Kidney meridian
KI-16 (Huāngshū, 肓俞) — Vitals Shu
- 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, adjusted to individual abdominal anatomy
- Moxibustion
- Not established in checked sources
- Reference aliases
- KI16; Huangshu; 肓俞; Vitals Shu
Anatomical location
On the upper abdomen, 0.5 cun lateral to the centre of the umbilicus.
Traditional actions
Moves abdominal qi; regulates the intestines; relieves local stagnation.
Recorded indications
Primary: Abdominal pain or distension; vomiting.
Secondary: Constipation; 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.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region KI16, p. 143
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 16; classification, functions, indications and needling
- Safety Guidelines: Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture High-risk abdominal areas and individualized depth, pp. 13–14
Frequently asked questions
Where is KI-16 located?
On the upper abdomen, 0.5 cun lateral to the centre of the umbilicus.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for KI-16?
Moves abdominal qi; regulates the intestines; relieves local stagnation. The dataset lists these primary indications: Abdominal pain or distension; vomiting. Secondary indications are recorded as: Constipation; diarrhoea.
Is KI-16 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify KI-16 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.