的变化为散热冷降，冷降之液在地部形成极小的水流，故为肾经荥穴。
4)本穴属火。属火，指本穴气血运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为天之下部的水湿之气，其变化为散热冷降，所散之热直冲天之天部，有火的炎上特征，故其属火。
运行规律：大部分散热冷降，小部分吸热蒸升。
功能作用：升清降浊。
3太溪俞穴，原穴，属土。
别名：大溪，吕细。
名解：1）太溪。太，大也。溪，溪流也。太溪名意指肾经水液在此形成较大的溪水。本穴物质为然谷穴传来的冷降之水，至本穴后，冷降水液形成了较为宽大的浅溪，故名太溪。大溪名意与太溪同。
2)吕细。吕，古代音乐十二律中的阴律也，总称六吕，此指穴内物质为纯阴之液。细，弱也、小也。吕细一名意在形容穴内流行的地部经水水面宽大而流动缓慢，故名。
3)肾经俞穴。俞，输也。本穴为肾经经水的传输之处，故为肾经俞穴。
4)肾经原穴。原，本源、根源也。本穴输出的地部经水真正表现出肾经气血的本源特性，故为肾经原穴。
5)本穴属土。属土，指本穴气血运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为地部流行的经水，其变化为进一步的气化散热，表现出土的长养特征，故其属土。
4大钟络穴。
别名：太钟。
名解：1）大钟。大，巨大也。钟，古指编钟，为一种乐器，其声混厚洪亮。大钟名意指肾经经水在此如瀑布从高处落下。本穴物质为太溪穴传来的地部经水，在本穴的运行为从高处流落低处，如瀑布落下一般，声如洪钟，故名大钟。太钟名意与大钟同。
2)肾经络穴。本穴气血的运行变化是经水由高处落入低处，经水落下时散发出大量的水湿气体，水湿气体吸热后飘散于穴外，本穴有联络它经气血的作用，故为肾经络穴。
功能作用：联络表里。
治法：寒则点刺出血或泻之灸之，热则水针或泻针出气，表里不和则多提插捻转。
5水泉郄穴。
名解：1)水泉。水，水液也。泉，水潭也。水泉名意指肾经水液在此聚集形成水潭。本穴物质为大钟穴传来的地部经水，在本穴聚集后如同水潭，故名水泉。
2)肾经郄穴。郄，孔隙也。本穴物质为地部经水，经水因本穴所处位置低下而为聚集之状，只有极少的满溢之水外传照海穴的高位，经水的运行如从孔隙中输出一般，故为肾经郄穴。
运行规律：极少部分循经传于照海穴，大部分则流散于足跟各部。
功能作用：传递水液。
6照海足少阴阴跷脉之会。
别名：阴跷，漏阴。
名解：1）照海。照，照射也。海，大水也。照海名意指肾经经水在此大量蒸发。本穴物质为水泉穴传来的地部经水，至本穴后比水形成为一个较大水域，水域平静如镜，较多地接收受天部照射的热能而大量蒸发水液，故名照海。
2)阴跷。阴跷，乃穴内气血有地部的经水和天部的阳气，气血特性体现了阴急而阳缓的阴跷脉特性，故名阴跷。
3)漏阴。漏，漏失也。阴，阴水也。漏阴名意指肾经经水在此漏失。本穴物质为地部经水，因受天部照射之热，经水气化蒸发如漏失一般，故名漏阴。
4)足少阴阴跷脉之会。同照海名解。
功能作用：吸热生气。
7复溜经穴，属金。
别名：伏白，昌阳。
名解：1）复溜。复，再也。溜，悄悄地散失也。复溜名意指肾经的水湿之气在此再次吸热蒸发上行。本穴物质为照海穴传输来的寒湿水气，上行至本穴后因其此再次吸收天部之热而蒸升，气血的散失如溜走一般，故名复溜。
2)伏白。伏，隐藏、埋伏也。白，肺性之气也。伏白名意指本穴吸热溜散的水气隐伏着肺金之气的凉湿之性。本穴物质为照海穴传来的寒湿水气，在本穴吸热后温度上升而变为肺金之性的凉湿之气，故名伏白。
3)昌阳。昌，昌盛繁荣也。阳，阳气也。昌阳名意指肾经阳气至本穴后才变为昌盛繁荣之状。本穴物质为照海穴传来的寒湿水气，在本穴吸热后变为了天部的阳气，肾经阳气在此变得繁荣昌盛，故名昌阳。
4)肾经经穴。经，经过也，动而不居也。本穴物质为吸热上行的天部阳气，经过本穴动而不居，故为肾经经穴。
5)本穴属金。属金，指本穴气血运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为肾经的天部阳气，性温热，与肺金之气同性，故其属金。
８交信阴跷脉郄穴。
别名：内筋。
名解：1）交信。交，交流、交换也。信，信息也。交信名意指肾经经气由此交于三队交穴。本穴物质为复溜穴传来的水湿之气，因其吸热扬散而质轻，因此从本穴外走脾经气血所在的天部层次，故名交信。
2)内筋。内，与外相对，指本穴交于三阴交穴的气血物质来自于肾经所处的内部。筋，肝风也。内筋名意指本穴气血以风气的形式由内向外传输。理同交信名解。
3)阴跷脉郄穴。郄，孔隙也。本穴既为肾经之穴同时又为阴跷脉之穴，但由于本穴气血为凉湿水气，外传脾经的气血是吸热后的气血，量不多，如从孔隙中外出一般，故为阴跷脉郄穴。
运行规律：吸热后横向外走三阴交穴。
功能作用：外散寒冷水湿。
9筑宾阴维脉郄穴。
