名解：1）阴谷。阴，阴性水湿也。谷，肉之大会也，两山所夹空隙也。阴谷名意指肾经的水湿之气在此汇合并形成大范围的水湿云气场。本穴物质为筑宾穴传来的水湿之气，行至本穴后聚集为水湿云气，水湿云气性寒冷，故名阴谷。
2)肾经合穴。合，汇合也。本穴为肾经的水湿之气汇合之处，故为肾经合穴。
3)本穴属水。属水，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为天之下部的水湿云气，性寒冷，表现出水的润下特征，故其属水。
气血特征：气血物质为天之下部的高浓度冷湿水气。
运行规律：大部分冷降归于地部，小部分吸热后循肾经上行。
功能作用：除降浊气。
治法：寒则点刺出血或灸之或泻之，热则水针或补之。
11横骨
别名：下极，屈骨，屈骨端，曲骨端。
穴义：肾经的水湿云气在此横向外传。
名解：1）横骨。横，指穴内物质为横向移动的风气也。骨，指穴内物质中富含骨所主的水液。横骨名意指肾经的水湿云气在此横向外传。本穴物质为阴谷穴横行传至的冷湿水气，至本穴后，因吸热胀散并横向传于穴外，外传的风气中富含水湿，故名横骨。
2)下极。下，指本穴位于胸腹的最下部。极，屋顶之意，指穴内物质为天部之气。下极名意指肾经气血在本穴达到了它所能上行的最高点。本穴物质为阴谷穴传来的寒湿水气，因其寒湿滞重要靠不断地吸热才能上行，而本穴则是肾经下部经脉气血上行所能到达的最高点，故名下极。
3)屈骨。屈，亏缺之意。骨，阴性水液也。屈骨名意指肾经气血由于本穴的向外散失而处于亏缺之状。本穴物质为阴谷穴传来的寒湿水气，量不大，至本穴后因受热而胀散并散失肾经之外，肾经气血因此更加亏缺，故名屈骨。屈骨端名意与屈骨近同，端指肾经吸热上行的气血在此到达顶端。
4)曲骨端。曲，隐秘也。骨，肾主的水液也。端，极点、尽头也。曲骨端名意指肾经吸热上行的水湿至此已到尽头。理同屈骨名解。
气血特征：气血物质为天部的水湿云气。
运行规律：受热后循肾经上传大赫穴及输散腹部各处。
功能作用：清热除燥。
治法：寒则先泻后补或泻之或灸，热则补之。
12大赫冲脉足少阴之会。
别名：阴维，阴关。
穴义：体内冲脉的高温高湿之气由本穴外传肾经。
名解：1）大赫。大，大也、盛也。赫，红如火烧十分显耀也。大赫名意指体内冲脉的高温高湿之气由本穴而出肾经。本穴物质为体内冲脉外出的高温高压水湿之气，因其高温而如火烧一般显耀，因其高压而气强劲盛大，故名大赫。
2)阴维。此名是从本穴的特定功能上而言的。本穴物质为冲脉外传的高温高压水气及横骨穴传来的寒湿水气，在冲脉强劲之气的带动下，横骨穴传来的寒湿水气由此输布胸腹各部，有维护胸腹阴面阴液的作用，故名阴维。
3)阴关。阴，阴液也。关关卡也。阴关名意指冲脉外输的强劲热只能带动本穴天部的水湿之气上行，而对穴内流行的地部经水则无此作用，阴性水液只能循肾经下行。
4)冲脉足少阴之会。理同大赫名解。
气血特征：气血物质为强劲的高温高压之气。
运行规律：循肾经上传。
功能作用：散热生气。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
13气穴冲脉足少阴之会。
别名：胞门，子户。
穴义：肾经冲脉气血在此变为和缓的热气。
名解：1）气穴。气穴，穴内物质为气态物也。本穴物质为大赫穴传来的高温高压水气，至本穴后，快速强劲的高温高压水气势弱缓行并扩散为温热之性的气态物，故名气穴。
2)胞门。胞，胞宫也。门，出入的门户也。胞门名意指胞宫的外输气血由此外出冲脉。本穴物质为天部的温热之气，此气来源于胞宫，在本穴开始向冲脉以外传输，是冲脉气血外出的主要门户，故名胞宫。子户名意与胞宫同。
3)冲脉足少阴之会。本穴物质既有肾经气血又有冲脉气血，故为冲脉足少阴之会。
气血特征：气血物质为热性水气。
运行规律：循肾经上传及散输小腹各部。
功能作用：补益冲任。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
14四满冲脉足少阴之会。
别名：髓府，髓中，髓海。
穴义：肾经冲脉气血在此散热冷凝。
名解：1）四满。四，四面八方也。满，充斥、充满也。四满名意指肾经冲脉气血在此散热冷凝、充斥穴内各个空间。本穴物质为气穴穴传来的热性水气，水气上行至此后热散冷凝化为雾状水滴并充满穴周，故名四满。
2)髓府。髓，肾之精也，寒性水湿之气也。府，府宅也。髓府名意指肾经冲脉气血在此化为寒湿水气。本穴物质为气穴穴传来的热性水气，至本穴后热性水气散热冷凝而变为寒性水气，故名髓府。髓中、髓海名意与髓府同。
3)冲脉足少阴之会。本穴物质既有肾经气血又有冲脉气血，故为冲脉足少阴之会。
气血特征：气血物质为天部的寒湿水气。
