Kidney Meridian

The Kidney Meridian begins on the bottom of the foot and runs all the way up to the top of the chest.

“The Kidneys store the vitality and mobilize the four extremities. They also aid the memory, willpower, and coordination.” – Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are of utmost importance as they store our Life Essence. Without Life Essence, there is no life, hence the importance of the Kidneys. The Kidney meridian and points along it are used to nourish and protect our Life Essence.

The Kidney (KD) meridian is the only meridian to have a point located on the bottom of the foot. This point is KD 1, called Yong Quan, or “Bubbling Spring.” There are 27 points on the external portion of the Kidney meridian. The last point, KD 27, is located just below the collar bone near the breast bone.

The Kidney Meridian

Because the Kidneys house our Life Essence there are many internal connections between the Kidneys and the other organs. For this reason, the internal pathway of the Kidney meridian connects with the bladder, liver, lungs, heart, diaphragm, throat, tongue, and lumbar (low back) vertebrae.

The Kidney meridian is one of the three Yin meridians on the leg.

In practice, I use this meridian and points along it, to nourish the Life Essence. Consolidating and nourishing the Life Essence is of particular importance during long term illnesses, when suffering from fatigue, and during the later years of life.

Famous Kidney Point

KD 3 Tai Xi Supreme Stream

KD 3 is the best point for nourishing and consolidating the Life Essence that is held in the Kidneys.  Simple to locate and easy to contact, KD 3 is my go to point for almost every session.

Locate KD 3

KD 3 is found halfway between the inner ankle bone and the Achilles Tendon.

KD 3, Tai Xi, “Supreme Stream”

There is always more to learn: find out how to locate and use three more Kidney Acupressure Points.