Located on the sole of the foot, Kidney 1 is the lowest acupuncture point on the entire body. This is a powerful and effective point to shift consciousness (literally and figuratively). We consider this to be a great “home remedy” point because it responds well to pressure (think barefoot walking) or to a warm foot soak (consider adding vetiver or lavender essential oils). 

This point proved its potency on consciousness in a 2010 study when it effectively sped waking time for patients in a coma state due to a traumatic brain injury (Yiu, 2010). In Chinese Medicine, it has long been considered a way to ‘return the unrooted back to its source’ or restore a conscious mind from an unsettled mind. 

Kidney 1 is a great point for someone who’s “in their head” and stuck in rattling or undirected thoughts, which in turn can disrupt sleep or cause an out of body or adrenal experience. Kidney 1’s strong downward moving action invites a settled mind and physical comfort, so that we can be a more powerful and compassionate version of ourselves. 

Location

KI1 is located on the sole of the foot, in a slight depression created when the foot is pointed downward, about 1/3 of the distance between the tips of the toes and the heel.

The Esoteric Side of Kidney 1

As springs bubble out of the ground, they rush forth with great strength and vitality. The water itself is pure having been filtered through layers of earth and rock. Yong Quan is this bursting forth of energy that a source spring has. It’s where all our meridians can be cleared with vibrant water so we feel refreshed and rejuvenated. 

The Chinese say that although outside influences may hamper us, true movement comes from within ourselves and from our innermost spring. Here is the source of our vision out of which comes growth. When we learn to tap into this spring it gives us gifts of knowledge and tranquility.

By finding this source within, we can find our own wisdom and creativity that can refresh our vision so life can flow with power, balance, purity and without fear. In this vibrant spring water we can be bathed in rejuvenating, refreshing and cleansing pure waters. 

― from “Characters of Wisdom – Taoist Tales of the Acupuncture Points”

Photo by Miriam Alonso