Kidney Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyīn Shènjīng, 足少阴肾经) is a primary channel in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, associated with the Water phase, Yin in polarity, interiorly-exteriorly paired with the Urinary Bladder. The Kidney channel governs the Kidneys' functions of storing Essence, governing birth, growth, reproduction, and development.
| Chinese | 足少阴肾经 |
| Pinyin | Zú Shàoyīn Shènjīng |
| Group | primary |
| Element | Water |
| Yin / Yang | Yin |
| Organ | Kidney |
| Paired organ | Urinary Bladder |
| Organ clock | 5 PM - 7 PM |
| Number of points | 27 |
The Kidney primary channel originates beneath the little toe, running obliquely to the sole of the foot (KI1). It ascends behind the medial malleolus, enters the heel, and continues up the medial aspect of the leg and thigh to the spine at L2. It enters the Kidneys, connects with the Bladder, and then ascends through the Liver and Diaphragm, entering the Lungs. From the Lungs, it follows the throat and terminates at the root of the tongue, with a branch separating from the Lungs to connect with the Heart and Pericardium.
The Kidney channel governs the Kidneys' functions of storing Essence, governing birth, growth, reproduction, and development. It also influences bone marrow, brain, bones, and hair, as well as water metabolism and the reception of Qi from the Lungs. It is crucial for the body's fundamental Yin and Yang.
Disorders manifest as lumbar pain, weakness or coldness of the lower limbs, impotence, frequent urination, edema, asthma, dry mouth, sore throat, and tinnitus. Emotional symptoms may include fear or lack of willpower, reflecting the Kidney's role in courage and determination.
The Kidney primary channel originates beneath the little toe, running obliquely to the sole of the foot (KI1). It ascends behind the medial malleolus, enters the heel, and continues up the medial aspect of the leg and thigh to the spine at L2. It enters the Kidneys, connects with the Bladder, and then ascends through the Liver and Diaphragm, entering the Lungs. From the Lungs, it follows the throat and terminates at the root of the tongue, with a branch separating from the Lungs to connect with the Heart and Pericardium.
The Kidney channel governs the Kidneys' functions of storing Essence, governing birth, growth, reproduction, and development. It also influences bone marrow, brain, bones, and hair, as well as water metabolism and the reception of Qi from the Lungs. It is crucial for the body's fundamental Yin and Yang.
The Kidney Channel Meridian has 27 acupuncture points, from KI1 to KI27.