Kidney meridian

KI-13 (Qìxué, 气穴) — Qi Hole

Meridian
Kidney (KI)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Meeting point of the Kidney channel and Chong vessel.
Depth reference
1.0–1.5 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Not established in checked sources
Reference aliases
KI13; Qixue; 气穴; Qi Hole

Anatomical location

On the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the midline.

Traditional actions

Strengthens Kidney qi; regulates the lower burner; harmonizes the Chong and Ren vessels.

Recorded indications

Primary: Menstrual irregularity; chronic vaginal discharge; urinary difficulty.

Secondary: Diarrhoea.

How to read this reference

AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.

Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region KI13, p. 142
  2. Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 13; classification, functions, indications and needling
  3. WHO Benchmarks for the Practice of Acupuncture Sections 4.2.2–4.2.3, p. 7

Frequently asked questions

Where is KI-13 located?

On the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the midline.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for KI-13?

Strengthens Kidney qi; regulates the lower burner; harmonizes the Chong and Ren vessels. The dataset lists these primary indications: Menstrual irregularity; chronic vaginal discharge; urinary difficulty. Secondary indications are recorded as: Diarrhoea.

Is KI-13 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify KI-13 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.