KD 13 — Qì Xué (气穴) — Qi Cave
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1. Overview
KD 13 — Qì Xué (气穴) — is an acupuncture point on the Kidney meridian and a meeting point of the Kidney channel with the Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai). It is one of the most important points in acupuncture for treating fertility issues and reproductive disorders.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use KD 13 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
3 cun below the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the midline (CV 4, Guanyuan).
3. Actions
- Regulates the Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai)
- Tonifies the Kidneys and benefits Jing-essence
- Regulates menstruation and treats infertility
4. Indications
- Female infertility — a key local point
- Irregular menstruation
- Amenorrhoea (absent periods)
- Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
- Lower abdominal pain that radiates to the back
- Vaginal discharge
- Diarrhoea with cold lower abdomen
- Impotence and male sub-fertility
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1 cun. Excellent point for moxibustion in cold-deficient patterns.
6. Clinical notes
KD 13 is part of a vertical line of fertility-supporting Kidney points (KD 11–16) lateral to the Conception Vessel midline. I use KD 13 specifically when there is also a Chong Mai dimension to the case — commonly in endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage and IVF preparation. Combined with CV 4, Zi Gong and SP 6 it forms a comprehensive pelvic-region treatment.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use KD 13 in fertility treatment, endometriosis management, IVF support and recurrent miscarriage. Book a consultation in Wokingham, Berkshire.