运行规律：散热冷降下行于中注穴。
功能作用：除湿降浊。
治法：寒则先泻后补或点刺出血或灸之，热则水针或补之。
15中注冲脉足少阴之会。
穴义：肾经冲脉经水由此注入体内。
名解：1）中注。中，与外相对，指里部。注，注入也。中注名意指肾经冲脉的冷降经水由此注入体内。本穴物质为四满穴传来水津湿气，至本穴后则散热冷降为地部经水并由本穴的地部孔隙注入体内，故名中注。
2)冲脉足少阴之会。本穴物质既有肾经气血又有冲脉气血，故为冲脉足少阴之会。
气血特征：气血物质为地部经水。
运行规律：由地之表部注入地之地部。
功能作用：利湿健脾。
治法：寒则通之或点刺出血或先泻后补或灸之，热则补之或水针。
16肓俞冲脉足少阴之会。
别名：盲俞，子户。
穴义：胞宫中的膏脂之物由此外输体表。
名解：1）肓俞。肓，心下膈膜也，此指穴内物质为膏脂之类。俞，输也。肓俞名意指胞宫中的膏脂之物由此外输体表。本穴物质为来自胞宫中的膏脂之物，膏脂之物由本穴的地部孔隙外输体表，故名肓俞（何以知本穴物质来自胞宫？其理如下。本穴位居脐旁，而脐则为人体胸腹部体表的重力场中心，本穴外输的气血物质必定是来自与之全息对应的体内重力场中心附近脏器。体内的重力场中心为二肾，相邻的脏器有胞宫和膀胱，但本穴位于冲脉，这就决定了本穴的气血物质是来自胞宫而非膀胱）。
2)盲俞。盲，昏暗之意，指穴内外输的气血物质为膏脂，混浊不清，有别于肾经经水应有的清也。俞，输也。盲俞名意指本穴气血为胞宫外传的膏脂之物。理同肓俞名解。子户名意与盲俞同。
3)冲脉足少阴之会。本穴物质既有肾经气血又有冲脉气血，故为冲脉足少阴之会。
气血特征：气血物质为膏脂之物。
运行规律：散热冷凝并输散于腹表各部。
功能作用：积脂散热。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则深刺而泻。
17商曲冲脉足少阴之会。
别名：高曲，商谷。
穴义：肾经冲脉气血在此吸热后缓慢上行。
名解：1）商曲。商，漏刻也。曲，隐秘也。商曲名意指肾经冲脉气血在此吸热后缓慢上行。本穴物质为肓俞以下各穴上行的水湿之气，至本穴后散热冷缩，少部分水气吸热后特经上行，如从漏刻中传出不易被人觉察，故名商曲。
2)高曲。高，高处也，天部之气也。曲，隐秘也。高曲名意指肾经冲脉的水气在此吸热后缓慢上行。理同商曲名解。
3)商谷。商，漏刻也。谷，两山所夹空隙也。商谷名意指本穴穴周范围内的寒湿水气吸热后皆由本穴上行。
4)冲脉足少阴之会。本穴物质既有肾经气血又有冲脉气血，故为冲脉足少阴之会。
气血特征：气血物质为温性水气。
运行规律：循肾经横传石关穴。
功能作用：运化水湿，清热降温。
治法：寒则点刺出血或先泻后补，热则补之。
18石关冲脉足少阴之会。
别名：石阙，石门，食关。
穴义：肾经冲脉气血在此冷降为地部水液。
名解：1）石关。石，肾所主的水也。关，关卡也。石关名意指肾经冲脉气血在此冷降为地部水液。本穴物质为商曲穴传来的水湿之气，至本穴后散热冷降为地部水液，地部水液不能循肾经上行，故名石关。石门名意与石关同。
2)石阙。石，肾所主之水也。阙，碑坊标记之意。石阙名意指肾经冲脉的冷降水液在此停止不能前行。理同石关名解。
3)食关。食，胃所受之五谷也，此指脾土物质。关，关卡也。食关名意指随冲脉气血上扬的脾土尘埃在此冷降不能上行。理同石关名解。
4)冲脉足少阴之会。本穴物质既有肾经气血又有冲脉气血，故为冲脉足少阴之会。
气血特征：气血物质为天部的水湿之气及地部的冷降经水。
运行规律：水湿之气少部分吸热后循肾经上行，大部分散热后冷降归地，地部经水则循肾经下行。
功能作用：升清降浊。
治法：寒则点刺出血或先泻后补或灸之，热则水针或补之。
19阴都冲脉足少阴之会。
别名：食宫，通关，不宫。
穴义：肾经冲脉的上行水气在此集散。
名解：1）阴都。阴，阴凉水湿也。都，都市也。阴都名意指肾经冲脉的上行水气在此集散。本穴物质为石关穴吸热上行的水湿之气，至本穴后为云集之状，穴外气血不断地聚集本穴同时又不断地向外疏散，本穴如有都市的聚散作用，故名阴都。
2)食宫。食，胃所受之五谷也，此指脾土物质。宫，宫殿也，大的居住地也。食宫名意指随肾经冲脉气血上行的脾土尘埃在此冷降归地。本穴物质为石关穴吸热上行的水湿之气，至本穴后散热冷降归于地部，随冲脉气血上扬的脾土尘埃亦回落地部，如同回到脾土应有的居住之地，故名食宫。
3)通关。通，通过也。关，关卡也。通关名意指肾经冲脉的水湿之气在此仍有部分吸热上行。本穴物质为石关穴传来的水湿之气，性寒湿，其变化主要是散热冷降，因此寒湿水气大部分不能循肾经继续上行，只有小部分水气吸热后循肾经上行并保持肾经气血的流畅传递，此部分上行气血如闯关而行一般，故名通关。
