KI9 Guest House

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

KI9 (Zhubin, “Guest House”) is the Xi-cleft point of the Kidney Channel Meridian. It is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, 5 cun superior to KI3 (Taixi), at the lower border of the gastrocnemius muscle, on the line connecting KI3 and KI10 (Yingu). It calms the spirit, clears heat, detoxifies.

Location

On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 5 cun superior to KI3 (Taixi), at the lower border of the gastrocnemius muscle, on the line connecting KI3 and KI10 (Yingu).

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun.

TCM functions

Calms the spirit, clears heat, detoxifies.

Indications

Mental disorders, leg pain, hernia, vomiting, food poisoning.

Xi-cleftConfluent of Yinwei

Clinical notes

As the Xi-cleft point of the Kidney channel, KI9 is a powerful point for acute conditions and pain along the channel, but it is uniquely known for its ability to detoxify the body, especially from drug or food poisoning. It is also the confluent point of the Yinwei Mai, making it effective for psycho-emotional disorders, particularly anxiety and fear stemming from Yin deficiency. Clinically, it is often used for leg pain, mental restlessness, and as an empirical point for calming the fetus.

On the Kidney Channel channel

KI9 is one of 27 points on the Kidney Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is KI9 located?

KI9 (Zhubin) is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, 5 cun superior to KI3 (Taixi), at the lower border of the gastrocnemius muscle, on the line connecting KI3 and KI10 (Yingu).

What is KI9 used for?

KI9 calms the spirit, clears heat, detoxifies. Common clinical indications include mental disorders, leg pain, hernia, vomiting, food poisoning.

How is KI9 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun.

Which meridian is KI9 on?

KI9 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.