The quiet spring of the Kidney channel. Shuiquan (KI-5) is a specialised point on the inner ankle that brings the menstrual cycle back into rhythm, relieves painful periods and sharpens the vision — all by gently coaxing the Kidney's water to flow where it is needed.
Contraindications
Shuiquan (KI-5) is a small, superficial point on the medial foot and is generally safe. Keep to the stated shallow depth. Use caution with strong stimulation during pregnancy.
Name & story
The name 水泉 Shuiquan means 'Water Spring' — a small, bubbling source of water rising from the earth. The Kidney in Chinese medicine governs water throughout the whole body, and this little point sits just below the great Kidney Yuan Source point Taixi KI-3, as if collecting the water that has welled up there and channelling it onward. When the body's water — its Yin, its Jing, its fluid — stagnates and stops flowing freely, Shuiquan helps it move again, like clearing a blocked spring so the water can run clear once more.
Point family & character
Shuiquan (KI-5) belongs to the Kidney Meridian (KI). Its special character is that of the Xi Cleft point of the channel — the place where the Qi of the meridian gathers most deeply. Xi Cleft points are classically used for acute and painful conditions in the organ or channel they belong to, and for disorders of Blood (Xue) in Yin channels.
Five-element dynamics
The Kidney is the great Yin organ of the Water element — the root of all Yin and Yang in the body, the keeper of Jing, and the master of water metabolism. As the Xi Cleft point of this channel, Shuiquan reaches into a deep reserve of Kidney Qi and Blood (Xue). When the Kidney's water stagnates — failing to nourish the uterus, the eyes, or the lower body — this point acts like a key turning in a lock, releasing what has been held back. It is especially suited to Blood Stasis and Qi Stagnation in the lower Jiao, where the Kidney's waterway has run dry or become obstructed.
Location
Find the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus). Move 1 Cun directly below its tip — you will land in a small hollow just above the heel. This is Shuiquan KI-5, sitting just below and slightly anterior to Taixi KI-3.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the medial side of the foot, in the soft depression just below and in front of the medial malleolus, near the calcaneus (heel bone).
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly (straight in).
Safe depth
0.3–0.5 Cun.
The golden tip
For menstrual discomfort or irregular cycles, the inner ankle area around Shuiquan can be gently pressed or massaged in the days leading up to the period. Find the hollow just below the inner ankle bone and apply steady, gentle pressure for 1–2 minutes. Warming the area with a heat pack or warm water soak can also help when there is a feeling of cold or tightness in the lower abdomen.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.