Gushing Spring
涌泉 Yǒng Quán · KI-1
About KI-1 Gushing Spring
KI-1 Yongquan is the lowest point on the body used in acupuncture, located on the sole of the foot where the body makes contact with the earth. Its name, 'Gushing Spring,' evokes the image of water rising from deep underground -- the Kidney's Water element surging from the body's deepest yin to nourish life. This is the jing-well point of the Kidney meridian, where the channel's qi first bubbles to the surface from the interior.
The point's primary therapeutic action is descending: it draws excess qi, heat, and yang downward from the head and upper body. In TCM, many acute conditions result from qi rising when it should descend -- sudden headache, dizziness, hypertension, fainting, stroke, anxiety with flushed face, and insomnia from an overactive mind. Yongquan acts like a drain, pulling the excess downward through the body and into the earth. This is why it is one of the primary emergency points for loss of consciousness and acute hypertensive episodes.
For self-care, KI-1 is unsurpassed as a grounding point. Modern life tends to concentrate energy in the head (from screens, mental work, worry), and Yongquan counterbalances this by reconnecting the body's energy with the ground beneath it. The practice of massaging the soles of the feet before sleep has roots in Chinese longevity traditions going back millennia, and Yongquan is always the central focus. Pressing or rolling this point before bed calms the mind, promotes deep sleep, and gradually nourishes the Kidney yin that keeps the body's fire in check.
How to Find This Point
Curl your toes downward. The deep crease that forms on the ball of the foot -- the point is at the deepest part of that depression. It sits roughly one-third of the way from the base of the toes to the heel, in the center of the forefoot.
Technique
Press firmly with the thumb into the depression on the sole of the foot. Deep sustained pressure or vigorous circular kneading. Rolling a golf ball or tennis ball under the foot also effectively stimulates this point.
Pressure & Duration
Firm (the sole of the foot has thick tissue and tolerates strong pressure) pressure for 2-5 minutes per side.
Benefits
Descends excess qi from the head, calms the spirit, revives consciousness, nourishes Kidney yin, clears heat, benefits the brain
Indications
Headache at the vertex, dizziness, hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, loss of consciousness, infantile convulsions, hot flashes, night sweats, sore throat from yin deficiency, tinnitus
TCM Actions
Descends excess from the head, calms the spirit, restores consciousness, nourishes yin, clears heat, jing-well point of the Kidney meridian
Self-Care Use
The most grounding point on the body. Press firmly on the sole of the foot when feeling anxious, ungrounded, or when energy seems stuck in the head (headaches, dizziness, insomnia from an overactive mind). Rolling a golf ball under each foot for 2-5 minutes before bed is an excellent sleep-promoting practice. This point draws excess energy downward, away from the head and into the earth.
Contraindications & Cautions
Avoid in individuals with extremely low blood pressure, as the point's descending action can lower it further. Do not stimulate vigorously during pregnancy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the KI-1 Gushing Spring acupressure point located?
KI-1 Gushing Spring (Yǒng Quán) is located at: On the sole of the foot, in the depression when the foot is in plantar flexion, approximately at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds of the sole, between the second and third metatarsal bones. Curl your toes downward. The deep crease that forms on the ball of the foot -- the point is at the deepest part of that depression. It sits roughly one-third of the way from the base of the toes to th
How long should I press KI-1 Gushing Spring?
Apply firm (the sole of the foot has thick tissue and tolerates strong pressure) pressure to KI-1 for 2-5 minutes per side. Press firmly with the thumb into the depression on the sole of the foot. Deep sustained pressure or vigorous circular kneading. Rolling a golf ball or tennis ball under the foot also effectively stimu
What are the benefits of stimulating KI-1 Gushing Spring?
Descends excess qi from the head, calms the spirit, revives consciousness, nourishes Kidney yin, clears heat, benefits the brain
Is it safe to do acupressure on KI-1 at home?
The most grounding point on the body. Press firmly on the sole of the foot when feeling anxious, ungrounded, or when energy seems stuck in the head (headaches, dizziness, insomnia from an overactive m Cautions: Avoid in individuals with extremely low blood pressure, as the point's descending action can lower it further. Do not stimulate vigorously during preg
Which meridian does KI-1 belong to?
KI-1 Gushing Spring belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, which is associated with the Wood (jing-well point of Water meridian) element. Its TCM actions include: Descends excess from the head, calms the spirit, restores consciousness, nourishes yin, clears heat, jing-well point of the Kidney meridian