名解：1）筑宾。筑，通祝，为庆祝之意。宾，宾客也。筑宾名意指足三阴经气血混和重组后的凉湿水气由此交于肾经。本穴物质为三阴交穴传来的凉湿水气（足三阴经气血在三阴交穴混和后既无热燥之性亦无寒冷之性），性同肺金之气，由此传入肾经后为肾经所喜庆，本穴受此气血如待宾客，故名筑宾。
2)阴维脉郄穴。郄，孔隙也。本穴既为肾经之穴，同时又为阴维脉之穴，而三阴交穴传入本穴的气血较为细少，如从孔隙中传来一般，故为阴维脉郄穴。
运行规律：散热后横向下行阴谷穴。
功能作用：散热降温。
10阴谷合穴，属水。
2) Yuan-Source point of the Bladder Meridian. The qi-blood substance at this acupoint is cold and damp water vapor from the Heaven level (upper part of the body). The range of its qi-blood field is large, best embodying the nature of qi-blood in the Bladder Meridian. It serves as the source for the output of cold-damp water vapor in the Bladder Meridian; therefore, it is the Yuan-Source point of the Bladder Meridian.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is cold-damp water vapor from the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: After absorbing heat, it moves upward along the Bladder Meridian.
Functions and Actions: Generates and promotes qi-blood.
Treatment Methods: For cold-damp conditions, use pricking to bleed or moxibustion; for heat conditions, use reducing needle technique to vent pathogenic qi.
65 Shugu (Bundle Bone) [BL65], Shu-Stream point, Wood element.
Acupoint Meaning: Cold-damp water vapor of the Bladder Meridian gathers here and cannot move upward.
Name Explanation: 1) Shugu. "Shu" means to bind or restrain; "Gu" refers to water (as Kidney governs bones and water corresponds to Kidney). The name Shugu implies that cold-damp water vapor of the Bladder Meridian gathers here and cannot ascend. The qi-blood substance at this point consists of two parts: cold-damp water vapor descending from the upper meridians of the Bladder Meridian and yang qi ascending from the lower meridians. After these two qi interact, they gather within the acupoint, unable to rise or fall, as if restrained; hence the name Shugu.
2) Shu-Stream point of the Bladder Meridian. "Shu" means transport. The water-damp qi at this point originates from the Bladder Meridian and flows outward to various parts of the dorsum of the foot outside the Bladder Meridian, having the function of transporting qi-blood outward; thus, it is the Shu-Stream point of the Bladder Meridian.
