KI-3 - Supreme Stream
太溪 - Tài xī
Point Region: Foot
KI-3, or 'Taixi' (meaning 'Great Stream'), is the 'Shu-Stream', 'Yuan-Source', and 'Earth' point of the Kidney channel. Located in the depression behind the inner ankle, this point represents a powerful reservoir of energy—a 'great stream' that can nourish the entire body.
As the 'Yuan-Source' point, Taixi is considered the master point for the Kidney organ system. It can be used to treat any Kidney-related condition, whether it's a deficiency of Yin, Yang, Qi, or Essence. It is a go-to point for boosting vitality, strengthening the lower back and knees, and supporting the body during times of stress, fatigue, or aging.
The name 'Great Stream' speaks to its function as a central hub of the Kidney meridian, where the energy gathers and flows powerfully. By stimulating this point, you can tap into the deepest reserves of the body's life force, offering a profound sense of nourishment and renewal. This makes it one of the most important and versatile points for maintaining long-term health and vitality.
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: Located on the medial ankle, in a prominent hollow behind the malleolus.
How to Locate:
- Find the bony bump on the inner side of your ankle
- Move your finger behind this bump toward your heel
- Feel for the depression between the ankle bone and your Achilles tendon
- The point is in this prominent hollow
Primary Functions
Urinary & Kidney System
- Tonifies both kidney yin and yang
- Master point for kidney function
- Treats chronic kidney diseases
- Strengthens kidney essence and vitality
- Regulates water metabolism
Reproductive System
- Enhances fertility and sexual function
- Treats impotence and low libido
- Regulates menstrual cycles
- Supports reproductive health
Musculoskeletal System
- Strengthens bones and joints
- Treats lower back pain
- Addresses knee and ankle weakness
- Supports bone density
Nervous System
- Nourishes brain and marrow
- Improves memory and concentration
- Treats chronic fatigue
Endocrine System
- Regulates adrenal function
- Balances hormonal systems
- Supports thyroid function
Immune & Energy System
- Strengthens constitutional energy
- Boosts overall vitality
- Supports immune function
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Low back pain
- Tinnitus
- Infertility
- Frequent urination
- Chronic fatigue
- Kidney weakness
- Ear ringing
- Reproductive problems
- Urinary problems
- Sexual dysfunction
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
KI-3 Protocols
Lower Back Support & Kidney Vitality (4 minutes)
- Sit with ankle accessible and relaxed
- Locate KI-3 (between medial malleolus and Achilles tendon)
- Apply firm pressure for 30 seconds on each side
- Massage in circular motions for 1 minute to nourish Kidney Qi and ease back tension
- Repeat pressure while breathing deeply and relaxing the lower spine
Important Precautions
- Recent ankle surgery
- Severe ankle injury
- Acute ankle sprain