The specialist point for uterine bleeding and menstrual irregularity. Jiaoxin (KI-8) works quietly but precisely — as the Xi Cleft point of the Yin Motility vessel, it is the body's first call when the blood of the uterus is not held in place.
Name & story
The name 交信 Jiaoxin means something like "Intersection of Confidence" or "Meeting of Trust" — where the Kidney channel and the Yin Motility vessel (Yin Qiao Mai) cross paths and exchange their influence. That crossing is not accidental: it is the very reason the point is so effective in gynaecological conditions, because both pathways share a deep relationship with the uterus and with holding Blood (Xue) in place. The name also quietly hints at reliability — the kind of trust the body places in the Kidneys to keep things anchored.
Point family & character
Jiaoxin (KI-8) belongs to the Kidney Meridian (KI). Its most important character is that it is the Xi Cleft point of the Yin Motility vessel (Yin Qiao Mai), which originates at Zhaohai KI-6. Xi Cleft points of the Yin channels carry a particular speciality: they treat disorders of Blood (Xue) — especially resolving Blood Stasis, clearing Heat from the Blood, and stopping bleeding.
Five-element dynamics
The Kidneys belong to the Water element — the root of Yin and Yang in the body, the storehouse of Jing, and the anchor of the uterine Blood (Xue). The great Han dynasty physician Hua Tuo expressed it beautifully: in females, the Kidneys serve the purpose of "wrapping the blood". When Kidney Yin or Kidney Yang weakens — through excessive early sexual activity, overindulgence, or multiple pregnancies — the Conception and Penetrating vessels lose their firmness, and the uterine blood can escape its proper course. Jiaoxin KI-8, sitting at the crossing of the Kidney channel and the Yin Motility vessel, restores that holding power.
Location
On the medial side of the lower leg, 2 Cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, just posterior to the medial border of the tibia — slightly behind and above Fuliu KI-7.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly.
Safe depth
0.5–1 Cun.
Functions
Regulates menstruation and stops uterine bleeding; Resolves Blood Stasis and clears Heat from the Blood; Benefits the Yin Motility vessel (Yin Qiao Mai); Strengthens the Kidneys' function of holding and anchoring Blood (Xue).
Indications
Menstrual disorders of many kinds, and most especially uterine bleeding — whether due to Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yang Deficiency, or weakness of the Conception and Penetrating vessels. Irregular menstruation, heavy periods, prolonged bleeding. The point is indicated when the Kidneys' ability to "wrap the blood" has been compromised.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
The Kidneys in Chinese medicine are the seat of will and determination — what the classics call Zhi. When Blood (Xue) is lost repeatedly through heavy or erratic bleeding, the body's foundation quietly erodes, and with it the steadiness and resolve of the mind. A woman exhausted by chronic irregular bleeding may feel unmoored, lacking her usual confidence and inner stability. By reinforcing the Kidneys' holding capacity and restoring order to the Blood, Jiaoxin KI-8 helps return that quiet, grounded sense of self — the "confidence" hidden inside its very name.
Point combinations
With Zhaohai KI-6 — as the origin point of the Yin Motility vessel, it pairs naturally with KI-8 to strengthen the vessel and address uterine and gynaecological disorders. With KI-3 (Taixi) — to tonify the root Kidney Yin or Yang that underlies the bleeding or menstrual irregularity.
Clinical spotlight
What makes Jiaoxin KI-8 stand out is its dual identity: it sits on the Kidney channel and simultaneously serves as the Xi Cleft point of the Yin Motility vessel. This combination is rare and powerful. Xi Cleft points of Yin channels are the classical choice for Blood disorders — stopping bleeding, clearing Blood Heat, moving Blood Stasis — and Jiaoxin focuses all of that specifically on the uterus and the lower Jiao. The Essential Questions reminds us that "the vessel of the uterus connects with the Kidneys", which explains why a Kidney channel point can reach so directly into gynaecological bleeding. This is a precise, specialist point — not a broad tonic, but a targeted intervention when menstrual Blood is escaping its proper boundaries.
The golden tip
Jiaoxin KI-8 sits on the inner lower leg, about two finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, just behind the shin. For menstrual irregularity or discomfort, gentle pressure or massage on this area for a minute or two can be supportive. Because this point addresses specific gynaecological conditions that may need proper diagnosis, it is best used at home as a gentle complement to professional care rather than a standalone treatment.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.