3) This point belongs to Wood. Belonging to Wood refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of qi-blood at this point. The substance here is water-damp qi at the Heaven level, moving horizontally outward, exhibiting the characteristic of horizontal movement of Wind-Wood; therefore, it belongs to Wood.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is water-damp qi at the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: Transfers horizontally from inside the acupoint to outside.
Functions and Actions: Distributes water-dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, prick to bleed or apply tonification with moxibustion; for heat conditions, use reducing needle technique to vent pathogenic qi.
66 Zutonggu (Foot Through Valley) [BL66], Ying-Spring point, Water element.
Acupoint Meaning: Jing-qi of the Bladder Meridian dissipates heat, cools down, and descends here.
Name Explanation: 1) Zutonggu. "Tong" means channel or passage; "Gu" refers to a valley, an open space between mountains or where muscles converge. The name Zutonggu implies that jing-qi of the Bladder Meridian cools down and descends here to return to the Earth level. The qi-blood substance here comprises cold-damp water vapor descending from the upper meridians of the Bladder Meridian and warm-damp water vapor from the Heaven level transmitted from Zhiyin (BL67). After interaction, the main change is dissipating heat, contracting, cooling, and descending. The cooled-descended water flows back along the Bladder Meridian to Zhiyin (BL67); hence the name Zutonggu.
2) Ying-Spring point of the Bladder Meridian. "Ying" refers to a very small stream. The substance here is water-damp qi at the Heaven level, primarily undergoing heat dissipation and cooling descent. The fluid formed at the Earth level after cooling descent is extremely minute; thus, it is the Ying-Spring point of the Bladder Meridian.
3) This point belongs to Water. Belonging to Water refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the qi-blood at this point. The substance is water-damp qi at the Heaven level, changing through heat dissipation and cooling descent, exhibiting the moistening and downward-flowing characteristic of Water; therefore, it belongs to Water.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is water-damp qi at the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: Most of the water-dampness cools down, descends to the Earth level, and flows back to Zhiyin (BL67); a small portion absorbs heat and ascends to higher levels of the Heaven level.
Functions and Actions: Raises clear qi and lowers turbid qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, prick to bleed, or reduce first then tonify, or apply moxibustion; for heat conditions, apply tonification.
67 Zhiyin (Reaching Yin) [BL67], Jing-Well point, Metal element.
Acupoint Meaning: Cold-damp water vapor from the internal Bladder Meridian is externally transported to the body surface here.
Name Explanation: 1) Zhiyin. "Zhi" means extreme; "Yin" means cold or water. The name Zhiyin implies that cold-damp water vapor from the internal Bladder Meridian is externally transported to the body surface here. The qi-blood substance here is cold-damp water vapor from the internal Bladder Meridian. Located at the lowest part of the human body, it is the coldest place reached by human cold-damp water vapor; hence the name Zhiyin.
2) Jing-Well point of the Bladder Meridian. "Jing" refers to pores at the Earth level. This acupoint has pores at the Earth level connecting internally, serving as the exchange site for qi-blood between the internal and external aspects of the Bladder Meridian; thus, it is the Jing-Well point of the Bladder Meridian.
3) This point belongs to Metal. Belonging to Metal refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of qi-blood substances at this point. The substance here is mainly warm water vapor output from the interior. After reaching the body surface, it dissipates heat and becomes cool, exhibiting the autumn-cool characteristic of Lung-Metal qi; therefore, it belongs to Metal.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is warm water vapor at the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: Dissipates heat, cools, contracts, and connects with Zutonggu (BL66).
Functions and Actions: Dissipates heat and generates qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, insert deeply, close the needle hole upon withdrawal, and do not retain the needle; for heat conditions, insert superficially to vent pathogenic qi.
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Secrets of Acupoints Vol. I Secrets of Acupoints Vol. II
Chinese Medicine Treasure Pavilion
Secrets of Acupoints Vol. II
Transferred from Folk TCM Network
Secrets of Acupoints Vol. I
Secrets of Acupoints Vol. II
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VIII. Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian: Scanty Blood, Abundant Qi
VIII. Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian: Scanty Blood, Abundant Qi
The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian is characterized by scanty blood and abundant qi. The movement and transformation of qi-blood substances involve the endothermic evaporation and ascent from liquid to gas state.
