189
Kidney Channel
KI
medial side of the leg meeting the SP and LR channels
at SP-6
Sanyinjiao
. The channel reaches the medial
side of the popliteal fossa at KI-10
Yingu
, continues to
ascend along the medio-posterior aspect of the thigh
towards the tip of the coccyx DM-1
Changqiang
,
linking with the
Jia
≈
Spine (meeting also with the
Zu
Shaoyang-
GB channel), following the spine to enter its
pertaining organ, the Kidney. Here the channel splits
into two branches:
•
The main branch descends tomeet with the Bladder,
re-emerges at the pubic symphysis connecting with
RM-3
Zhongji
(meeting again with the
Zu Taiyin-
SP
and
Zu Jueyin-
LR channels), and RM-4
Guanyuan
and RM-7
Yinjiao
,
•
The main branch then ascends the anterior aspect
of the abdomen and chest to end at the clavicle KI-27
Shufu
.
Note: the abdominal branch of the KI channel, be-
tween KI-11
Henggu
and KI-17
Shangqu,
is located
0.5
cun
from the midline. In the Zhenjiu Dacheng
(Great compendium), this branch is located half way
between themidline and the
Zu Yangming
-ST channel.
This location also corresponds to the description of
the abdominal branch of the
Chong Mai
≈
Penetrating
vessel.
Deep pathway
The channel splits from the main
branch in the Kidney, running straight upward and
passing through the Liver and
Ge
≈
Diaphragm it enters
the Lung, runs along the throat and terminates at the
root of the tongue. Another branch originates from
the Lung, joins the Heart, and flows into the chest
to connect with the
Shou Jueyin
-PE Channel. Some
also describe a branch emerging from KI-2
Rangu
to
join SP-8
Djji.
Channel Pathological Symptoms
•
Haemoptysis
•
The function of
Gu
≈
Consolidation is weakened
through Yin deficiency causing leakage of Qi: dysp-
noea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, consti-
pation with difficult dry stools, incontinence, grey-
ish tinge around the eyes; impotence. Difficulty to
maintain fluidmetabolism: facial swelling, abdominal
swelling, oedema.
•
Empty Heat: dryness of tongue and lips, sore throat,
dry skin with wrinkles, malar flush, heat in the sole
of the foot.
•
Loss of Yang: weakness and numbness of soles,
thighs, lower back, motor impairment and muscular
atrophy of the lower extremities, pain along the course
of the channel.
Dynamics of Zu Shaoyin-KI channel
•
The
Shao Yin
channel is called the axis of Yin, and
spatially as the deepest level of Yin, it opens inward and
is said to have more Qi than Blood. The
Zu Shaoyin-
KI channel also connects with the
Tai Yang
the most
superficial layer. Water as the basis and foundation
of life (pre-natal Qi) represents the root of Yin and
Yang. The
Wei
≈
Defensive Qi is part of Kidney Yang,
it controls the exterior.
Han
≈
Cold, especially interior
Cold, can extinguish the Kidney Fire, with loss of pas-
sion for life and sense of purpose.
•
The conservation and consolidation of Yin by the
Kidney could be affected causing leakage of Qi.
•
In its pathway, the
Zu Shaoyin-
KI channel links
with the
Jia
≈
Spine (upright posture), and through
DM-1 with the
Zu Shaoyang-
GB channel and the six
curious or Extraordinary
Fu
organs. Through its in-
ternal branch, the
Zu Shao Yin
-KI channel connects
with the Liver and
Ge
≈
Diaphragm and the Lungs,
thus helping to anchor breath. Passing through the
throat (RM-23
Lianquan,
Knot of
Shaoyin
) and
ending at the tongue (inner and outer dialogue).
Another branch connects to the Heart establishing
the
Shaoyin
HE-KI communication, reflected on all
of the Kidney points on the chest. Finally the con-
nection between KI-2
Rangu
and SP-8
Diji,
reflects
the connection of the Kidney (Yang) supporting the
Spleen (post-natal Qi).
•
Furthermore the Kidney’s primary channel inter-
sects the SP and LR channels at SP-6
Sanyinjiao,
RM-3
Zhongji,
RM-4
Guanyuan
and RM-7
Yinjiao.
•
The
Zu Shao Yin
-KI points have the property of
opening inward and of gathering and consolidating
Yin inside: KI-15
Zhongzhu
gathers Yin in the pelvis
and KI-26
Yuzhong
gathers (fixes) Yin in the chest.
Additionally, KI-5
Shuiquan
facilitates the exit of Yin
from the leg towards the foot and KI-13
Qixue,
assists
the movement of Yin from the leg inward towards
the pelvis.
Overview of Zu Shaoyin-KI channel point
energetics according to
J. Y
uen
•
The Kidney represents the notion of how comfort-
able we are with ourselves, while the Bladder is our
ability to confront the challenges of life (to target the
Yuan Qi
). When one is overwhelmed by life there is
taxation: physical, mental or spiritual. Kidney repre-
sents pre-natal Qi, which is “financing” post-natal Qi
and represents one’s investment in social life, whereas
the Spleen gives a social definition of maturity (Earth
controlling Water). When one is overwhelmed by so-
ciety, one draws from the Kidney. Water represents the
