The point of 'Four Fullnesses' on the Kidney channel — Siman (KI-14) clears what has become stuck and stagnant in the lower abdomen: Qi, Blood (Xue), water and food. It moves, opens and regulates, making it a key point for abdominal pain, menstrual disorders and oedema.
Name & story
The name 四满 Siman means 'Four Fullnesses' — and that already tells you what this point does. One classical interpretation is that the 'four' refers to four kinds of stagnation and accumulation that can burden the lower abdomen: Qi, water, food and Blood (Xue). When any of these — or all of them — pile up and cause that heavy, bloated, painful fullness, Siman is the place to address it. The point sits right where fullness gathers, and its task is to resolve it.
Point family & character
KI-14 belongs to the Kidney Meridian (KI). It is also a point of the Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai), the 'Sea of Blood', making it one of the intersection points where the Kidney channel and this extraordinary vessel meet and reinforce each other. That connection with the Chong Mai is a large part of what gives this point its strong action on the uterus, menstruation and the deep circulation of Blood (Xue) in the lower abdomen.
Five-element dynamics
The Kidney channel belongs to the Water element — the deepest, most fundamental Yin in the body, governing Jing (essence), reproduction and the lower Burner. KI-14 sits in the lower abdomen, very close to the uterus and the source of reproductive Qi. Through its connection with the Chong Mai — which runs through the uterus and stores Blood (Xue) — this point reaches into the very core of Water energy. When that energy stagnates rather than flows, the result is pain, accumulation and dysfunction; Siman's role is to restore movement and fullness to its proper form.
Location
Find the centre of the umbilicus and measure 2 Cun straight down toward the pubic bone. Then move just 0.5 Cun to one side of the midline — that is Siman (KI-14). It lies between the midline (Ren channel) and the next Kidney channel point further out.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the lower abdomen, in the region of the rectus abdominis muscle.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly (straight in).
Safe depth
1 to 1.5 Cun. ⚠️ Caution: needling too deeply may penetrate the peritoneal cavity.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxa is appropriate here, especially when the pattern involves Cold — for example, accumulated Cold in the uterus, cold pain in the lower abdomen, or cold-type oedema. Gentle abdominal massage can also support the effect of treatment between sessions.
Functions
Benefits the lower Jiao and alleviates pain. Moves Qi and resolves Blood Stasis in the lower abdomen. Regulates the uterus and menstruation. Regulates the water passages and promotes urination. Nourishes Essence (Jing) and Marrow.
Indications
Lower abdominal pain and distension; cutting or cramping pain below the umbilicus; umbilical pain. Running Piglet Qi (a sensation of energy surging upward from the lower abdomen). Oedema — particularly 'stone oedema' of the upper abdomen; water accumulation in the Large Intestine. Irregular menstruation; uterine bleeding; severe or acute pain from malign Blood (Xue); accumulated Cold in the uterus; infertility; leucorrhoea; retention of lochia after childbirth. Seminal emission; white and turbid urethral discharge. Constipation; diarrhoea; dysenteric disorder. Pain in the lateral costal regions. Redness and pain of the inner corner of the eye.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
The lower abdomen in Chinese medicine is not only a physical space — it is where deep Yin energy, Jing and the Blood (Xue) of the Chong Mai gather and are stored. When this region is chronically congested, cold or stagnant, it can create a subtle heaviness in the whole person: a feeling of being weighed down, blocked or unable to move forward. By opening and clearing the lower Jiao and restoring free movement to Qi and Blood (Xue), Siman can bring a sense of release and lightness that reaches beyond the physical — especially for women whose emotional life is closely tied to the rhythms of their cycle.
Point combinations
With KI-13 (Qixue) — both points meet the Chong Mai and together support the uterus and lower abdominal circulation. With Ren-5 (Shimen) — which shares the same anatomical level — for oedema and regulation of the water passages. With local abdominal points for Running Piglet Qi, abdominal distension and lower abdominal pain.
Clinical spotlight
What makes KI-14 distinctive is the dual influence of the Kidney Meridian (KI) and the Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai). The Chong Mai is the 'Sea of Blood (Xue)' and runs through the uterus — so this point has a direct, deep action on menstrual disorders, post-partum conditions and infertility that goes beyond what most lower abdominal points can offer. The classical name itself — 'Four Fullnesses' — is a clinical reminder: think of this point whenever there is stagnation and accumulation of any kind in the lower abdomen, whether Qi, Blood (Xue), water or food.
The golden tip
For mild lower abdominal bloating, cramping or heaviness, you can gently massage or apply light pressure to KI-14: find a point 2 Cun below the navel and half a finger's width to either side of the midline. Circular massage with fingertip pressure for 1–2 minutes on each side can help move stagnation. A warm compress or hot water bottle over the lower abdomen is a gentle complement, especially when there is Cold-type pain or menstrual discomfort.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.