KD 1 — Yǒng Quán (涌泉) — Gushing Spring
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1. Overview
KD 1 — Yǒng Quán (涌泉) — is an acupuncture point on the Kidney meridian. Its English name, Gushing Spring, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use KD 1 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the sole of the foot, in the depression formed when the foot is in plantar flexion, at the junction of the anterior one-third and posterior two-thirds of the foot (excluding the toes).
3. Actions
- Revives consciousness and restores Yang in collapse
- Clears Heat and calms the Mind
- Descends Liver Yang and Wind
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
- The Well point of the Kidney meridian
4. Indications
- Collapse, unconsciousness and emergency resuscitation
- Hypertension and headache from Liver Yang rising
- Insomnia from Heart and Kidney disharmony
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Hot sensation in the soles of the feet from Kidney Yin deficiency
- Childhood febrile convulsions
- Throat disorders from Kidney Yin deficiency
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–0.8 cun. Extremely tender — warn the patient. Moxibustion frequently used.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
KD 1 is the Well (Jing) point of the Kidney meridian and the lowest point on the body — the origin of Kidney energy rising from the earth. It is one of the most powerful resuscitation points and is used in emergencies alongside GV 26 (Renzhong). Its location on the sole makes it extremely sensitive. In modern practice, moxibustion at KD 1 is widely used to warm Kidney Yang and treat Cold patterns originating in the Kidney. The combination of KD 1 moxibustion with BL 67 moxibustion is the classical protocol for turning a breech baby.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use KD 1 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including High blood pressure, Insomnia, Anxiety, Menopausal symptoms. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