1 Yongquan (Gushing Spring) [KI1], Jing-Well point, Wood element.
Aliases: Dichong.
Acupoint Meaning: Jing-water of the internal Kidney Meridian gushes out here to the exterior.
Name Explanation: 1) Yongquan. "Yong" means to gush outwards; "Quan" means spring. The name Yongquan implies that jing-water of the internal Kidney Meridian gushes out here to the body surface. This is the first acupoint of the Kidney Meridian, connecting the internal and external meridians of the Kidney Meridian. High-temperature, high-pressure fluid from the internal meridian of the Kidney Meridian gushes out to the body surface here; hence the name Yongquan.
2) Dichong. "Di" refers to the Earth level; "Chong" means conflict or surge. The name Dichong implies that jing-water of the internal Kidney Meridian surges out here to the body surface. The rationale is the same as the explanation for Yongquan.
3) Jing-Well point of the Kidney Meridian. "Jing" refers to pores at the Earth level. The qi-blood movement here involves internal jing-water exiting to the body surface through pores at the Earth level; thus, it is the Jing-Well point of the Kidney Meridian.
4) This point belongs to Wood. Belonging to Wood refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of qi-blood at this point. The substance here is high-temperature fluid emerging from the interior to the exterior. Upon reaching the body surface, the fluid largely vaporizes into water-damp qi at the Heaven level. Due to heavy dampness, this qi cannot ascend to higher levels of the Heaven level but instead evaporates to lower levels, exhibiting only the generative characteristic of Wood; therefore, it belongs to Wood.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is warm water vapor at the lower part of the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: Transfers horizontally from the Heaven level to Rangu (KI2).
Functions and Actions: Dissipates heat and generates qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, reduce first then tonify, or reduce alone; for heat conditions, apply tonification.
2 Rangu (Natural Valley) [KI2], Ying-Spring point, Fire element.
Aliases: Longyuan, Longquan.
Acupoint Meaning: Earth-level jing-water gushing out from the Kidney Meridian evaporates into water vapor in large quantities here.
Name Explanation: 1) Rangu. "Ran" is a phonetic loan for "Ran" (burn); "Gu" refers to the gap between two mountains. The name Rangu implies that Earth-level jing-water gushing out from the Kidney Meridian undergoes massive vaporization here. The qi-blood substance here is Earth-level jing-water transmitted from Yongquan (KI1), which is warm in nature. Upon reaching this point, the fluid largely vaporizes into water-dampness, resembling combustion and evaporation; hence the name Rangu.
2) Longyuan. "Long" refers to something unpredictable, capable of being large or small, seen head but not tail, referring here to the various changes of Earth-level jing-water at this point; "Yuan" means abyss or large scope. The name Longyuan implies that Kidney Meridian jing-water transforms from liquid to gas here on a large scale. The rationale is similar to Rangu. The meaning of Longquan is the same as Longyuan.
3) Ying-Spring point of the Kidney Meridian. "Ying" refers to a very small stream. The substance here is Heaven-level qi generated by the vaporization of Kidney water. At this point, the change involves heat dissipation and cooling descent. The cooled-descended fluid forms a very small stream at the Earth level; thus, it is the Ying-Spring point of the Kidney Meridian.
4) This point belongs to Fire. Belonging to Fire refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of qi-blood at this point. The substance here is water-damp qi at the lower part of the Heaven level. The change involves heat dissipation and cooling descent. The dissipated heat rises directly to the highest level of the Heaven level, exhibiting the flaming-upward characteristic of Fire; therefore, it belongs to Fire.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is warm-damp water vapor.
Movement Pattern: Most dissipates heat and cools down to descend; a small portion absorbs heat and evaporates to ascend.
Functions and Actions: Raises clear qi and lowers turbid qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, apply tonification; for heat conditions, apply reduction.
3 Taixi (Great Stream) [KI3], Shu-Stream point, Yuan-Source point, Earth element.
Aliases: Daxi, Lüxi.
Acupoint Meaning: Fluid of the Kidney Meridian forms a relatively large stream here.
