KI4 Dazhong means 'Great Bell'

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

KI4 (Dazhong, “Dazhong means 'Great Bell'”) 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 the depression on the anterior border of the Achilles tendon, 0.5 cun inferior and slightly posterior to Taixi (KI3). It is located on the calcaneus, posterior to the talus. It tonifies the Kidney and strengthens the lower back, regulates the intestines, calms the spirit (Shen), clears deficiency heat, benefits the throat and moistens dryness, resolves damp-heat in the lower jiao.

Location

On the medial aspect of the ankle, in the depression on the anterior border of the Achilles tendon, 0.5 cun inferior and slightly posterior to Taixi (KI3). It is located on the calcaneus, posterior to the talus.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

TCM functions

Tonifies the Kidney and strengthens the lower back, regulates the intestines, calms the spirit (Shen), clears deficiency heat, benefits the throat and moistens dryness, resolves damp-heat in the lower jiao..

Indications

Abdominal fullness, abdominal distention, shortness of breath, difficult breathing, constipation, difficult defecation, urinary retention, urinary blockage, difficult urination, dribbling urination (qi lin), vomiting, vomiting with much cold, vexation and fullness of the heart with vomiting, coughing up blood, spitting blood, sore throat, dry tongue, food stuck in the throat, difficulty swallowing, fright and fear, unhappiness, desire to be alone, lassitude, lack of strength, lower back pain, stiffness and pain of the lumbar spine, malaria with more cold than heat, dementia..

Luo-Connecting point of the Kidney Meridian

Clinical notes

As the Luo-Connecting point of the Kidney channel, Dazhong is pivotal for treating conditions involving both the Kidney and its paired Bladder channel, particularly urinary issues like retention or dribbling. It addresses both deficiency (lower back pain, fear, desire to be alone) and excess (constipation, urinary blockage) patterns. Its pathway to the throat and tongue makes it a key distal point for chronic sore throat, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing due to Kidney yin deficiency.

On the Kidney Channel channel

KI4 is one of 27 points on the Kidney Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is KI4 located?

KI4 (Dazhong) is located on the medial aspect of the ankle, in the depression on the anterior border of the Achilles tendon, 0.5 cun inferior and slightly posterior to Taixi (KI3). It is located on the calcaneus, posterior to the talus.

What is KI4 used for?

KI4 tonifies the Kidney and strengthens the lower back, regulates the intestines, calms the spirit (Shen), clears deficiency heat, benefits the throat and moistens dryness, resolves damp-heat in the lower jiao. Common clinical indications include abdominal fullness, abdominal distention, shortness of breath, difficult breathing, constipation, difficult defecation, urinary retention, urinary blockage, difficult urination, dribbling urination (qi lin), vomiting, vomiting with much cold, vexation and fullness of the heart with vomiting, coughing up blood, spitting blood, sore throat, dry tongue, food stuck in the throat, difficulty swallowing, fright and fear, unhappiness, desire to be alone, lassitude, lack of strength, lower back pain, stiffness and pain of the lumbar spine, malaria with more cold than heat, dementia.

How is KI4 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

Which meridian is KI4 on?

KI4 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.