KD 10 — Yīn Gǔ (阴谷) — Yin Valley
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1. Overview
KD 10 — Yīn Gǔ (阴谷) — is an acupuncture point on the Kidney meridian. Its English name, Yin Valley, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for 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, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the medial aspect of the popliteal crease, between the tendons of semitendinosus and semimembranosus.
3. Actions
- He-Sea point of the Kidney — tonifies Kidney Yin
- Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao
- Activates the meridian and relieves medial knee pain
- Benefits the genitals
4. Indications
- Kidney Yin deficiency — the primary He-Sea point for tonifying Kidney Yin from the lower limb
- Genital disorders — impotence and vaginal disorders
- Urinary difficulty from Kidney deficiency
- Medial knee pain
- Lower abdominal pain
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1.0–1.5 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
KD 10 is the He-Sea and Water point of the Kidney meridian. In Five Element acupuncture, KD 10 (Water point on the Water meridian) is considered the most tonifying point for Kidney Yin. As a local point at the medial popliteal fossa it is used for medial knee pain along the Kidney channel, combined with SP 9, LV 8 and local ashi points.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use KD 10 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Fertility, Knee pain, 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.
