Check KD-16 tenderness before using the Kidney Meridian
By Namwook Cho L.Ac.
This issue explores Saam acupuncture treatment for the Kidney Meridian, which is frequently used for chronic lower back pain patients.
Kidney Yang Deficiency is diagnosed when a patient experiences coldness and weakness in the lower back and knees, while Kidney Yin Deficiency is associated with discomfort, pain, and temperature sensitivity.
The characteristics of kidneys are defined as water, and dysfunction can lead to poor heat distribution, excessive sensitivity to temperature changes, and symptoms like tinnitus resembling flowing water. In diagnosis, KI-1 on the sole and KD-16 on the abdomen are key indicators of Kidney-related conditions. If tenderness is detected at KD-16, practitioners may apply Kidney Tonification or Kidney Sedation to help restore balance in the Kidney Meridian.
The Kidney Meridian is a vital pathway in Saam acupuncture, especially in treating chronic lower back pain and other kidney-related disorders. The kidney belongs to the Yin meridians, meaning that warm Qi cannot rise properly from the lower to the upper body when dysfunction occurs. This imbalance can result in various symptoms and health conditions.
Understanding Kidney Yang and Yin Deficiency
Kidney Yang Deficiency occurs when the patient experiences coldness and weakness in the lower back and knees due to a lack of warm Qi circulation. Kidney Yin Deficiency is associated with pain, discomfort, and hypersensitivity to temperature changes caused by insufficient water balance within the body.
Since the kidney governs water metabolism, its dysfunction is often related to water movement issues in the body. For instance, water retains heat longer than air, explaining why coastal areas have smaller temperature variations between day and night than deserts. If a patient is overly sensitive to heat or cold, it may indicate a Kidney Yin Deficiency, where the body lacks sufficient fluids to regulate temperature.
Other symptoms of kidney dysfunction include tinnitus resembling the sound of flowing water, excessive tearing on windy days due to weakened kidney function, dark, lusterless skin, and cold sensation below the knees.
Cold Stagnation and Qi Circulation Issues
The natural physiology of the Kidney Meridian allows warm energy to rise through the body. Cold stagnation occurs if this process is blocked, primarily affecting the lower abdomen and pelvic region. Disrupted Qi and blood circulation can result in pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic cavity.
Kidney Tonification (Tonification LU-8, KI-7, Sedation KI-3, SP-3) is used to resolve this.
In school, we learned that the kidneys govern the bones. Naturally, bone-related issues can be treated using the Kidney Meridian. Additionally, cold sensations in the knees or weakness in the knees should also be considered signs of kidney dysfunction. For example, if a patient reports bone pain accompanied by heat, cold, or general aching, these symptoms can be attributed to kidney-related issues.
Clinical Diagnosis of Kidney Deficiency
Several diagnostic methods can confirm kidney-related conditions:
KI-1: The first point of the Kidney Meridian is located on the sole. If abnormalities are present, kidney dysfunction is suspected.
Medial Malleolus Pathway: The Kidney Meridian runs along the medial ankle, so irregularities in this region indicate kidney issues.
KD-16: Located on the abdomen, tenderness at this point suggests kidney dysfunction. If the pain at KD-16 does not improve by 60-70% after applying Kidney Tonification or Sedation, the issue may not originate from the kidneys.
Common Conditions Treated with Kidney Tonification
Kidney Tonification is effective for the following conditions:
-Nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction.
-Severe headaches aggravated by cold weather (cold-damp headaches).
-Blurred vision, excessive tearing in windy conditions, or floaters. ①If excessive tearing occurs even at rest, Liver Heat is suspected. ②If tearing occurs when looking at bright lights, Spleen Excess is suspected.
-Tinnitus (ringing ears resembling flowing water sounds).
-Irritated throat with a dry cough.; If the throat feels scratchy while coughing, Lung Tonification is recommended instead.
-Lower abdominal pain with early morning diarrhea.
-Acute and chronic lower back pain. ①Acute lower back pain: Liver Tonification is recommended first. ②Chronic lower back pain (difficulty sitting for long periods): Spleen Tonification is advised. ③If the patient prefers bending forward rather than standing straight, Lung Tonification is used. ④Lower back pain with calf numbness or paralysis in the 4th and 5th toes: Bladder Sedation is preferred.
-Gout and metabolic disorders.
-Cold sensation below the knees.
-Scanty or cloudy urination with edema.
By implementing proper diagnosis and Saam acupuncture techniques, practitioners can effectively treat Kidney Deficiency Syndromes and related disorders, particularly those affecting the lower back and body temperature regulation.