4)不宫。不，否定词，否定之意。宫，宫殿也。不宫名意指本穴冷降于地的脾土尘埃不能存留穴内。如食宫之名解，本穴天部的脾土尘埃冷降归地后，由于肾经上部经脉有经水经本穴下传，本穴的降地脾土无法存留穴内，故名不宫。
5)冲脉足少阴之会。本穴物质既有肾经气血又有冲脉气血，故为冲脉足少阴之会。
气血特征：气血物质为凉湿水气。
运行规律：大部分冷降后下走腹通谷穴，小部分吸热后上行天部。
功能作用：降浊升清。
治法：寒则点刺出血或先泻后补或灸之，热则补之或水针。
20腹通谷冲脉足少阴之会。
别名：通骨。
穴义：肾经冲脉之气在此冷降后漏落腹内。
名解：1）腹通谷。腹，指本穴位于腹部。通，通道、通孔也。谷，两山间的凹陷处也。腹通谷名意指肾经冲脉气血在此散热冷降为经水后注入地之地部。本穴物质为阴都穴传来的水湿之气，至本穴后散热冷降而成为地部经水，经水由本穴的地部孔隙注入地之地部，故名腹通谷。
2)通骨。通，通孔、通道也。骨，肾主之水也。通骨名意指肾经冲脉之气在此冷降为经水后由本穴的地部孔隙回流肾脏的水液聚集之地。理同腹通谷名解。
3)冲脉足少阴之会。本穴物质既有肾经气血又有冲脉气血，故为冲脉足少阴之会。
气血特征：气血物质为气态物冷降的地部水液。
运行规律：由本穴的地之表部注入体内。
功能作用：清降浊气，健脾除湿。
治法：寒则通之或点刺出血或先泻后补或灸之，热则补之或水针。
21幽门冲脉足少阴之会。
别名：上门，上关，幽关。
穴义：肾经冲脉的寒湿水气在此吸热后极少部分循经上行。
名解：1)幽门。幽，深长、隐秘或阴暗的通道。门，出入的门户。幽门名意指肾经冲脉的寒湿水气在此吸热后极少部分循经上行。本穴物质为腹通谷穴传来的寒湿水气，因其性寒湿滞重，至本穴后，在外部传入之热的作用下只有极少部分水湿循经上行，肾经冲脉气血从此由寒湿之性转而变温热之性，故名幽门。幽关名意与幽门同。
2)上门。上，上行也。门，出入的门户也。上门名意指肾经冲脉的寒湿水气在此吸热上行。理同幽门名解。上关名意与上门同，关指穴内滞重的水湿被关卡于下，只有轻质之气循经上行。
3)冲脉足少阴之会。本穴物质既有肾经气血又有冲脉气血，故为冲脉足少阴之会。
气血特征：气血物质为寒湿水气。
运行规律：大部分寒湿水气散热冷降，小部分则吸热循经上行。
功能作用：升清降浊。
治法：寒则先泻后补或点刺出血或灸，热则补针。
22步廊
别名：步郎。
穴义：肾经上传的湿冷水气在此吸热后化风上行。
[Explanation of Names]
1) Yingu (KI10). Yin refers to the cold and damp pathogenic factors. Gu refers to the large convergence of muscles, specifically the gap between two mountains. The name Yingu indicates that the water-damp qi of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian converges here to form a large-scale field of water-damp cloud qi. The substance of this acupoint is the water-damp qi transmitted from Zhubin (KI9). Upon reaching this point, it gathers into water-damp cloud qi. Since this cloud qi is cold in nature, it is named Yingu.
2) He-Sea Point of the Kidney Meridian. He means convergence. This point is where the water-damp qi of the Kidney Meridian converges; therefore, it is designated as the He-Sea point of the Kidney Meridian.
