When to use: early evening, when you feel chilly or have an achy low back, for hair care, or after a warm foot soak before bed.
| Element | Water |
|---|---|
| Organ | Kidney |
| Paired with | Bladder Meridian |
| Peak hours | 5–7 p.m. (You hour) |
| Number of points | 27 |
| Starts at | Yong Quan (KI1) |
| Ends at | Shu Fu (KI27) |
| Pathway type | Three Yin of the Foot · foot to abdomen |
| Emotion | Fear |
| Color | Black |
The pathway
Begins at Yong Quan (KI1) on the sole of the foot, circles behind the inner ankle at Tai Xi (KI3), rises along the back inner edge of the lower leg and thigh, enters the abdomen (0.5 cun from the midline) and chest (2 cun from the midline), and ends at Shu Fu (KI27) just below the collarbone.
Its hour on the meridian clock
5–7 p.m. (You hour) · Hexagram Guan (Contemplation). Yin is gathering strength. Slow your pace, and keep dinner warm and light.
Key points
- Five transporting points: Yong Quan (KI1), Ran Gu (KI2), Tai Xi (KI3), Fu Liu (KI7), Yin Gu (KI10)
- Source (yuan) point: Tai Xi (KI3)
- Connecting (luo) point: Da Zhong (KI4)
- Cleft (xi) point: Shui Quan (KI5)
- Front-mu point: Jing Men (GB25)
- Back-shu point: Shen Shu (BL23)
A simple tapping routine
Sit down, rub your hands warm, and rub Yong Quan (KI1) on the sole 100 times, then press and glide from the inner ankle up the back inner edge of the lower leg.
Foods traditionally linked to this meridian
Black sesame, walnuts, black beans, mulberries
Everyday tips
- Women: If you tend to feel chilly with cold hands and feet, press Tai Xi (KI3) and rub Yong Quan (KI1) after a foot soak.
- Men: After a late night, press Tai Xi (KI3) and go easy on ice-cold beer.
- Elders: Rub Yong Quan (KI1) on the soles 100 times a day, and enjoy black sesame and walnuts.
Six ways to work with your meridians →
See all twelve on one chart: The 12 Meridians Wall Chart →
We don't promise. We don't cure. We align. This article is for everyday wellness and cultural education only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a health concern, talk with your doctor first.
