Kidney 1 vs. Kidney 3: What’s the Difference in TCM?

If you’ve been learning about acupressure or acupuncture, you may have come across Kidney 1 and Kidney 3. Since both points belong to the Kidney meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s easy to assume they do the same thing. But in practice, they are quite different.

A simple way to think about it is this:Kidney 1 is more grounding, while Kidney 3 is more nourishing.

Where Are They Located?

Kidney 1 (KD1), also called Yongquan, is located on the sole of the foot.

Kidney 3 (KD3), also called Taixi, is located on the inner side of the ankle, in the soft area between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.

Even though they are on the same meridian, their locations already hint at their different roles.

Kidney 1: A Point for Grounding

Kidney 1 is often thought of as a calming, grounding point in TCM. Because it is on the bottom of the foot, it is traditionally used when energy feels like it is rising too much upward.

It may be helpful when you feel:

• stressed or overwhelmed

• restless or anxious

• mentally scattered

• like you can’t settle down

In everyday language, Kidney 1 is the point many people associate with helping the body feel more anchored and calm.

Kidney 3: A Point for Support and Nourishment

Kidney 3 has a different role. In TCM, it is often used to support and strengthen Kidney energy.

It may be chosen for patterns related to:

• fatigue

• low back weakness

• insomnia

• tinnitus

• dryness or a sense of depletion

In simple terms, Kidney 3 is often seen as a point for replenishing and supporting the body’s deeper reserves.

So What’s the Difference?

The main difference is in how they are traditionally used:

• Kidney 1 helps ground and calm

• Kidney 3 helps nourish and strengthen

That’s why they may both be useful, but for very different reasons.

How to Use Kidney 1 and Kidney 3 at Home

You can try gentle acupressure on these points at home.

For Kidney 1, use your thumb to press the point on the sole of the foot with steady, comfortable pressure. Massage gently in small circles for 1 to 2 minutes on each foot. This is a nice point to try when you feel tense, restless, or mentally overloaded.

For Kidney 3, press the soft area between the inner ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes on each side while breathing slowly. This point is often used when you feel tired, drained, or in need of support.

The pressure should feel firm but comfortable, not sharp or painful.

Can You Use Them Together?

Yes. Kidney 1 and Kidney 3 can be used together when the goal is to both settle the mind and support the body. This combination can feel especially nice when you want both grounding and nourishment at the same time.

Final Thoughts

Kidney 1 and Kidney 3 are both important points in Chinese medicine, but they are not interchangeable.

If Kidney 1 is about helping you feel more grounded, Kidney 3 is more about helping you feel supported and nourished.

Understanding the difference can make acupressure feel much more meaningful — and can help you choose the point that fits what your body needs most.