Tag Archives: Kidney Qi

Regeneration Mountain

Achilles tendon, Headache, Low back pain, Neck pain, Relaxation, Urination, , , ,

In the nether regions of Australia winter is already spreading its cold blanket across the land. We therefore turn our attention once more to points of the Water Element.

Kunlun Mountain – Bladder 60

* Forbidden during pregnancy

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAChinese mythology relates that after the cataclysm of a great flood, the only human survivors were a brother and sister who landed on Kunlun Mountain, rising above the floodwaters. Here they began the repopulation of the world. The two siblings of the story symbolise the primordial yin and yang, while Kunlun represents the central axis of all creation, uniting heaven and earth.

In the human body, this axis of yin and yang is reflected in the fundamental balance between Fire, the great yang, and Water, the great yin. The acu-point Kunlun – Kunlun Mountain, the Fire point of the Bladder meridian, provides a means of harmonising the Fire and Water Elements and therefore the yin/yang balance of the body.

When a person feels the cold, there is a contraction of the muscles, but there can also be a tightening of the mind, emotional withdrawal and an evaporation of compassion for others. When the Water freezes in this way and the Fire is doused, Kunlun is a good point for warming both body and soul.

The distal points of meridians are known for their effects on the whole length of the channel, and this point is particularly strong in its influence upon the whole length of the Bladder meridian. For example, it is well known for relieving chronic back pain, especially in the lumbar region. It combines well with any of the back-shu points where pain is located. It is also effective in treating pain in the shoulders, neck and head, especially the occipital region at the back of the head.

Kunlun has a strong descending action, pulling down yang from the upper body, hence its effectiveness for head, neck and back pain. Similarly it treats conditions of the head such as heat in the head, swelling and pain in the eyes, nosebleed and toothache. By causing yang to descend it has a calming and settling influence on the mind. Because of its descending action it helps to promote labour and is therefore to be avoided during pregnancy.

Another of its functions as a Fire point is in clearing heat from the body. When there is heat in the bladder itself, for example burning urination or bladder infection, this point is helpful.

Kunlun combines well with K 3 which is its mirror point on the inside of the ankle. This pair brings to mind the flood story in which the brother and sister come together to regenerate the world. Treating the yang of BL 60 with the yin of K 3 is a powerful way to enhance the jing or essence.

When you feel inundated by the waters of life, too exhausted to move, Kunlun can raise you to the mountain where a fresh, wider perspective is available and the power of regeneration is possible.

 

2.4Location of Bladder 60

The anatomical mountain is the outer ankle bone. The point lies in the hollow midway between the tip of the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone) and the back of the Achilles tendon.

Power Source Point

Acupressure Points, Anxiety, Low back pain, Point Location, Psycho-emotional, Reproductive, Urination, Vitality, , , , ,

WaterfallI expect my acupressure students are tired of hearing me repeat that the source point of a meridian is often the best point to use because it directly influences the corresponding organ and balances the meridian no matter whether it is excess or deficient. I emphasise the source points because they are such safe and effective points to use, especially for beginners.

The source point of the Kidney meridian is K 3, Supreme Stream and is located behind the inner ankle. It is said that palpation of this point indicates the condition of the kidneys, while treating it tonifies and balances the functioning of those organs. It also helps to reduce lumbar pain, especially when used in combination with BL 23 in the low back, a point I explored a couple of blogs back.

The Kidney meridian also influences the urinary and reproductive systems, so K 3 can be used to treat irregular menstruation, infertility, impotence, premature ejaculation, frequent urination and cystitis.

The ears are the sense organs of the Kidney, so this point  benefits the ears and the sense of hearing. It helps with tinnitus, ear infections and hearing loss. Many of the conditions of old age relate to the decline of Kidney Qi, things such as incontinence, memory loss, hair loss, insomnia and feeling the cold. This point can support a person with any of these conditions and is therefore a boon to the aged.

Supreme Stream steadies the Water Element and can have a very calming effect upon the emotions. It is especially helpful in calming fear, the emotion of  Water. This point can settle anxiety, help recovery from highly adrenalised states and aid in healing from frightening and traumatic experiences.

Source points help us to reconnect with our Original Qi, that deep reservoir of energy that we were born with and which serves as our fuel tank for life. Since this Qi is stored in the Kidneys, K 3 is particularly significant in supporting our connection to this power source. It supports us in realising our potential in the world by aligning us with the positive Water qualities of will, determination, courage, persistence and perseverance.

We are still deep in the season of winter and this point will be especially useful at this time of year. Holding a point in the season that corresponds to its Element makes it doubly effective. I recommend utilising this power point over the next few weeks.

Location of Kidney 3

SAMSUNGThe point is immediately behind (posterior to) the inner ankle bone. Find the tip of the ankle and move your finger backwards until you are in the deep hollow between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Feel for a tender spot. Use direct pressure for 2-3 minutes, or until you feel a harmonising of the Qi at the point. I suggest you hold the left side first, then the right. If you are working on someone else, try holding it with BL 23 on the same side of the body. Related points held in combination are much more powerful than points held by themselves.