KI13 Qi Hole

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

KI13 (Qixue, “Qi Hole”) is an acupuncture point on the Kidney Channel Meridian. It is located on the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline (at the level of Guanyuan, REN4). It regulates the Chong and Ren Mai, warms the Lower Jiao, tonifies Kidney Qi, regulates menstruation, and benefits the uterus.

Location

On the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline (at the level of Guanyuan, REN4).

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun.

TCM functions

Regulates the Chong and Ren Mai, warms the Lower Jiao, tonifies Kidney Qi, regulates menstruation, and benefits the uterus..

Indications

Irregular menstruation, infertility, abdominal pain, diarrhea, pain in the genitals, eye pain starting from the inner canthus, uterine bleeding..

Clinical notes

Qixue is a crucial point for gynecological and reproductive disorders due to its location and its role as a meeting point with the Chong Mai. It is frequently used for conditions like infertility, irregular menstruation, and dysmenorrhea, often in combination with other points on the Ren Mai and Kidney channel. Its action extends to treating lower abdominal pain and diarrhea by warming and regulating the Qi of the lower jiao.

On the Kidney Channel channel

KI13 is one of 27 points on the Kidney Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is KI13 located?

KI13 (Qixue) is located on the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline (at the level of Guanyuan, REN4).

What is KI13 used for?

KI13 regulates the Chong and Ren Mai, warms the Lower Jiao, tonifies Kidney Qi, regulates menstruation, and benefits the uterus. Common clinical indications include irregular menstruation, infertility, abdominal pain, diarrhea, pain in the genitals, eye pain starting from the inner canthus, uterine bleeding.

How is KI13 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun.

Which meridian is KI13 on?

KI13 is a point on the Kidney Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyīn Shènjīng).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ 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.