Acupuncture Points Mentioned in this Article
The kidneys are vital organs in TCM, associated with overall constitution and numerous bodily functions. TCM views the kidneys as the storehouse of our essence and the regulator of water, bones, and marrow. They are also closely linked to various bodily functions, including the reproductive system, immune system, and even the health of our hair and teeth. Keeping our kidneys strong is essential for maintaining vitality and overall well-being.
Pressure Points for Kidneys on Back
Kidney Shu (Shen Xu 腎俞) BL23 Acupoint
Kidney Shu is an influential acupoint for addressing numerous kidney and reproductive system-related issues. Kidney Shu, or BL23, holds a vital position in acupuncture for being an influential point especially dedicated to addressing an array of kidney and reproductive system-related issues. This acupoint is particularly essential when focusing on issues related to the urinary and reproductive system, such as infertility, menstrual pain, and more, enhancing metabolic processes of water in the body and hence supporting kidney functionality.
Where is Acupuncture Point BL23?
BL23 is found approximately 1.5 thumb-widths lateral to the lower border of the 2nd lumbar vertebra on both sides of the spine.
How to find Acupressure Point BL23?
- Locate the lowest rib in your back.
- Find the spine level that aligns with this rib, which indicates the second lumbar vertebra.
- Move about 1.5 thumb-widths away from the spine on both sides.
- Press gently in the area - you have located BL23.
Pressure Points for Kidneys on the Body
Origin Pass and Capital Gate influence kidney vitality and manage kidney Qi respectively, providing various benefits.
Origin Pass (Guan Yuan 關元) CV4 Acupoint
Origin Pass ensure smooth flow of qi to kidneys It provides relief and management for menstrual irregularities and pain, offering prevention of prostate enlargement, and addressing constipation. The point is linked to the lower abdomen's energy and can thereby influence the kidneys' vitality by ensuring a smooth flow of energy and managing disturbances in the lower part of the body, which encompasses the kidney region.
Where is Acupuncture Point CV4?
CV4 is situated approximately 0.5 thumb-widths directly below the center of the navel.
How to find Acupressure Point CV4?
- Begin by locating your navel.
- Measure approximately 0.5 thumb-widths directly below it.
- The point you find there is CV4, often found to be slightly sensitive to pressure.
Capital Gate (Jingmen 京門) GB25 Acupoint
Capital Gate manages kidney qi. Even though it’s part of the Gallbladder Meridian, Capital Gate key in managing kidney Qi, which essentially means it helps the energy related to kidney function flow smoothly, providing relief from kidney issues and back pain.
Where is Acupuncture Point GB25?
Capital Gate is located on the lower edge of the tip of the 12th rib, on the back side of your body.
How to find Acupressure Point GB25?
- Stand up straight.
- Find the edge of your ribcage on your side.
- Locate the tip of your 12th rib on your side.
- Capital Gate is found along the lower edge of this rib tip.
Hand Reflexology Points for Kidneys
Fish Border (Yu Ji 魚際) LU10 Acupoint
Fish Border, potentially contributes to overall wellness, including kidney health. Historically, its application is known to manage conditions associated with the hand and its functionalities. The point aids in harmonizing imbalances, potentially contributing to the well-being of connected internal pathways, including those relevant to the kidneys.
Where is Acupuncture Point LU10?
LU10 is situated where the palm and the back of the hand meet, on the edge near the base of the thumb.
How to find Acupressure Point LU10?
- Lay your hand flat, palm facing up.
- Identify the base of your thumb where it meets the hand.
- Move towards the wrist along the edge of the hand.
- Locate the transition area between the palm and the back of the hand.
Foot Reflexology Points for Kidneys
Points like Great Ravine, Gushing Spring, Blazing Valley, and Shining Valley provide diverse benefits, focusing on balancing energies and supporting kidney health.
Great Ravine (Tai Xi 太谿) KI3 Acupoint
Great Ravine is crucial for supporting the kidneys, Ny nourishing Yin and reducing fire, which in simplified terms means it helps to balance the energies in the body. Its stimulation can aid in resolving a myriad of issues, from leg cramps and back pain to issues like tinnitus and irregular menstruation, always keeping kidney health in prime focus.
Where is Acupuncture Point KI3?
The Tai Xi point is located in the recessed area between your inner ankle and Achilles tendon.
How to find Acupressure Point KI3?
- Sit down with your feet hanging.
