Kidney Channel (Foot Shaoyin)

Introduction

The Kidney Channel of Foot Shaoyin plays a fundamental role in growth, reproduction, fluid metabolism, and vital energy storage. It influences conditions related to endocrine function, lower back pain, urinary health, and emotional stability.

Primary Channel Pathway

  • Begins at KID-1 (Yongquan) on the sole of the foot.

  • Ascends along the medial aspect of the leg, entering the Kidney and Bladder.

  • Travels through the Liver, diaphragm, and Lung, connecting with the Heart.

  • Terminates at KID-27 (Shufu) in the chest.

Primary Channel Connects with Zangfu

  • Kidney

  • Bladder

  • Liver

  • Lung

  • Heart

Primary Channel Meets Other Channels at Points

  • SP-6 (Sanyinjiao)

  • DU-1 (Changqiang)

  • REN-3, REN-4, REN-7, REN-17

Actions and Indications of the Kidney Channel

  • Regulates water metabolism, benefiting urinary function, fluid retention, and reproductive health.

  • Strengthens bones and marrow, treating osteoporosis, knee pain, and lower back issues.

  • Harmonizes the Heart and Kidney, addressing insomnia, anxiety, and palpitations.

  • Supports respiratory function, benefiting asthma and chronic lung conditions.

Luo-Connecting Channel Pathway

  • Begins at KID-4 (Dazhong).

  • Encircles the heel, connecting with the Bladder Channel.

  • Ascends through the lumbar region, benefiting lower back and Kidney qi regulation.

Divergent Channel Pathway

  • Separates at the popliteal fossa, ascends through the Kidneys.

  • Crosses the Girdling Vessel, ascends to the root of the tongue.

  • Converges with the Bladder Channel.

Sinew Channel Pathway

  • Begins at the little toe, joins the Spleen Sinew Channel.

  • Binds at the genitals, ascends along the spine.

  • Terminates at the occipital bone.

Sinew Channel Symptoms

  • Cramping and pain along the Kidney channel.

  • Convulsions and rigidity of the spine.

  • Difficulty bending forward (yang disorder) or backward (yin disorder).

Discussion of the Kidney Channel

The Kidney Channel of Foot Shaoyin is fundamental in Traditional Chinese Medicine, governing growth, reproduction, fluid balance, and energy reserves. It is closely linked with the Bladder Channel, regulating water metabolism and waste elimination. It also connects with the Lungs, influencing respiration, immunity, and chronic fatigue conditions. Clinically, it is widely used to treat aging-related issues, infertility, hormonal imbalances, chronic back pain, and tinnitus.

Explore Kidney Channel Points

  • KID-1 (Yongquan) – Jing-Well point, revives consciousness, treats shock.

  • KID-2 (Rangu) – Ying-Spring point, clears heat and regulates the lower jiao.

  • KID-3 (Taixi) – Yuan-Source point, nourishes Kidney yin and yang.

  • KID-4 (Dazhong) – Luo-Connecting point, stabilizes emotions and benefits the lumbar region.

  • KID-5 (Shuiquan) – Xi-Cleft point, treats irregular menstruation and urinary disorders.

  • KID-6 (Zhaohai) – Master point of the Yin Qiao Mai, benefits the throat and sleep.

  • KID-7 (Fuliu) – Regulates water passages, strengthens Kidney yang.

  • KID-8 (Jiaoxin) – Regulates menstruation and strengthens Kidney Qi.

  • KID-9 (Zhubin) – Clears the Heart and transforms phlegm.

  • KID-10 (Yingu) – He-Sea point, treats knee pain and urinary retention.

  • KID-11 (Henggu) – Benefits the lower jiao, regulates reproductive health.

  • KID-12 (Dahe) – Strengthens the Kidneys, benefits fertility.

  • KID-13 (Qixue) – Regulates the Chong and Ren vessels.

  • KID-14 (Siman) – Benefits digestion and regulates water metabolism.

  • KID-15 (Zhongzhu) – Regulates the intestines and lower jiao.

  • KID-16 (Huangshu) – Harmonizes the Heart and Kidneys.

  • KID-17 (Shangqu) – Clears dampness, benefits digestion.

  • KID-18 (Shiguan) – Regulates qi and blood, benefits the uterus.

  • KID-19 (Yindu) – Harmonizes the stomach and relieves pain.

  • KID-20 (Tonggu) – Harmonizes the middle jiao and transforms phlegm.

  • KID-21 (Youmen) – Benefits the Liver and Spleen.

  • KID-22 (Bulang) – Opens the chest, benefits the Lungs.

  • KID-23 (Shenfeng) – Calms the Shen, alleviates anxiety.

  • KID-24 (Lingxu) – Benefits the chest and strengthens Kidney qi.

  • KID-25 (Shencang) – Strengthens the Lungs and reduces coughing.

  • KID-26 (Yuzhong) – Benefits the throat and clears phlegm.

  • KID-27 (Shufu) – Opens the chest, regulates qi, and calms the Shen.