Name Explanation: 1) Taixi. "Tai" means great; "Xi" means stream. The name Taixi implies that fluid of the Kidney Meridian forms a relatively large stream here. The qi-blood substance here is cooled-descended water transmitted from Rangu (KI2). Upon reaching this point, the cooled-descended fluid forms a relatively wide shallow stream; hence the name Taixi. The meaning of Daxi is the same as Taixi.
2) Lüxi. "Lü" refers to the Yin pitches in the ancient twelve musical tones, collectively known as the Six Lüs, referring here to the pure Yin fluid within the acupoint; "Xi" means weak or small. The name Lüxi describes the Earth-level jing-water flowing within the acupoint as having a wide surface but slow flow; hence the name.
3) Shu-Stream point of the Kidney Meridian. "Shu" means transport. This point is the location where jing-water of the Kidney Meridian is transported; thus, it is the Shu-Stream point of the Kidney Meridian.
4) Yuan-Source point of the Kidney Meridian. "Yuan" means origin or root. The Earth-level jing-water output from this point truly embodies the original characteristics of qi-blood in the Kidney Meridian; thus, it is the Yuan-Source point of the Kidney Meridian.
5) This point belongs to Earth. Belonging to Earth refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of qi-blood at this point. The substance here is jing-water flowing at the Earth level. The change involves further vaporization and heat dissipation, exhibiting the nurturing characteristic of Earth; therefore, it belongs to Earth.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is Earth-level jing-water and its vaporized qi.
Movement Pattern: Jing-water transmits along the Kidney Meridian; vaporized qi absorbs heat and ascends to the Heaven level.
Functions and Actions: Clears heat and generates qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, prick to bleed, or reduce and apply extensive moxibustion; for heat conditions, use aquapuncture or reduce needle technique to vent pathogenic qi.
4 Dazhong (Great Bell) [KI4], Luo-Connecting point.
Alias: Taizhong.
Acupoint Meaning: Jing-water of the Kidney Meridian falls from a height like a waterfall here.
Name Explanation: 1) Dazhong. "Da" means huge; "Zhong" refers to chimes, a musical instrument with a thick and resonant sound. The name Dazhong implies that Jing-water of the Kidney Meridian falls from a height like a waterfall here. The qi-blood substance here is Earth-level jing-water transmitted from Taixi (KI3). Its movement at this point is flowing from high to low, like a waterfall falling, with a sound like a loud bell; hence the name Dazhong. The meaning of Taizhong is the same as Dazhong.
2) Luo-Connecting point of the Kidney Meridian. The movement and transformation of qi-blood at this point involves jing-water falling from high to low. When the jing-water falls, it emits a large amount of water-damp gas. After absorbing heat, this water-damp gas scatters outside the acupoint. This point has the function of connecting the qi-blood of other meridians; thus, it is the Luo-Connecting point of the Kidney Meridian.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is cold-damp water vapor at the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: First, after absorbing heat, it ascends along the Kidney Meridian; second, after absorbing heat, it diverges to the Bladder Meridian.
Functions and Actions: Connects interior-exterior (Biao-Li) meridians.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, prick to bleed, or reduce and apply moxibustion; for heat conditions, use aquapuncture or reduce needle technique to vent pathogenic qi; for disharmony between interior and exterior, use frequent lifting-thrusting and twirling-manipulation techniques.
5 Shuiquan (Water Spring) [KI5], Xi-Cleft point.
Acupoint Meaning: Fluid of the Kidney Meridian gathers here to form a pool.
Name Explanation: 1) Shuiquan. "Shui" means fluid; "Quan" means pool. The name Shuiquan implies that fluid of the Kidney Meridian gathers here to form a pool. The qi-blood substance here is Earth-level jing-water transmitted from Dazhong (KI4). After gathering at this point, it resembles a pool; hence the name Shuiquan.
2) Xi-Cleft point of the Kidney Meridian. "Xi" means pore. The substance here is Earth-level jing-water. Due to the low position of this acupoint, the jing-water gathers. Only a very small amount of overflowing water transmits to the higher position of Zhaohai (KI6). The movement of jing-water is like outputting from a pore; thus, it is the Xi-Cleft point of the Kidney Meridian.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is Earth-level jing-water.
