KD 6 — Zhào Hǎi (照海) — Shining Sea
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1. Overview
KD 6 — Zhào Hǎi (照海) — is an acupuncture point on the Kidney meridian. Its English name, Shining Sea, 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 6 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
1 cun directly below the tip of the medial malleolus, in the groove formed by two ligamentous bundles.
3. Actions
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
- Opens and regulates the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel)
- Calms the Mind and promotes sleep
- Benefits the throat and eyes
- Regulates the uterus
4. Indications
- Insomnia from Kidney Yin deficiency — a primary sleep point
- Menopausal hot flushes and night sweats
- Dry and sore throat from Kidney Yin deficiency
- Dry, irritated or painful eyes
- Epilepsy via the Yin Qiao Mai
- Infertility and menstrual irregularity from Kidney Yin deficiency
- Urinary frequency at night (nocturia)
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 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 6 is the opening point of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel) and is paired with LU 7 to open this extraordinary vessel. The LU 7 + KD 6 combination is one of the most important in fertility practice — it opens the Ren Mai and Yin Qiao Mai simultaneously, nourishing Yin and Blood, regulating the uterus and supporting the Kidney-Lung axis. This combination is widely used in IVF support, thin endometrial lining, luteal phase defect and all conditions of Yin deficiency affecting the reproductive system.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use KD 6 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Insomnia, Menopausal symptoms, Thin endometrial lining, Fertility. 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.
