acupoint | Zhaohai |
alias | Yinqiao |
meridian | foot shaoyin kidney meridian |
international code | KI6 |
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).
On the medial side of foot, directly below the tip of medial malleolus, in the depression where it connects with talus bone.
Oblique insertion downwards 0.3~1 cun. Moxibustion with moxa cone 3 to 5 times, moxibustion with moxa stick for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tonify yin, calm spirit, benifit pharynx.