One of the eight confluent points, it connects with yin heel vessel. It is the point where yin heel vessel originates. Zhenjiu Zisheng Jing: "According to the annotation in Suwen-Qifu Lun 'yin heel' refers to Jiaoxin (KI8)... It is believed that yin heel is Jiaoxin. However, in the annotation of Qixue Lun, 'yin and yang heel points', it is stated that the yin heel point is located below medial malleolus, which is Zhaohai (KI6), the point where the yin heel vessel originates. Thus, yin heel refers to Zhaohai (KI6) , not Jiaoxin (KI8). Therefore, Mingtang Xiajing lists both Jiaoxin (KI8) above medial malleolus and Zhaohai (KI6) below medial malleolus as separate points. The discrepancy in the annotations of the Suwen is unclear, and scholars should not rely solely on one annotation without considering the other."

bubble_chart Etymology

"Zhao" (照), to shine or to face; "hai" (海), refers to the sole of foot. When the soles of both feet are brought together, a depression appears below the medial malleolus, hence the name. Alternatively, it is said that the point faces Rangu (KI2) (燃谷, blazing valley), creating a metaphorical image of "shining sea by blazing valley." Additionally, as it is a meeting point of yin heel vessel, it is also known as "Yinqiao" (陰蹻, yin heel).

bubble_chart Location

Zhaohai (KI6) acupoint
(adapted from "Meridians and Acupoints")

On the medial side of foot, directly below the tip of medial malleolus, in the depression where it connects with talus bone.

• Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing: "One cun below the medial malleolus... The point becomes visible when both feet are brought together. After inserting the needle, avoid moving it";
• Qianjin Yaofang: "Four fen below medial malleolus".
• Shenying Jing: "Between tendons, above ankle bone and below the soft cartilage, the point lies in the center".

bubble_chart Anatomy

• Muscle: insertion point of abductor pollicis muscle.
• Nerve: medial cutaneous nerve of leg, and the deep layer is the trunk of tibial nerve.
• Vessels: posterior and inferiorly, posterior tibial artery and vein.

bubble_chart Manipulation

Oblique insertion downwards 0.3~1 cun. Moxibustion with moxa cone 3 to 5 times, moxibustion with moxa stick for 10 to 15 minutes.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Tonify yin, calm spirit, benifit pharynx.

• Classical: eye pain, blurred vision with spots, dark and dusty complexion, dry throat, throat obstruction, lethargy, fright, frequent sadness, sudden hernia, lower abdominal pain, dark urine, dribbling urination, uterine prolapse, amenorrhea, swelling and itching in genital area, difficult labor, retained placenta, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach reflux, constipation, intestinal rumbling, bloody defecation, unconsciousness, nocturnal epilepsy.
• Modern: nephritis, prostatitis, hypertension, insomnia, chronic pharyngitis, globus hystericus, heel pain, foot eversion.

bubble_chart Combinations

• Constipation: Zhigou (TE6), Zhaohai (KI6).
• Uterine prolapse: Ququan (LR8), Shuiquan (KI5), Zhaohai (KI6).
• Female dribbling urination: Xiaochangshu (BL27), Ququan (LR8), Zhaohai (KI6).
• Epilepsy (horse-type): Xinshu (BL15), Jiuwei (CV15), Zhaohai (KI6).
• Epilepsy: Juque (CV14), Neiguan (PC6), Fenglong (ST40), Zhaohai (KI6).