Kidney meridian

KI-3 (Tàixī, 太溪) — Great Stream

Meridian
Kidney (KI)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Yuan-source and shu-stream point of the Kidney channel.
Depth reference
0.5–1.0 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Not established in checked sources
Reference aliases
KI3; Taixi; 太溪; Great Stream

Anatomical location

At the posteromedial ankle, in the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon.

Traditional actions

Supports Kidney yin and yang; strengthens the lumbar region; benefits the ears and throat.

Recorded indications

Primary: Low-back weakness; tinnitus; reduced hearing; urinary frequency; menstrual irregularity.

Secondary: Heel pain; insomnia; dizziness; chronic cough or wheeze.

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 KI3, p. 137
  2. Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 3; classification, functions, indications and needling

Frequently asked questions

Where is KI-3 located?

At the posteromedial ankle, in the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for KI-3?

Supports Kidney yin and yang; strengthens the lumbar region; benefits the ears and throat. The dataset lists these primary indications: Low-back weakness; tinnitus; reduced hearing; urinary frequency; menstrual irregularity. Secondary indications are recorded as: Heel pain; insomnia; dizziness; chronic cough or wheeze.

Is KI-3 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify KI-3 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.