Lecture on Kidney Channel Acupuncture Points

Introduction

• Speaker: Clara from Acupro Academy
• Topics: 27 acupuncture points of the Kidney Channel, Meridian pathway, and functions
• Objective: Understand the location, function, and point combos for clinical practice
• Special Note: At the end, a points combo for menopause will be shared.

Clara's Background

• Born 10 weeks premature
• Experienced delayed growth and development
• Connection to kidney function in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Kidney System in TCM

• Terminology: Refers to the 'kidney system' rather than just the organ
• Functions:
  • Stores Essence
  • Manages growth, development, conception, reproduction, and aging
  • Controls the brain, spine, bones, and marrow
  • Responsible for opening and closing the lower gates (urethra, vagina, anal area, spermatic duct)
  • Manifests in the ears and hair
  • Governs water metabolism in the lower body
  • Related to fear, phobias, and willpower

Kidney Channel Overview

• Meridian Type: Foot Meridian (Foot Shao Yin Meridian)
• Characteristics: Least amount of chi and blood among meridians, takes longer to treat.
• Active Time: 5 PM to 7 PM (family time)

Kidney Channel Pathway

• Starts at the end of the fifth toe
• Connects to sole of the foot (Kidney 1), wraps around ankle, progresses up the medial leg
• Ascends through the lower spine, enters the body connecting to kidney and bladder organs
• Branches to liver, diaphragm, lungs, throat, root of the tongue, and heart/pericardium

Key Points and Functions

• Kidney 1: Located on the upper third of the sole, between second/third metatarsals
  • Functions: Grounding, calming the mind, treating insomnia and night sweats
• Kidney 2: Lower border of the navicular bone
  • Functions: Clears heat, treats coughing blood, and diarrhea with blood
• Kidney 3: Between Achilles tendon and medial malleolus
  • Functions: Tonifies Kidney Chi, strengthens back, aids fertility, addresses incontinence, urination issues
• Kidney 4: Half cun posterior and inferior to Kidney 3
  • Functions: Connecting point to bladder, treats fear and phobias
• Kidney 5: Directly 1 cun below Kidney 3
  • Functions: Menstrual cramps, irregular menstruation, prolapsed uterus
• Kidney 6: 1 cun directly below medial malleolus
  • Functions: Tonifies Kidney Yin, treats night sweats, insomnia, nightmares
  • Special combo: Kidney 6 + Lung 7 for reproductive issues
• Kidney 7: 2 cun directly above Kidney 3
  • Functions: Regulates water metabolism, treats edema and urinary issues
• Kidney 8: Half cun anterior to Kidney 7
  • Functions: Balances Ren and Chong vessels, good for male reproductive issues
• Kidney 9: 5 cun directly above Kidney 3
  • Functions: Supports pregnancy, harmonizes heart and kidney, good for mental health
• Kidney 10: Medial end of popliteal crease
  • Functions: Male reproductive issues like erectile dysfunction and prostate problems
• Kidney 11-27:
  • Various functions from regulating genitalia, addressing postpartum pain, to treating abdominal and lung issues

Special Protocol: Menopause

• Points: Kidney 3, Kidney 6, Kidney 7, Heart 6, Heart 7, Stomach 40
• Additional Points:
  • For fatigue: Spleen 6 and Du 20
  • For scattered thoughts: Kidney 1
• Purpose: These points address common menopause symptoms, including night sweats, poor memory, insomnia, and anxiety.

Conclusion

• Emphasized the importance of making a TCM diagnosis
• Encouraged sharing the knowledge of TCM and acupuncture points

Final Note

• Thanked audience for support and engagement
• Promoted acupuncture and TCM learning resources