KI6 (Zhaohai / Shining Sea) Acupuncture Point Guide
Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
Professional acupuncture supplies and practical clinical resources for qualified practitioners in Ireland and across Europe.
KI6, known as Zhaohai (“Shining Sea”), is located in the medial ankle. This guide summarises the standard location, traditional functions, common combinations, anatomy and essential safety considerations.
This is a professional reference for appropriately trained practitioners. It is not a self-treatment guide and does not replace accredited anatomical and clinical training.
KI6 Zhaohai quick reference
| Point name | KI6 — Zhaohai (“Shining Sea”) |
|---|---|
| Channel | Kidney channel |
| Classification | Confluent point of the Yin Motility Vessel (Yin Qiao Mai) |
| Region | Medial ankle |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Core landmark | In the depression 1 B-cun directly below the prominence of the medial malleolus. |
Location of KI6 Zhaohai
In the depression 1 B-cun directly below the prominence of the medial malleolus.
Use proportional B-cun measurement together with palpation and individual anatomy. A fixed centimetre measurement is not a substitute for anatomical location.
Traditional functions of KI6
- Nourishes Kidney Yin.
- Benefits the throat.
- Calms the Shen.
- Regulates the lower Jiao and benefits the Yin Motility Vessel in traditional practice.
These descriptions belong to traditional acupuncture theory. They are not claims that KI6 has been proven to diagnose, prevent or treat disease.
Traditional clinical applications
- Dry or sore throat within an appropriate pattern after medical causes have been assessed.
- Sleep disturbance or agitation associated traditionally with Yin deficiency.
- Lower-Jiao or gynaecological presentations within professional scope and individual diagnosis.
- Medial ankle discomfort where local treatment is appropriate.
Point selection should follow a complete assessment, differential diagnosis, informed consent and an individualised treatment plan.
Common point combinations
- KI6 + LU7: the traditional paired opening combination for the Yin Motility and Conception Vessels.
- KI6 + KD3: considered where nourishing Kidney Yin is central to the treatment strategy.
- KI6 + HT7: a traditional pairing where Yin deficiency and disturbed Shen coexist.
These are traditional examples rather than fixed prescriptions.
Anatomy and practitioner notes
KI6 lies below the medial malleolus in a small soft-tissue depression. It is not 2 B-cun below the malleolus. Palpate the bony prominence and measure the one B-cun interval carefully.
Needling and essential safety
Use conservative technique around the medial ankle. Avoid posterior angulation towards the tarsal-tunnel neurovascular bundle, and avoid needling through oedematous, infected, ulcerated or poorly perfused tissue.
Use sterile, single-use needles, appropriate skin preparation and a technique suited to the patient’s anatomy, health, medicines and treatment position. Stop and reassess if unexpected sharp, electrical or strongly radiating sensation occurs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is KI6 Zhaohai?
In the depression 1 B-cun directly below the prominence of the medial malleolus.
What does Zhaohai mean?
Zhaohai is commonly translated as “Shining Sea”. The English rendering helps explain the traditional name but does not replace the anatomical landmark.
Can patients use this guide for self-needling?
No. This resource is written for qualified practitioners and does not replace supervised anatomical and clinical training.
Continue exploring Project Lotus
Visit our Acupuncture Point Guides, or read the LU7 Lieque Guide and KD3 / KI3 Taixi Guide.
Practitioners can also browse our professional acupuncture needles and the wider Practitioner Guides library.
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. It 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 professional and legal obligations.
Reference standards and safety reading:
World Health Organization. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region.
World Health Organization. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture.
Master Tung’s Acupuncture / eLotus CORE. KI6 Zhaohai reference page.