3) Element Water. "Belonging to Water" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of the qi and blood substances at this point. The substance here is water-damp cloud qi from the lower part of the heavens, which is cold in nature and exhibits the moistening and downward-flowing characteristics of Water; thus, its element is Water.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: High-concentration cold and damp water vapor from the lower part of the heavens.
Movement Pattern: Most of it descends coldly to the Earth Level (lower body), while a small portion absorbs heat and ascends along the Kidney Meridian.
Functions: Clears and descends turbid qi.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, use pricking to bleed, moxibustion, or reducing method; for Heat patterns, use aquapuncture or tonifying method.
11 Henggu (KI11)
Aliases: Xiaji, Qugu, Quguduan, Qugu Duan.
Acupoint Meaning: The water-damp cloud qi of the Kidney Meridian transmits horizontally outward here.
Explanation of Names:
1) Henggu. Heng refers to the wind-like qi moving horizontally within the acupoint. Gu refers to the fluid governed by the Kidneys contained within the substance. The name Henggu implies that the water-damp cloud qi of the Kidney Meridian transmits horizontally outward here. The substance is cold and damp water vapor transmitted horizontally from Yingu (KI10). Upon arrival, it expands due to heat absorption and transmits horizontally outside the acupoint. The outgoing wind contains abundant moisture, hence the name Henggu.
2) Xiaji. Xia means the lowest part, referring to the location at the lowest section of the chest and abdomen. Ji means roof, referring to the Qi at the Heaven Level. The name Xiaji indicates that the Kidney Meridian qi and blood reach their highest possible ascending point at this acupoint. The substance is cold and damp water vapor from Yingu (KI10). Due to its heavy and stagnant cold-damp nature, it requires continuous heat absorption to ascend. This point represents the highest limit of ascent for the lower meridian qi of the Kidney Meridian, hence the name Xiaji.
