KI9 Guest House

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

KI9 (Zhubin, “Guest House”) is the Xi-Cleft point of the Yin Linking Vessel (Yin Wei Mai) point of the Kidney Channel Meridian. It is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, 5 cun superior to the apex of the medial malleolus, on a line drawn from KI3 (Taixi) to KI10 (Yingu), at the lower end of the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle. It calms the spirit (Shen), resolves phlegm, regulates the Yin Linking Vessel (Yin Wei Mai).

Location

On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 5 cun superior to the apex of the medial malleolus, on a line drawn from KI3 (Taixi) to KI10 (Yingu), at the lower end of the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun deep.

TCM functions

Calms the spirit (Shen), resolves phlegm, regulates the Yin Linking Vessel (Yin Wei Mai)..

Indications

Mental derangement, mania, tongue thrusting, vomiting of foamy saliva, pain in the foot and lower leg..

Xi-Cleft point of the Yin Linking Vessel (Yin Wei Mai)

Clinical notes

As the Xi-Cleft point of the Yin Linking Vessel, Zhubin is a primary point for acute conditions involving this vessel, particularly psycho-emotional disorders. It is classically indicated for severe mental disturbances like mania and is used to calm the spirit, resolve phlegm that may be clouding the mind, and regulate Qi in the chest and heart region. Its location also makes it useful for local pain and cramping in the calf.

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 the apex of the medial malleolus, on a line drawn from KI3 (Taixi) to KI10 (Yingu), at the lower end of the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle.

What is KI9 used for?

KI9 calms the spirit (Shen), resolves phlegm, regulates the Yin Linking Vessel (Yin Wei Mai). Common clinical indications include mental derangement, mania, tongue thrusting, vomiting of foamy saliva, pain in the foot and lower leg.

How is KI9 needled?

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun deep.

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.