03/08/2026
KD3 / KI3 Taixi Acupuncture Point Guide | Location & Functions
July 31, 2026
Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
Professional acupuncture supplies and practical clinical resources for qualified practitioners in Ireland and across Europe.
KD3, also written as KI3 and known as Taixi (“Great Ravine” or “Great Stream”), is the Yuan-Source, Shu-Stream and Earth point of the Kidney channel. It is one of the channel’s most frequently selected points and is traditionally used within treatment plans addressing a wide range of Kidney deficiency patterns.
This guide summarises the standard point location, traditional functions, common clinical applications, point combinations and practical safety considerations. It is intended as a concise reference for appropriately trained practitioners rather than as a substitute for clinical training, individual assessment or professional judgement.
KD3 / KI3 quick reference
Point name KD3 / KI3 — Taixi
Channel Kidney channel of Foot Shaoyin
Classification Yuan-Source point; Shu-Stream point; Earth point
Region Posteromedial ankle
Laterality Bilateral
Core landmark The depression between the prominence of the medial malleolus and the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon
Location of KD3 / KI3 Taixi
The World Health Organization standard describes KI3 as being on the posteromedial aspect of the ankle, in the depression between the prominence of the medial malleolus and the calcaneal tendon.
How to locate KD3
Position the foot so the medial ankle is clearly visible and the surrounding tissues are relaxed.
Identify the prominence of the medial malleolus.
Identify the anterior border of the calcaneal, or Achilles, tendon.
Palpate the depression between these two landmarks, at approximately the level of the malleolar prominence.
Confirm the location by palpating the surrounding anatomy rather than relying on the illustration alone.
KD3 should not be confused with KD4, which lies more posteroinferiorly, or KD6, which is located inferior to the prominence of the medial malleolus.
Traditional functions of KD3
Within traditional East Asian medicine, KD3 is commonly described as having the following functions:
Tonifies the Kidneys and supports Kidney Qi.
Nourishes Kidney Yin.
Supports Kidney Yang when used within an appropriate treatment strategy.
Strengthens the lumbar region, knees and lower limbs.
Supports the Kidney’s traditional function of grasping Qi.
Benefits the ears and throat in relevant pattern presentations.
Helps clear deficiency heat when selected within a suitable point prescription.
Supports the will, or Zhi, in the context of traditional pattern differentiation.
These are traditional descriptions used in acupuncture theory. They should not be read as claims that stimulation of KD3 has been proven to diagnose, prevent or cure any medical condition.
Traditional clinical applications
KD3 may be considered as part of an individualised treatment plan when a practitioner identifies patterns involving:
Kidney Yin, Kidney Yang or Kidney Qi deficiency.
Weakness or soreness of the lumbar region and knees.
Fatigue, reduced resilience or constitutional weakness within a Kidney deficiency presentation.
Ear or hearing symptoms associated with an appropriate traditional pattern.
Throat dryness or deficiency-type throat presentations.
Breathing patterns traditionally associated with failure of the Kidneys to grasp Qi.
Urinary or reproductive presentations where Kidney deficiency is part of the pattern diagnosis.
Restlessness, fearfulness or reduced willpower where these form part of the wider clinical picture.
Point selection should follow a full consultation and pattern differentiation. KD3 is not a stand-alone treatment and should not replace appropriate medical investigation or referral.
Common point combinations
Depending on the presentation and the practitioner’s treatment principles, KD3 is traditionally combined with points such as:
KD3 + BL23: traditionally used to support Kidney deficiency patterns and the lumbar region.
KD3 + SP6: commonly considered where nourishing Yin or supporting the lower Jiao forms part of the treatment strategy.
KD3 + KD7: used when the practitioner wishes to differentiate and regulate aspects of Kidney function within the channel.
KD3 + LU7: considered in some treatment plans involving the relationship between the Lung and Kidney.
KD3 + KD6: selected in relevant Yin deficiency, throat or sleep-related traditional presentations.
KD3 + REN4: traditionally used within broader strategies to nourish or strengthen the Kidneys and lower Jiao.
These combinations are examples from traditional practice. They are not fixed prescriptions and should be adapted to the individual patient, the practitioner’s training and the complete treatment plan.
Practitioner notes
Use the bony prominence of the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon as the principal landmarks.
Palpate carefully, as local anatomy and tissue depth vary between patients.
Differentiate KD3 from the nearby Kidney channel points before treatment.
Assess the skin and soft tissue locally for infection, wounds, inflammation, swelling, bruising or recent injury.
Consider altered sensation, vascular status, medication and bleeding risk as part of the wider clinical assessment.
The posterior tibial neurovascular structures pass through the medial ankle region. Practitioners should use only techniques for which they have appropriate anatomical training and competence.
Document the assessment, consent, point selection, technique and response in accordance with applicable professional standards.
Needling and safety
Needling angle, depth and stimulation are matters for qualified practitioners working within their training, scope of practice and patient-specific assessment. This guide deliberately does not provide a universal needling prescription.
Use sterile, single-use acupuncture needles and follow appropriate hand hygiene, clean-field and sharps-disposal procedures. Do not needle through infected, damaged or otherwise unsuitable skin. Where anatomy, diagnosis, medication, pregnancy, bleeding risk or another clinical factor creates uncertainty, modify the treatment plan, seek appropriate guidance or refer as required.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and competent practitioner using sterile needles, but improperly delivered treatment can cause serious adverse effects. Safe practice, anatomical knowledge and sound clinical judgement remain essential.
Frequently asked questions
Is the point written as KD3 or KI3?
Both abbreviations are used. Many English-language practitioners use KD3 for the Kidney channel, while the WHO standard uses KI3. Both refer to Taixi.
Where exactly is KD3 located?
KD3 is on the inner, posteromedial ankle in the depression between the prominence of the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon, at approximately the level of the malleolar prominence.
What type of point is KD3?
KD3 is traditionally classified as the Yuan-Source, Shu-Stream and Earth point of the Kidney channel.
Can patients use this guide for self-treatment?
No. This guide is written for qualified practitioners. It is not a self-needling guide and does not replace personalised assessment or medical care.
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Professional disclaimer: This article is provided for qualified acupuncture and healthcare practitioners for general educational purposes. Traditional actions and applications describe established acupuncture theory and are not claims of proven clinical efficacy. The content is not medical advice, does not replace accredited training and should not be used as a universal treatment protocol. Practitioners remain responsible for assessment, consent, safe technique, infection control, record keeping, referral and compliance with their professional and legal obligations.
Reference standards:
World Health Organization. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region.
World Health Organization. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety.
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