Kidney 1: A Grounding Acupuncture Point for Clearing Heat and Calming the Mind

When the body feels overheated, restless, or overstimulated, traditional Chinese medicine often focuses on bringing energy downward and restoring balance. One acupuncture point commonly used for this purpose is Kidney 1, also known as Yongquan, meaning “Gushing Spring.”

Kidney 1 is the first point on the Kidney meridian and the lowest acupuncture point on the body. Because of its location on the sole, it is traditionally used to ground the body, calm the mind, and guide excessive heat and energy away from the head and upper body.

Where Is Kidney 1 Located?

Kidney 1 is located on the bottom of the foot, in the depression that appears when the toes are slightly curled. It is approximately at the junction between the front one-third and back two-thirds of the sole, between the second and third metatarsal bones. Anatomical research has also found that the area is closely related to branches of the plantar nerves.

What Does “Clearing Heat” Mean?

In Chinese medicine, “heat” does not always refer to a measurable fever. It describes a pattern of imbalance that may present as:

• Feeling hot, especially in the evening

• Hot flashes or night sweats

• Facial redness

• Dry mouth or increased thirst

• Irritability and emotional agitation

• Restlessness or difficulty sleeping

• Headaches or a sensation of pressure in the head

• Burning or uncomfortable sensations in the body

These symptoms can have many possible causes. An acupuncturist evaluates the complete pattern—including sleep, digestion, energy, emotions, tongue, and pulse—before deciding whether “heat” is actually present.

Benefits of Kidney 1

1. Helps Bring Energy Downward

Kidney 1 is traditionally used when a person feels that too much energy is concentrated in the upper body. This may feel like a racing mind, facial warmth, head pressure, agitation, dizziness, or difficulty relaxing.

Stimulating the soles of the feet encourages awareness to move downward, creating a greater sense of stability and connection to the ground.

2. Clears Deficiency Heat

Kidney 1 is often selected when heat is associated with insufficient Kidney Yin. In Chinese medicine, Yin helps cool, nourish, and calm the body. When Yin becomes depleted, a person may experience evening warmth, night sweating, dry mouth, restlessness, or hot sensations in the palms and soles.

Kidney 1 may be combined with other acupuncture points to nourish Yin and reduce this type of internal heat.

3. Calms the Mind

Because Kidney 1 has a strong grounding quality, it may be incorporated into treatments for stress, overthinking, emotional agitation, and sleep difficulty.

Clinical research on self-administered acupressure has found that structured acupressure programs may help improve insomnia symptoms and related daytime functioning. However, studies generally use combinations of points, so the findings should not be interpreted as proof that Kidney 1 alone treats insomnia.

4. Supports Relaxation Before Sleep

Massaging Kidney 1 may be a simple addition to an evening relaxation routine. It can be especially helpful for people who feel mentally active, physically tense, or unable to “switch off” at bedtime.

For additional relaxation, Kidney 1 may be paired with slow breathing, a warm foot soak, gentle stretching, or meditation.

5. Promotes a Sense of Grounding

People experiencing anxiety or emotional overwhelm often describe feeling disconnected, unsettled, or “stuck in their head.” Pressing the soles of the feet can provide strong sensory feedback and help redirect attention toward the body.

This grounding effect may be useful during stressful periods, although it should not replace professional mental-health treatment when symptoms are persistent or severe.

How to Massage Kidney 1 at Home

Sit comfortably and place one foot over the opposite knee. Locate the tender or slightly hollow area near the front-middle portion of the sole.

Using your thumb:

1. Apply comfortable, steady pressure.

2. Massage slowly in small circles.

3. Continue for approximately one to two minutes.

4. Repeat on the other foot.

5. Breathe slowly and allow your shoulders and jaw to relax.

The pressure should feel noticeable but not sharply painful. Stop if you experience increased pain, numbness, dizziness, or discomfort.

Avoid pressing directly over broken skin, an active infection, an ulcer, or a recent foot injury. People with diabetes, reduced sensation, poor circulation, or significant foot conditions should consult a qualified healthcare professional before performing a strong foot massage.

Kidney 1 as Part of a Complete Treatment

Kidney 1 is rarely used by itself in professional acupuncture. Depending on the individual pattern, an acupuncturist may combine it with points that calm the mind, nourish Yin, regulate circulation, or clear heat from other meridians.

The goal is not simply to suppress a symptom. Chinese medicine seeks to understand why the body is producing heat, restlessness, or imbalance in the first place.

Kidney 1 offers a gentle reminder that when the mind and energy rise too strongly upward, reconnecting with the feet may help us feel calmer, cooler, and more grounded.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat a medical condition. Persistent fever, severe headaches, confusion, chest pain, fainting, or other concerning symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.