Movement Pattern: A very small portion transmits along the meridian to Zhaohai (KI6); most scatters to various parts of the heel.
Functions and Actions: Transmits fluid.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, prick to bleed or apply moxibustion; for heat conditions, apply tonification with frequent lifting-thrusting.
6 Zhaohai (Shining Sea) [KI6], Meeting point of Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and Yin Qiao Mai.
Aliases: Yinqiao, Louyin.
Acupoint Meaning: Jing-water of the Kidney Meridian evaporates in large quantities here.
Name Explanation: 1) Zhaohai. "Zhao" means irradiate; "Hai" means large water. The name Zhaohai implies that Jing-water of the Kidney Meridian evaporates in large quantities here. The qi-blood substance here is Earth-level jing-water transmitted from Shuiquan (KI5). Upon reaching this point, it forms a larger water area compared to previous points. The water area is calm as a mirror, receiving thermal energy irradiated from the Heaven level and evaporating water fluid in large quantities; hence the name Zhaohai.
2) Yinqiao. "Yinqiao" indicates that the qi-blood within the acupoint contains Earth-level jing-water and Heaven-level yang qi. The characteristics of qi-blood reflect the property of the Yin Qiao Mai, where Yin is urgent and Yang is slow; hence the name Yinqiao.
3) Louyin. "Lou" means leak; "Yin" means Yin water. The name Louyin implies that Jing-water of the Kidney Meridian leaks here. The substance here is Earth-level jing-water. Due to heat irradiated from the Heaven level, the jing-water vaporizes and evaporates as if leaking; hence the name Louyin.
4) Meeting point of Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and Yin Qiao Mai. Same meaning as the explanation for Zhaohai.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is Earth-level jing-water and its evaporated water vapor.
Movement Pattern: Incoming jing-water accumulates within the acupoint; vaporized qi ascends to the highest level of the Heaven level.
Functions and Actions: Absorbs heat to generate qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, prick to bleed; for heat conditions, apply tonification and moxibustion.
7 Fuliù (Returning Flow) [KI7], Jing-River point, Metal element.
Aliases: Fu Bai, Changyang.
Acupoint Meaning: Water-damp qi of the Kidney Meridian absorbs heat again and evaporates to ascend here.
Name Explanation: 1) Fuliù. "Fu" means again; "Liu" means quietly dissipate. The name Fuliù implies that water-damp qi of the Kidney Meridian absorbs heat again and evaporates to ascend here. The qi-blood substance here is cold-damp water vapor transmitted from Zhaohai (KI6). After ascending to this point, it absorbs heat from the Heaven level again and evaporates to ascend. The dissipation of qi-blood is like slipping away; hence the name Fuliù.
2) Fu Bai. "Fu" means hide or ambush; "Bai" refers to the qi of the Lung metal nature. The name Fu Bai implies that the water vapor dissipating after absorbing heat at this point hides the cool-damp nature of Lung Metal qi. The substance here is cold-damp water vapor transmitted from Zhaohai (KI6). After absorbing heat at this point, the temperature rises and becomes cool-damp qi with the nature of Lung Metal; hence the name Fu Bai.
3) Changyang. "Chang" means prosperous; "Yang" means yang qi. The name Changyang implies that yang qi of the Kidney Meridian becomes prosperous only upon reaching this point. The substance here is cold-damp water vapor transmitted from Zhaohai (KI6). After absorbing heat at this point, it transforms into Heaven-level yang qi. The yang qi of the Kidney Meridian becomes flourishing here; hence the name Changyang.
4) Jing-River point of the Kidney Meridian. "Jing" means pass through, moving without staying. The substance here is Heaven-level yang qi that has absorbed heat and ascended. Passing through this point, it moves without staying; thus, it is the Jing-River point of the Kidney Meridian.
5) This point belongs to Metal. Belonging to Metal refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of qi-blood at this point. The substance here is Heaven-level yang qi of the Kidney Meridian, warm in nature, sharing the same nature as Lung Metal qi; therefore, it belongs to Metal.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is Heaven-level qi, warm in nature, sharing the same nature as Lung Metal qi.
