KI3 Taixi

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

KI3 (Taixi, “Taixi”) is the Shu-Stream point of the Kidney Channel Meridian. It is located in a depression on the superior aspect of the calcaneus, posterior to the medial malleolus, where the pulsation of the posterior tibial artery can be felt. It tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, anchors the Qi, strengthens the lumbar spine and knees, clears deficiency heat, and regulates the lower jiao.

Location

In a depression on the superior aspect of the calcaneus, posterior to the medial malleolus, where the pulsation of the posterior tibial artery can be felt.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. The posterior tibial artery and nerve are deep to this point, so care must be taken.

TCM functions

Tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, anchors the Qi, strengthens the lumbar spine and knees, clears deficiency heat, and regulates the lower jiao..

Indications

Cholera with uncontrolled diarrhea, abdominal masses (pi), abdominal accumulations (zheng), hernia-like disorders (shan), malaria with more cold and less heat, vomiting, cough, heart pain like being pricked by a needle or awl, spleen-related heart pain, mouth heat, dry tongue, dry throat, difficult defecation, yellow urine, breast abscess, swelling and pain of the inner thigh, foot heat and pain, impotence, seminal emission, irregular menstruation, infertility, uterine bleeding, postpartum disorders, lumbar pain, pain in the spine and inner thigh, lassitude, somnolence, coldness of the lower body, swelling and pain of the ankle..

Shu-StreamYuan-SourceEarth Point

Clinical notes

As the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point of the Kidney channel, Taixi is a primary point for diagnosing and treating any condition related to Kidney deficiency. It is exceptionally versatile, capable of tonifying both Kidney Yin and Yang, making it fundamental in treating chronic diseases, developmental issues, and problems of aging. Its ability to grasp Qi from the Lungs makes it essential for chronic asthma, while its influence on the lower jiao addresses a wide range of urinary, reproductive, and lumbar disorders.

On the Kidney Channel channel

KI3 is one of 27 points on the Kidney Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is KI3 located?

KI3 (Taixi) is located in a depression on the superior aspect of the calcaneus, posterior to the medial malleolus, where the pulsation of the posterior tibial artery can be felt.

What is KI3 used for?

KI3 tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, anchors the Qi, strengthens the lumbar spine and knees, clears deficiency heat, and regulates the lower jiao. Common clinical indications include cholera with uncontrolled diarrhea, abdominal masses (pi), abdominal accumulations (zheng), hernia-like disorders (shan), malaria with more cold and less heat, vomiting, cough, heart pain like being pricked by a needle or awl, spleen-related heart pain, mouth heat, dry tongue, dry throat, difficult defecation, yellow urine, breast abscess, swelling and pain of the inner thigh, foot heat and pain, impotence, seminal emission, irregular menstruation, infertility, uterine bleeding, postpartum disorders, lumbar pain, pain in the spine and inner thigh, lassitude, somnolence, coldness of the lower body, swelling and pain of the ankle.

How is KI3 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. The posterior tibial artery and nerve are deep to this point, so care must be taken.

Which meridian is KI3 on?

KI3 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.