KI7 Returning Current

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

KI7 (Fuliu, “Returning Current”) is the Jing-River point point of the Kidney Channel Meridian. It is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, in a depression 2 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, anterior to the Achilles tendon. It tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, regulates water passages, resolves dampness and swelling, clears damp-heat, regulates sweating, strengthens the lumbar region.

Location

On the medial aspect of the lower leg, in a depression 2 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, anterior to the Achilles tendon.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

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TCM functions

Tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, regulates water passages, resolves dampness and swelling, clears damp-heat, regulates sweating, strengthens the lumbar region..

Indications

Intestinal rumbling, abdominal distention like a drum, diarrhea with pus and blood, tenesmus, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids with blood and swelling after defecation, five types of edema (swelling of the four limbs), five types of urinary strangury (lin syndrome), bloody urine, difficult urination, urinary incontinence, bone cold and heat, cold in the lower leg, foot atrophy preventing walking, lumbar and spinal pain with internal pulling, inability to bend, stand or sit, blurry vision, propensity to anger and excessive speech, dry tongue, stomach heat, drooling due to parasites, profuse sweating that does not stop, night sweats, tooth decay, weak or imperceptible pulse, cold feet, foot weakness and inability to walk..

Jing-River pointMetal point

Clinical notes

As the Jing-River and Metal point on the Kidney channel, Fuliu is a primary point for regulating water metabolism and sweating. It excels at treating edema, urinary disorders, and both spontaneous sweating (from Qi deficiency) and night sweats (from Yin deficiency). Its ability to tonify the Kidney makes it a crucial point for strengthening the lower back and treating chronic lumbar pain, especially when associated with Kidney deficiency.

On the Kidney Channel channel

KI7 is one of 27 points on the Kidney Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is KI7 located?

KI7 (Fuliu) is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, in a depression 2 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, anterior to the Achilles tendon.

What is KI7 used for?

KI7 tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, regulates water passages, resolves dampness and swelling, clears damp-heat, regulates sweating, strengthens the lumbar region. Common clinical indications include intestinal rumbling, abdominal distention like a drum, diarrhea with pus and blood, tenesmus, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids with blood and swelling after defecation, five types of edema (swelling of the four limbs), five types of urinary strangury (lin syndrome), bloody urine, difficult urination, urinary incontinence, bone cold and heat, cold in the lower leg, foot atrophy preventing walking, lumbar and spinal pain with internal pulling, inability to bend, stand or sit, blurry vision, propensity to anger and excessive speech, dry tongue, stomach heat, drooling due to parasites, profuse sweating that does not stop, night sweats, tooth decay, weak or imperceptible pulse, cold feet, foot weakness and inability to walk.

How is KI7 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution: The Qian Jin Yi Fang lists Fuliu among 15 points where needling is forbidden, stating it is 'greatly inauspicious'. However, all other sources cited, including the Su Wen, Zhen Jiu Ju Ying, and Zhen Jiu Da Cheng, provide specific needling instructions without caution, suggesting this was not a universally held prohibition.

Which meridian is KI7 on?

KI7 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.