KI-3 Taixi
KI-3 Taixi (太谿) is a point on the Kidney meridian. In TCM theory it is described as influencing the channel's qi, and it is traditionally used in the context of the whole pattern rather than as a stand-alone remedy. This page explains how to locate it, what the tradition says about it, and how to press it safely.
Location
In the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon.
How to find it
Find the inner ankle bone. The point is in the soft hollow directly behind it, next to the Achilles tendon.
Traditional functions
- Shu-stream and yuan-source point of the Kidney meridian
- Tonifies kidney yin and yang
- Benefits the lower back and knees
Traditional uses
- Fatigue and low-back weakness in traditional terms
- Dry mouth and throat
- Knee weakness
- Sleep disturbance
How to press it
Press gently for 1 minute on each ankle. Avoid pressing directly on the tendon.
Acupressure is generally a gentle practice. Use the pad of the thumb or finger, start with light pressure, and increase only to a comfortable level. A mild ache or warmth is common; sharp pain is a signal to ease off.
Safety
Use light pressure around the Achilles tendon and avoid over an injured ankle.
How this is viewed today
KI-3 appears in trials for fatigue, low-back pain, and menopausal symptoms. Evidence is limited and preliminary.
Sources & further reading
- Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經), c. 2nd century BCE.
- Nanjing (難經), c. 1st–2nd century CE.
- World Health Organization, Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature, 2nd ed., 1991.
- Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Acupuncture: What You Need To Know.
Related: Kidney meridian · Acupoint library · KI-1 Yongquan · KI-6 Zhaohai · BL-23 Shenshu · all twelve meridians