3) Qugu. Qu means deficiency or lack. Gu refers to Yin-type fluids. The name Qugu indicates that the Kidney Meridian qi and blood are in a state of deficiency due to dispersion outward from this point. The substance is cold and damp water vapor from Yingu (KI10), which is scant in quantity. Upon reaching this point, it expands due to heat and dissipates outside the Kidney Meridian, causing further deficiency of the meridian's qi and blood, hence the name Qugu. The name Quguduan is similar to Qugu; Duan indicates the peak where the heat-absorbing ascending qi reaches its top.
4) Qugu Duan. Qu means hidden or secret. Gu refers to the fluid governed by the Kidneys. Duan means extremity or end. The name Qugu Duan implies that the heat-absorbing ascending water-damp qi of the Kidney Meridian reaches its end here. The rationale is the same as for Qugu.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Water-damp cloud qi at the Heaven Level.
Movement Pattern: After absorbing heat, it ascends along the Kidney Meridian to Dahé (KI12) and disperses throughout the abdomen.
Functions: Clears heat and removes dryness.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, reduce first then tonify, or reduce, or apply moxibustion; for Heat patterns, tonify.
12 Dahé (KI13) [Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin]
Aliases: Yinwei, Yiguan.
Acupoint Meaning: High-temperature and high-humidity qi from the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) exits this point to transmit to the Kidney Meridian.
Explanation of Names:
1) Dahé. Da means large or abundant. He means red like fire burning, very conspicuous. The name Dahé indicates that high-temperature and high-humidity qi from the Chong Mai exits this point to enter the Kidney Meridian. The substance is high-temperature and high-pressure water-damp qi exiting the Chong Mai. Its high temperature makes it conspicuous like fire, and its high pressure makes the qi powerful and abundant, hence the name Dahé.
2) Yinwei. This name describes the specific function of the point. The substance consists of high-temperature and high-pressure water qi from the Chong Mai and cold-damp water qi from Henggu (KI11). Driven by the strong qi of the Chong Mai, the cold-damp qi from Henggu is distributed to various parts of the chest and abdomen, helping to maintain the Yin fluids on the Yin surfaces of the chest and abdomen, hence the name Yinwei.
3) Yiguan. Yin refers to Yin fluids. Guan refers to a checkpoint or pass. The name Yiguan indicates that the strong heat transmitted from the Chong Mai can only drive the water-damp qi at the Heaven Level upward, but has no such effect on the channel water flowing at the Earth Level. Yin-type fluids can only descend along the Kidney Meridian.
4) Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. The rationale is the same as for Dahé.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Powerful, high-temperature, and high-pressure qi.
Movement Pattern: Ascends along the Kidney Meridian.
Functions: Dissipates heat and generates qi.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, tonify and apply moxibustion; for Heat patterns, reduce by releasing qi through the needle.
13 Qixue (KI14) [Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin]
Aliases: Baomen, Zihu.
Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai transform into gentle warm qi here.
Explanation of Names:
1) Qixue. Qixue refers to the substance within the acupoint being gaseous. The substance is high-temperature and high-pressure water qi transmitted from Dahé (KI13). Upon reaching this point, the rapid and strong high-temperature/high-pressure water qi weakens, slows down, and diffuses into a warm gaseous state, hence the name Qixue.
2) Baomen. Bao refers to the Uterus (Baogong). Men refers to a gateway for entry and exit. The name Baomen indicates that the qi and blood output from the Uterus exit here to the Chong Mai. The substance is warm qi at the Heaven Level, originating from the Uterus. It begins transmitting outward to the Chong Mai at this point, serving as the main gateway for Chong Mai qi and blood to exit, hence the name Baomen. (Note: Original text says "named Baogong", context implies Baomen). The name Zihu has the same meaning as Baomen.
3) Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. The substance contains both Kidney Meridian qi/blood and Chong Mai qi/blood, thus it is the meeting point of the Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Warm-type water vapor.
Movement Pattern: Ascends along the Kidney Meridian and disperses to various parts of the lower abdomen.
Functions: Tonifies the Chong and Ren Mai.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, tonify and apply moxibustion; for Heat patterns, reduce by releasing qi through the needle.
14 Siman (KI15) [Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin]
Aliases: Suifu, Suizhong, Suihai.
Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai dissipate heat and condense here.
