KD 3 — Tài Xī (太溪) — Great Ravine

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

KD 3 — Tài Xī (太溪) — is an acupuncture point on the Kidney meridian. Its English name, Great Ravine, 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 3 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

In the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon, level with the tip of the medial malleolus.

3. Actions

1. Tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang simultaneously — the most important Kidney tonic point
2. Nourishes Kidney Jing (Essence)
3. Benefits the Kidney and strengthens the lower back
4. Clears Empty Heat from Kidney Yin deficiency
5. Regulates the uterus and fertility

4. Indications

1. Kidney Yin deficiency — the primary point for all Yin deficiency patterns
2. Low back ache and weakness from Kidney deficiency
3. Tinnitus and hearing loss from Kidney Essence deficiency
4. Insomnia, night sweats and afternoon fever from Kidney Yin deficiency
5. Impotence, spermatorrhoea and low libido from Kidney Yang deficiency
6. Irregular menstruation and infertility from Kidney deficiency
7. Chronic sore throat from Kidney Yin deficiency failing to moisten the throat
8. Menopausal symptoms — hot flushes and night sweats

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1.0 cun.

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 3 is the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point of the Kidney meridian and is the single most important point for tonifying the Kidney itself. Unlike BL 23 (which is the Back-Shu point and primarily used via moxibustion), KD 3 is used with needling to directly nourish both Kidney Yin and Yang through the Yuan-Source point's direct connection to the organ. In fertility practice, KD 3 is a cornerstone point for all Kidney deficiency patterns affecting fertility — from low AMH and poor egg quality to luteal phase defect and recurrent miscarriage. Combined with SP 6 and BL 23 it forms the foundational prescription for Kidney deficiency.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use KD 3 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Fertility, Menopausal symptoms, Low AMH level, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Luteal phase defect. 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.