Adapted from Acutake’s “Why Are You Doing That Point? Kidney 1”

Located on the bottom of the foot, you may never want to be needled at Kidney 1. However, “Gushing Spring” hurts much less than you’d expect and often there’s no sensation at all (especially when administered by a skilled acupuncturist).

Kidney 1 can also be used as an acupressure point (on yourself or another person) to help feel more grounded.  But why even bother?

Head-clearing

Located on the bottom of the foot, Kidney 1 is the lowest acupuncture point on the entire body. This position allows the draining of excess energy from the upper part of the body, particularly the head. 

This makes Kidney 1 a great point for someone who’s “all in their head” and has the tendency to overthink and obsess, feel anxious or depressed, and experience physical symptoms such as insomnia, headaches and migraines, dizziness, and even poor vision and nosebleeds. Simply, Kidney 1 breaks up all the stuff many of us have rattling around in our heads, inviting more emotional calm and physical comfort.

Sleep-enhancing

Many people who suffer from insomnia can’t sleep due to an overactive mind. This is when Kidney 1 can really shine!

Kidney 1’s effectiveness at alleviating insomnia has much to do with the Kidney system’s relationship to the Heart system, a common culprit in sleep disorders. When the two systems are not communicating properly, emotional symptoms, including insomnia from over-thinking, can occur. 

Kidney 1 at Home

Give this a try at home: massage Kidney 1 before you get into bed at night. You can do either targeted acupressure directly on the point or generally rub the bottom of your feet (check out this video from Eric Kerr at AcuTake). No matter which method you choose, be sure to do both feet. 

Another way to reduce insomnia is to soak your feet in a bowl of warm water before bed. This will help draw down excess energy that causes your mind to spin, resulting in tossing and turning all night. 

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”