Explanation of Names:
1) Siman. Si means four directions/everywhere. Man means full or filling. The name Siman indicates that the qi and blood of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai dissipate heat, condense, and fill all spaces within the acupoint. The substance is warm water vapor transmitted from Qixue (KI14). As it ascends to this point, heat dissipates, condensing into mist-like water droplets that fill the area around the acupoint, hence the name Siman.
2) Suifu. Sui refers to the essence of the Kidneys and cold-damp water-dry qi. Fu refers to a residence or mansion. The name Suifu indicates that the qi and blood of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai transform into cold-damp water vapor here. The substance is warm water vapor from Qixue (KI14). Upon arrival, it dissipates heat and condenses into cold water vapor, hence the name Suifu. The names Suizhong and Suihai have the same meaning as Suifu.
3) Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. The substance contains both Kidney Meridian qi/blood and Chong Mai qi/blood, thus it is the meeting point of the Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Cold-damp water vapor at the Heaven Level.
Movement Pattern: Dissipates heat and descends coldly to Zhongzhu (KI16).
Functions: Removes dampness and descends turbidity.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, reduce first then tonify, or prick to bleed, or apply moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use aquapuncture or tonify.
15 Zhongzhu (KI16) [Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin]
Acupoint Meaning: Channel water of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai injects into the interior here.
Explanation of Names:
1) Zhongzhu. Zhong means inside, opposite to outside. Zhu means injection or pouring. The name Zhongzhu indicates that the cold-descending channel water of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai injects into the interior here. The substance is water moisture and damp qi transmitted from Siman (KI15). Upon reaching this point, it dissipates heat, descends coldly, becomes channel water at the Earth Level, and injects into the interior through the pores at the Earth Level of this acupoint, hence the name Zhongzhu.
2) Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. The substance contains both Kidney Meridian qi/blood and Chong Mai qi/blood, thus it is the meeting point of the Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Channel water at the Earth Level.
Movement Pattern: Injects from the surface of the Earth Level to the interior of the Earth Level.
Functions: Promotes diuresis to benefit dampness and strengthens the Spleen.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, unblock, or prick to bleed, or reduce first then tonify, or apply moxibustion; for Heat patterns, tonify or use aquapuncture.
16 Huangshu (KI17) [Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin]
Aliases: Mangshu, Zihu.
Acupoint Meaning: Fatty substances from the Uterus are transported outward to the body surface here.
Explanation of Names:
1) Huangshu. Huang refers to the diaphragm below the heart, indicating that the substance within the acupoint is fatty material. Shu means transport. The name Huangshu indicates that fatty substances from the Uterus are transported outward to the body surface here. The substance is fatty material from the Uterus, which exits to the body surface through the pores at the Earth Level of this acupoint, hence the name Huangshu. (How do we know the substance comes from the Uterus? Reason: This point is located beside the umbilicus, which is the center of gravity field on the surface of the chest and abdomen. The qi and blood exported must come from organs near the corresponding internal gravity field center. The internal gravity center is the two Kidneys; adjacent organs are the Uterus and Bladder. However, since this point belongs to the Chong Mai, it determines that the substance comes from the Uterus, not the Bladder).
2) Mangshu. Mang means dark or dim, referring to the exported qi and blood being fatty and turbid, distinct from the clear nature of normal Kidney Meridian channel water. Shu means transport. The name Mangshu indicates that the qi and blood here are fatty substances exported from the Uterus. The rationale is the same as for Huangshu. The name Zihu is the same as Mangshu.
3) Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. The substance contains both Kidney Meridian qi/blood and Chong Mai qi/blood, thus it is the meeting point of the Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Fatty substances.
Movement Pattern: Dissipates heat, condenses, and disperses to various parts of the abdominal surface.
Functions: Accumulates fat and dissipates heat.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, tonify and apply moxibustion; for Heat patterns, deep puncture and reduce.
17 Shangqu (KI18) [Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin]
Aliases: Gaoqu, Shanggu.
Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai absorb heat and ascend slowly here.
Explanation of Names:
1) Shangqu. Shang refers to a clepsydra (water clock). Qu means hidden. The name Shangqu indicates that the qi and blood of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai absorb heat and ascend slowly here. The substance is water-damp qi ascending from points below Huangshu (KI17). Upon reaching this point, it cools and shrinks due to heat dissipation. A small portion absorbs heat and ascends specially, imperceptible like water dripping from a clepsydra, hence the name Shangqu.
