Kidney meridian

KI-6 (Zhàohǎi, 照海) — Shining Sea

Meridian
Kidney (KI)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Confluent point of the Yin Qiao vessel.
Depth reference
0.3–0.5 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Not established in checked sources
Reference aliases
KI6; Zhaohai; 照海; Shining Sea

Anatomical location

On the medial ankle, 1 cun below the tip of the medial malleolus in the hollow directly beneath it.

Traditional actions

Nourishes Kidney yin; clears deficient heat; benefits the throat and eyes; calms the spirit.

Recorded indications

Primary: Dry or sore throat; constipation; urinary retention; menstrual irregularity.

Secondary: Epilepsy; eye disorders; uterine prolapse; genital itching.

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 KI6, p. 138
  2. Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 6; classification, functions, indications and needling

Frequently asked questions

Where is KI-6 located?

On the medial ankle, 1 cun below the tip of the medial malleolus in the hollow directly beneath it.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for KI-6?

Nourishes Kidney yin; clears deficient heat; benefits the throat and eyes; calms the spirit. The dataset lists these primary indications: Dry or sore throat; constipation; urinary retention; menstrual irregularity. Secondary indications are recorded as: Epilepsy; eye disorders; uterine prolapse; genital itching.

Is KI-6 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify KI-6 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.