KI12 Dazhong

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

KI12 (Dazhong, “Dazhong”) is the Luo-Connecting point of the Kidney Meridian point of the Kidney Channel Meridian. It is located on the medial aspect of the ankle, in a depression posteroinferior to the medial malleolus, at the anterior border of the Achilles tendon, 0.5 cun posterior and slightly inferior to KI3 Taixi. It tonifies the Kidneys, strengthens the lower back, calms the spirit, clears deficiency heat, regulates urination, and benefits the throat and lungs.

Location

On the medial aspect of the ankle, in a depression posteroinferior to the medial malleolus, at the anterior border of the Achilles tendon, 0.5 cun posterior and slightly inferior to KI3 Taixi.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun.

TCM functions

Tonifies the Kidneys, strengthens the lower back, calms the spirit, clears deficiency heat, regulates urination, and benefits the throat and lungs..

Indications

Abdominal fullness, shortness of breath, constipation, difficult urination, urinary retention, urinary dribbling, blood in urine, lumbar and spinal pain, vexation and fullness, vomiting, coughing up blood, wheezing, throat constriction, dry tongue, dysphagia, fright and fear, mental dullness, disinclination to speak, lassitude, desire to stay indoors, malaria with more cold than heat, dementia, somnolence..

Luo-Connecting point of the Kidney Meridian

Clinical notes

As the Luo-Connecting point, Dazhong treats psycho-emotional disorders rooted in Kidney deficiency, such as fear, fright, and social withdrawal. It powerfully strengthens the connection between the Kidney and Bladder channels, making it a key point for urinary disorders like retention or dribbling, especially when there is a deficiency component. It also addresses chronic conditions involving both the source (Yuan) and connecting (Luo) aspects of the Kidney channel, such as chronic lower back pain or asthmatic breathing.

On the Kidney Channel channel

KI12 is one of 27 points on the Kidney Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is KI12 located?

KI12 (Dazhong) is located on the medial aspect of the ankle, in a depression posteroinferior to the medial malleolus, at the anterior border of the Achilles tendon, 0.5 cun posterior and slightly inferior to KI3 Taixi.

What is KI12 used for?

KI12 tonifies the Kidneys, strengthens the lower back, calms the spirit, clears deficiency heat, regulates urination, and benefits the throat and lungs. Common clinical indications include abdominal fullness, shortness of breath, constipation, difficult urination, urinary retention, urinary dribbling, blood in urine, lumbar and spinal pain, vexation and fullness, vomiting, coughing up blood, wheezing, throat constriction, dry tongue, dysphagia, fright and fear, mental dullness, disinclination to speak, lassitude, desire to stay indoors, malaria with more cold than heat, dementia, somnolence.

How is KI12 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun.

Which meridian is KI12 on?

KI12 is a point on the Kidney Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyīn Shènjīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.