Kidney Meridian (KI): Two Point References and Naming

Revised 2026-11-04 · Reference and care-preparation information

What ‘Kidney Meridian’ means in this reference

WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region has a chapter headed Kidney Meridian. The checked copy was published in 2008 and marked updated and reprinted in 2009. Its selected entries use the KI prefix: KI1 for Yongquan and KI3 for Taixi.

Here, ‘Kidney Meridian’ identifies the chapter and series used in that reference. A traditional channel label does not assess the condition or function of your anatomical kidneys. This page should not be used to interpret kidney tests, diagnose symptoms, or choose a treatment for a kidney condition.

Two source-qualified examples

The table paraphrases descriptive areas rather than reproducing the source's anatomical drawings. It keeps the code, name and characters together. These two examples do not constitute a complete inventory or a clinical locator for all points in the chapter.

The source's KI1 note adds an approximate heel-to-toe-web landmark relationship. The linked Yongquan article explains that wording and its limits. The shared series name does not make a sole entry interchangeable with an ankle entry.

Why one link still says KD1

This site originally used KD1 for Yongquan and created /acupoints/kd1-yongquan. That existing address is preserved so readers can continue to reach the article. The article now states that the checked WHO entry uses KI1. Keep the old site label and the source transcription in separate fields.

For KI3, the existing site address is /acupoints/ki3-taixi. These are specific correspondence notes for this site's two links. They are not a general instruction to rewrite every abbreviation you encounter. For other codes or spellings, check the accompanying name and actual reference entry.

Use a channel name to organize a reference question

A series label can help you find related entries in the same book, compare how names are printed, or record which chapter was consulted. It does not tell you that two entries should be used together, that the smaller number should come first in a routine, or that a particular symptom comes from that channel.

If you are preparing a study note, save the source's exact labels and the pages used. If your question is clinical, the point list does not replace training, assessment or advice from the appropriate professional. This page provides no sequence, pressure strength, treatment duration or recommendation about kidney disease.

Do not infer kidney function from a traditional label

Someone searching for ‘kidney meridian’ may actually be worried about a diagnosis, laboratory result, fatigue or another symptom. Identify that underlying question before using a reference page. A naming chapter cannot interpret a test result or identify the cause of a symptom.

For a kidney-health question, speak with the relevant medical provider and use the care information they recommend. MedlinePlus advises discussing health information with a provider before relying on it for personal decisions. Accurate spelling is useful, but it does not convert a traditional label into a medical assessment.

Foot and ankle context still requires care

Both selected examples refer to areas of the foot or ankle. Their reference identities do not establish that pressure is appropriate there. An injury, wound, swelling, altered feeling or unexplained change needs appropriate care rather than an interpretation based on the KI prefix.

MedlinePlus explains that diabetes-related nerve damage can reduce foot sensation and that blood-vessel damage can affect healing. Follow your foot-care plan when those concerns are relevant. Lack of pain is not a reliable clearance test for a foot with reduced feeling.

A useful comparison record

1. Write the series label and exact source title.
2. Copy each selected entry's code, Romanized name and Chinese characters.
3. Record the printed page and any separately counted PDF page.
4. Keep website labels, translated glosses and address spellings in separate fields.
5. Name the question this comparison answers and the questions it does not address.

For example, this comparison answers which codes the checked source pairs with Yongquan and Taixi. It does not establish an effect on sleep, energy, urinary symptoms or kidney function. If another document uses different characters or an abbreviation, retain its own form and check the specific entry.

Choose the next page by your actual question

For the sole entry and KD1 compatibility note, read the revised Yongquan article. For the site's existing ankle reference, follow the KI3 link while keeping the source scope stated here in mind. For cross-source naming work, use the codes-and-names guide. For personal concerns, use an appropriate provider discussion instead of turning the comparison into a routine.

The original reference diagram and blank record below organize these distinctions. They do not depict a full meridian pathway, locate points on a reader's body or assess any organ.