2) Gaoqu. Gao means high place or Heaven Level Qi. Qu means hidden. The name Gaoqu indicates that the water qi of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai absorbs heat and ascends slowly here. The rationale is the same as for Shangqu.
3) Shanggu. Shang refers to a clepsydra. Gu refers to the gap between two mountains. The name Shanggu indicates that the cold-damp water vapor in the vicinity of this acupoint absorbs heat and ascends through this point.
4) Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. The substance contains both Kidney Meridian qi/blood and Chong Mai qi/blood, thus it is the meeting point of the Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Warm-type water vapor.
Movement Pattern: Transmits horizontally along the Kidney Meridian to Shiguan (KI19).
Functions: Transforms and transports water-dampness, clears heat and lowers temperature.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, prick to bleed or reduce first then tonify; for Heat patterns, tonify.
18 Shiguan (KI19) [Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin]
Aliases: Shique, Shimen, Shiguan (Food Pass).
Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai cool and descend into channel water at the Earth Level here.
Explanation of Names:
1) Shiguan. Shi refers to water governed by the Kidneys. Guan refers to a checkpoint. The name Shiguan indicates that the qi and blood of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai cool and descend into channel water at the Earth Level here. The substance is water-damp qi transmitted from Shangqu (KI18). Upon arrival, it dissipates heat and descends coldly into channel water at the Earth Level. Since Earth Level water cannot ascend along the Kidney Meridian, it is named Shiguan. The name Shimen has the same meaning as Shiguan.
2) Shique. Shi refers to water governed by the Kidneys. Que refers to a stone tablet or marker. The name Shique indicates that the cold-descending channel water of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai stops here and cannot proceed. The rationale is the same as for Shiguan.
3) Shiguan (Food Pass). Shi refers to the five grains received by the Stomach, representing Spleen Earth substances. Guan refers to a checkpoint. The name Shiguan indicates that Spleen Earth dust carried upward by Chong Mai qi cools and descends here and cannot ascend. The rationale is the same as for Shiguan.
4) Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. The substance contains both Kidney Meridian qi/blood and Chong Mai qi/blood, thus it is the meeting point of the Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Water-damp qi at the Heaven Level and cold-descending channel water at the Earth Level.
Movement Pattern: A small portion of water-damp qi absorbs heat and ascends along the Kidney Meridian; most dissipates heat, descends coldly, and returns to the Earth. Channel water at the Earth Level descends along the Kidney Meridian.
Functions: Raises clear yang and descends turbid yin.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, prick to bleed, or reduce first then tonify, or apply moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use aquapuncture or tonify.
19 Yindu (KI20) [Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin]
Aliases: Shigong, Tongguan, Bugong.
Acupoint Meaning: The ascending water qi of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai gathers and disperses here.
Explanation of Names:
1) Yindu. Yin refers to cool, shady water-dampness. Du refers to a metropolis. The name Yindu indicates that the ascending water qi of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai gathers and disperses here. The substance is water-damp qi ascending with heat from Shiguan (KI19). Upon arrival, it resembles gathered clouds. External qi and blood continuously gather at this point and simultaneously disperse outward. The point acts like a city with gathering and dispersing functions, hence the name Yindu.
2) Shigong. Shi refers to the five grains received by the Stomach, representing Spleen Earth substances. Gong refers to a palace or large residence. The name Shigong indicates that Spleen Earth dust carried upward by the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai cools and descends to the Earth Level here. The substance is water-damp qi ascending with heat from Shiguan (KI19). Upon arrival, it dissipates heat and descends coldly to the Earth Level. Spleen Earth dust carried by Chong Mai qi also falls back to the Earth Level, returning to its proper residence, hence the name Shigong.
3) Tongguan. Tong means through or pass. Guan means checkpoint. The name Tongguan indicates that some water-damp qi of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai still absorbs heat and ascends here. The substance is water-damp qi from Shiguan (KI19), which is cold and damp. Its primary change is heat dissipation and cold descent. Therefore, most cold-damp water vapor cannot continue ascending along the Kidney Meridian. Only a small portion absorbs heat, ascends, and maintains smooth transmission of Kidney Meridian qi and blood. This ascending portion moves like passing through a checkpoint, hence the name Tongguan.
