KD 3 — Tài Xī (太溪) — Great Ravine

KD 3 (Kidney 3; Taixi, “Great Ravine”) is the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point of the Kidney meridian and the single most important point in acupuncture for tonifying the Kidney. Located in the depression between the inner ankle bone and the Achilles tendon, it uniquely tonifies both Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang simultaneously, supports Kidney Essence (Jing), and is central to treatment of menopausal symptoms, infertility, low back pain, tinnitus, chronic insomnia and the general decline of the Kidney system through ageing.

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Common point combinations
8. Treatment at my clinic
9. Frequently asked questions about KD 3

1. About KD 3 (Tai Xi)

KD 3 — Tài Xī (太溪) — is an acupuncture point on the Kidney meridian. Its English name, Great Ravine, reflects the deep hollow at the inner ankle where the point is located. It is the Yuan-Source point of the channel — the unique acupuncture point that simultaneously tonifies both Yin and Yang aspects of the Kidney. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and central to treatments for menopause, fertility, low back pain and tinnitus.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use KD 3 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. KD 3 location

In the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon, level with the tip of the medial malleolus. To find it: locate the prominent inner ankle bone, slide a finger backwards into the hollow between the bone and the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel — KD 3 sits in the middle of that hollow. The point is usually tender in patients with Kidney deficiency patterns.

3. Actions

1. Tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang simultaneously — the most important Kidney tonic point
2. Nourishes Kidney Jing (Essence)
3. Benefits the Kidney and strengthens the lower back
4. Clears Empty Heat from Kidney Yin deficiency
5. Regulates the uterus and fertility

4. Indications

1. Kidney Yin deficiency — the primary point for all Yin deficiency patterns
2. Low back ache and weakness from Kidney deficiency
3. Tinnitus and hearing loss from Kidney Essence deficiency
4. Insomnia, night sweats and afternoon fever from Kidney Yin deficiency
5. Impotence, spermatorrhoea and low libido from Kidney Yang deficiency
6. Irregular menstruation and infertility from Kidney deficiency
7. Chronic sore throat from Kidney Yin deficiency failing to moisten the throat
8. Menopausal symptoms — hot flushes and night sweats

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1.0 cun, directed slightly towards KD 4 for a stronger Yuan-Source effect. Gentle technique typically preferred — KD 3 responds best to even, sustained stimulation rather than strong reduction.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.

6. Clinical notes

KD 3 is the Yuan-Source point and Shu-Stream point of the Kidney meridian, the only acupuncture point in the body that simultaneously and equally tonifies both Yin and Yang of the Kidney. This unique property places it at the centre of treatment for any Kidney deficiency pattern — menopause, infertility, premature ageing, chronic low back pain, tinnitus, sexual dysfunction and the slow decline of the Kidney system that underlies many age-related complaints.

In perimenopause and menopause it is one of the most-used points for hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, anxiety and insomnia of the Empty Heat pattern. In fertility practice it tonifies the Kidney Essence that underlies egg quality and reproductive vigour. It is often paired with its corresponding back-shu point BL 23 (Shenshu) for deep Kidney tonification.

7. Common point combinations

1. KD 3 + KD 6 (Zhaohai) — the standard Yin-nourishing pair for hot flushes, night sweats, dry throat and the broken-after-midnight sleep of Empty Heat.
2. KD 3 + BL 23 (Shenshu) — the Yuan-Shu pair, the deepest Kidney tonification combination in acupuncture. Used for chronic low back pain, infertility and premature ageing.
3. KD 3 + SP 6 (Sanyinjiao) — tonifies all three lower Yin organs (Kidney, Spleen, Liver) together; the backbone of perimenopause and fertility protocols.
4. KD 3 + GV 4 (Mingmen) — warms and tonifies Kidney Yang for cold, weak lower back, low libido, infertility and chronic fatigue with cold limbs.
5. KD 3 + HT 7 (Shenmen) — restores Heart-Kidney communication, used for insomnia, palpitations and anxiety from Kidney Yin failing to root Heart Yang.
6. KD 3 + KD 7 (Fuliu) — the Kidney’s Jing-Well plus Yuan combination for night sweats and excessive sweating from Kidney Yin deficiency.

8. Treatment at my clinic

I use KD 3 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including menopausal symptoms, low back pain, insomnia, fertility, tinnitus, chronic fatigue and the general patterns of Kidney deficiency. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.

9. Frequently asked questions about KD 3

What are the acupuncture points KD3 used for?

The acupuncture points KD3 (Taixi) are used to tonify the Kidney — the only point in the body that simultaneously strengthens both Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang. Common clinical uses are menopausal hot flushes and night sweats, chronic low back pain, insomnia, tinnitus, fertility support, sexual dysfunction and the general decline of Kidney function with age. Acupuncture points KD3 are central to almost every treatment for perimenopause or Kidney deficiency.

Where do you press acupressure points KD3?

To find the acupressure points KD3: locate the prominent inner ankle bone, then slide a finger backwards into the hollow between the bone and the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel. KD 3 sits in the centre of that hollow, level with the tip of the ankle bone. Apply firm pressure with your thumb for 1–3 minutes. Acupressure points KD3 are typically tender in patients with Kidney deficiency.

Can KD 3 help with low back pain?

Yes — KD 3 is the most important acupuncture point for chronic low back pain of Kidney deficiency, the dull, persistent ache that worsens with fatigue and is often relieved by warmth and rest. It is paired with BL 23 (Shenshu) for the strongest effect. KD 3 is less useful for acute mechanical back pain, where local and shoulder-back points are preferred.

Can KD 3 help with menopause and hot flushes?

Yes. KD 3 is one of the most-used points in acupuncture treatment for menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations and anxiety of the Empty Heat pattern. It tonifies the Kidney Yin that is declining naturally through the menopausal transition. Combined with KD 6 (Zhaohai) and SP 6 (Sanyinjiao) it forms the foundation of most menopause protocols.

Can KD 3 help with insomnia?

Yes — KD 3 is regularly used for insomnia, particularly the wired-tired sleep that breaks between 1am and 3am and is associated with night sweats, dry mouth and Empty Heat. It works by restoring the Yin base that allows the Mind (Shen) to settle. Combined with HT 7 (Shenmen) to address the Heart side of the Heart-Kidney axis.

What does KD 3 mean in Chinese?

KD 3 is called Tài Xī (太溪) in Chinese, which translates as “Great Ravine”. The name refers to the deep hollow at the inner ankle, between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon, where the point sits.

Is KD 3 safe during pregnancy?

Yes — KD 3 is safe and frequently used throughout pregnancy. It has no contraindicated uterotonic effect and is regularly included in pregnancy treatments to support Kidney Essence, ease low back ache and stabilise blood-pressure fluctuations.