- On one foot, find your inner ankle.
- Move backward towards the Achilles tendon until you find a recessed area.
- This is the Tai Xi point.
Gushing Spring (Yong Quan 湧泉) KI1 Acupoint
Gushing supports kidney health amongst other benefits. It is heralded for its ability to boost physical strength and improve constitutional health, targeting fatigue and bolstering kidney health amongst its wide spectrum of benefits. Notably, it also supports the luminance of hair and may even revert graying, contributing to a youthful appearance.
Where is Acupuncture Point KI1?
Yongquan is located on the sole of your foot, at the front part where the foot muscle forms a specific pattern.
How to find Acupressure Point KI1?
- Look at the sole of your foot.
- Identify the front part where the foot muscle forms a pattern.
- The Yongquan point is at the intersection of this pattern.
Blazing Valley (Rangu 然谷) KI2 Acupoint
Blazing Valley supports robust kidney function. Blazing Valley, positioned from the tip of the inner ankle towards the foot arch, under the navicular bone, not only activates kinetic energy but brings about an inner warmth, acting as a gentle stirrer of energy and warmth within, which is vital for robust kidney function.
Where is Acupuncture Point KI2?
Blazing Valley is situated in the depression below the navicular bone, from the tip of your inner ankle towards your foot arch.
How to find Acupressure Point KI2?
- Focus on the inner side of your foot.
- Locate the noticeable part of the navicular bone.
- Find the junction between the reddish and whitish flesh.
- This is the Rangu point.
Shining Sea (Zhaohai 照海) KI6 Acupoint
Shining Sea addresses a number of kidney issues. It is a reliever for a slew of symptoms, including those from irregular menstruation and abdominal pain, with a particular effectiveness for symptoms related to the body's water content such as constipation and frequent urination, placing a focus on kidney health through its attributes in the Kidney Meridian.
Where is Acupuncture Point KI6?
Shining Sea is found about an inch downward from the protruding bone just below your inner ankle.
How to find Acupressure Point KI6?
- Locate your inner ankle.
- Find the protruding bone just below it.
- Move about an inch downward from this bone, where you will find a recessed area.
- The Zhaohai point is here.
How to Use Acupressure Points for Kidneys?
Use Acupressure points for kidney health by applying gentle pressure to specific points like KI3 to promote overall wellness. The philosophy of TCM recognizes that the body's endocrine functions are primarily associated with the liver, kidneys, and spleen. These vital organs work together to nourish and regulate our energy system.
Here are some practical tips to get the most out of these acupressure techniques:
Create a serene environment: Choose a quiet space where distractions are minimal. This calm setting will enhance your focus and heighten the healing effects of acupressure.
Deep breathing: Initiate your session by inhaling and exhaling deeply. This not only calms your mind but also prepares your body for the acupressure session, making it more receptive to the process.
Clean hands: Hygiene is essential. Ensure that your hands are clean before you start. This will prevent any potential infections, especially when dealing with sensitive areas.
Consistency is key: Regular application of these acupressure techniques is more beneficial than sporadic sessions. Aim to integrate these into your daily or weekly routine for a sustained impact
While the Western perspective may differ in terminology, the underlying concept remains the same – a balanced endocrine system leads to optimal health. TCM suggests that by nurturing the liver, nourishing the kidneys, and strengthening the spleen, we can effectively regulate our endocrine system and promote overall wellness.
Keep in mind that individual responses can vary. If these acupressure techniques don't offer the relief you seek, consider consulting with a licensed acupuncturist or TCM practitioner for tailored advice.
Enhancing Your Journey: Acupressure with Moxa
The Moxa Acupressure App provides guided personalized acupressure sessions and features to support kidney health and overall vitality. Harness the modern convenience of the Moxa Acupressure App to nourish and care for your kidneys with acupressure, effortlessly blending ancient wisdom with digital ease. The app is crafted to guide you, with straightforward steps, through personalized acupressure sessions aimed at bolstering your kidney health. Simply, it shows you where and how to press specific points on your body that are linked to kidney well-being, providing an easy-to-follow routine right at your fingertips.
With features that help you track your progress and stick to your wellness journey, the Moxa Acupressure App stands out as a handy digital companion to support your goals in kidney health and overall vitality. Taking care of your kidneys can impact your entire body positively, so lean into the blend of traditional and modern methods with the app and navigate toward a balanced, energized life.