4) Bugong. Bu means negation. Gong refers to a palace. The name Bugong indicates that Spleen Earth dust cooled and descended to the Earth Level at this point cannot remain within the acupoint. As explained under Shigong, after the Spleen Earth dust at the Heaven Level descends to the Earth, because channel water from the upper Kidney Meridian passes downward through this point, the descending Spleen Earth dust cannot stay, hence the name Bugong.
5) Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. The substance contains both Kidney Meridian qi/blood and Chong Mai qi/blood, thus it is the meeting point of the Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Cool and damp water vapor.
Movement Pattern: Most descends coldly and flows downward to Futonggu (KI21); a small portion absorbs heat and ascends to the Heaven Level.
Functions: Descends turbidity and raises clarity.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, prick to bleed, or reduce first then tonify, or apply moxibustion; for Heat patterns, tonify or use aquapuncture.
20 Futonggu (KI21) [Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin]
Aliases: Tonggu.
Acupoint Meaning: The qi of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai cools and descends here, leaking into the abdomen.
Explanation of Names:
1) Futonggu. Fu refers to the abdomen, indicating the point's location. Tong means channel or hole. Gu refers to the depression between two mountains. The name Futonggu indicates that the qi and blood of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai dissipate heat, cool and descend into channel water, and inject into the interior of the Earth Level here. The substance is water-damp qi transmitted from Yindu (KI20). Upon arrival, it dissipates heat and descends coldly to become channel water at the Earth Level. This water injects into the interior of the Earth Level through the pores at the Earth Level of this acupoint, hence the name Futonggu.
2) Tonggu. Tong means hole or channel. Gu refers to water governed by the Kidneys. The name Tonggu indicates that the qi of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai cools and descends into channel water here, which then returns through the Earth Level pores to the accumulation site of Kidney fluids. The rationale is the same as for Futonggu.
3) Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. The substance contains both Kidney Meridian qi/blood and Chong Mai qi/blood, thus it is the meeting point of the Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Ground-level liquid formed by the cooling of gaseous substances.
Movement Pattern: Injects into the interior from the surface of the Earth Level at this point.
Functions: Clears and descends turbid qi, strengthens the Spleen and removes dampness.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, unblock, or prick to bleed, or reduce first then tonify, or apply moxibustion; for Heat patterns, tonify or use aquapuncture.
21 Youmen (KI22) [Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin]
Aliases: Shangmen, Shangguan, Youguan.
Acupoint Meaning: Very little of the cold-damp water qi of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai absorbs heat and ascends along the channel here.
Explanation of Names:
1) Youmen. You means deep, long, hidden, or dark passage. Men means gateway. The name Youmen indicates that very little of the cold-damp water qi of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai absorbs heat and ascends along the channel here. The substance is cold-damp water qi transmitted from Futonggu (KI21). Due to its heavy, stagnant cold-damp nature, only a tiny fraction absorbs external heat and ascends along the channel upon reaching this point. From here, the qi and blood of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai shift from cold-damp nature to warm nature, hence the name Youmen. The name Youguan has the same meaning as Youmen.
2) Shangmen. Shang means ascending. Men means gateway. The name Shangmen indicates that the cold-damp water qi of the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai absorbs heat and ascends here. The rationale is the same as for Youmen. The name Shangguan is the same as Shangmen; Guan indicates that the heavy, stagnant water-dampness is blocked below, allowing only light qi to ascend along the channel.
3) Meeting of Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. The substance contains both Kidney Meridian qi/blood and Chong Mai qi/blood, thus it is the meeting point of the Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Cold-damp water vapor.
Movement Pattern: Most of the cold-damp water vapor dissipates heat and descends coldly; a small portion absorbs heat and ascends along the channel.
Functions: Raises clear yang and descends turbid yin.
Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, reduce first then tonify, or prick to bleed, or apply moxibustion; for Heat patterns, tonifying needle.
22 Bulang (KI23)
Alias: Bulang.
Acupoint Meaning: The cold-damp water vapor ascending along the Kidney Meridian absorbs heat here and transforms into wind to ascend.