Movement Pattern: After dissipating heat, it transfers horizontally along the Kidney Meridian to Jiaoxin (KI8).
Functions and Actions: Tonifies Kidney and benefits qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, reduce first then tonify, or tonify alone, or apply extensive moxibustion; for heat conditions, use reducing needle technique to vent pathogenic qi.
8 Jiaoxin (Intimate Connection) [KI8], Xi-Cleft point of Yin Qiao Mai.
Alias: Neijin.
Acupoint Meaning: Jing-qi of the Kidney Meridian connects to Sanyinjiao (SP6) here.
Name Explanation: 1) Jiaoxin. "Jiao" means communicate or exchange; "Xin" means information. The name Jiaoxin implies that Jing-qi of the Kidney Meridian communicates to Sanyinjiao (SP6) here. The qi-blood substance here is water-damp qi transmitted from Fuliù (KI7). Because it absorbs heat and disperses, becoming light in quality, it moves outward from this point to the Heaven level where the qi-blood of the Spleen Meridian resides; hence the name Jiaoxin.
2) Neijin. "Nei" is opposite to exterior, referring to the fact that the qi-blood substance connecting to Sanyinjiao (SP6) at this point originates from the interior where the Kidney Meridian resides; "Jin" corresponds to Liver wind. The name Neijin implies that the qi-blood at this point transmits from interior to exterior in the form of wind qi. The rationale is the same as the explanation for Jiaoxin.
3) Xi-Cleft point of Yin Qiao Mai. "Xi" means pore. This point is both an acupoint of the Kidney Meridian and of the Yin Qiao Mai. However, since the qi-blood at this point is cool-damp water vapor, and the qi-blood transmitting outward to the Spleen Meridian is that which has absorbed heat, the quantity is not large, resembling exiting from a pore; thus, it is the Xi-Cleft point of the Yin Qiao Mai.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is water-damp qi.
Movement Pattern: After absorbing heat, it moves horizontally outward to Sanyinjiao (SP6).
Functions and Actions: Disperses cold-dampness outward.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, reduce first then tonify, or tonify and apply moxibustion; for heat conditions, apply reduction.
9 Zubin (Nurturing Guest) [KI9], Xi-Cleft point of Yin Wei Mai.
Acupoint Meaning: Cool-damp water vapor, mixed and reorganized from the qi-blood of the Three Yin Meridities of the Foot, connects to the Kidney Meridian here.
Name Explanation: 1) Zubin. "Zhu" is a phonetic loan for "Zhu" (celebrate), meaning celebration; "Bin" means guest. The name Zubin implies that cool-damp water vapor, mixed and reorganized from the qi-blood of the Three Yin Meridities of the Foot, connects to the Kidney Meridian here. The qi-blood substance here is cool-damp water vapor transmitted from Sanyinjiao (SP6) (the qi-blood of the Three Yin Meridities of the Foot mixes at Sanyinjiao (SP6) and possesses neither hot-dry nor cold nature). Its nature is similar to Lung Metal qi. After transmitting into the Kidney Meridian, it is welcomed joyfully by the Kidney Meridian. This acupoint receives this qi-blood as if hosting a guest; hence the name Zubin.
2) Xi-Cleft point of Yin Wei Mai. "Xi" means pore. This point is both an acupoint of the Kidney Meridian and of the Yin Wei Mai. The qi-blood transmitted from Sanyinjiao (SP6) to this point is relatively fine and scarce, resembling transmission from a pore; thus, it is the Xi-Cleft point of the Yin Wei Mai.
Qi-Blood Characteristics: The qi-blood substance is cool-damp water vapor at the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: After dissipating heat, it moves horizontally downward to Yinggu (KI10).
Functions and Actions: Dissipates heat and lowers temperature.
Treatment Methods: For cold conditions, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat conditions, apply reduction.
10 Yinggu (Yin Valley) [KI10], He-Sea point, Water element.
Acupoint Meaning: Water-damp qi of the Kidney Meridian converges here and forms a large-scale water-damp cloud qi field.