Jiaoxin Point (KI-8 / Faithful Exchange, also known as Yinqiao)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Jiaoxin (KI-8 / Faithful Exchange). Learn its benefits for irregular menstruation, constipation, dysentery, and gynecological disorders – the meeting point of Kidney and Yin Qiao – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Irregular menstruation, constipation, dysentery with red and white discharge, metrorrhagia, uterine prolapse, vaginal itching, leukorrhea, lower abdominal pain, and lumbar and knee soreness and weakness.
Precise Location
On the medial side of the lower leg, 2 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, in the depression at the posterior border of the medial tibia. Sit upright or lie supine – the point is 0.5 cun anterior to Fuliu (KI-7).
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. First locate Fuliu (KI-7, 2 cun above the medial malleolus tip, between the tibia and Achilles tendon), then move 0.5 cun anteriorly (toward the tibia) – the point is in the depression at the posterior border of the medial tibia, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Cupping: Apply retained cupping with a fire cup. ③ Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom. Press and knead Jiaoxin with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat irregular menstruation. Apply mild-warm moxa stick to Jiaoxin for 5–20 minutes once daily to treat metrorrhagia, uterine prolapse, and vaginal itching. Therapeutic actions: Benefits the kidney and regulates menstruation, unblocks urination and defecation, regulates qi and stops leukorrhea.
Compatibility
Irregular menstruation and metrorrhagia: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Xuehai (SP-10). Constipation: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25), Shangjuxu (ST-37), and Zhigou (TE-6). Dysentery with red and white discharge: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25), Zusanli (ST-36), and Shangjuxu (ST-37). Uterine prolapse, vaginal itching, and leukorrhea: Combine with Zhongji (RN-3), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Ligou (LR-5). Lower abdominal pain: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4), Qihai (RN-6), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Lumbar and knee soreness and weakness: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Taixi (KI-3), and Zhishi (BL-52).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and is the meeting point of the Kidney Meridian and the Yin Qiao Vessel. It benefits the kidney and regulates menstruation, unblocks urination and defecation, regulates qi and stops leukorrhea. It is a commonly used key point for treating gynecological and urinary-bowel disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Jiao" means to exchange or intersect; "Xin" means messenger or message. This point is where the Kidney Meridian and the Yin Qiao Vessel intersect – hence the name Jiaoxin (Faithful Exchange). It is also known as "Yinqiao."
Contraindications
Located on the medial lower leg, needling depth should be carefully controlled – generally 0.5–1 cun vertically to avoid injury to the tibial nerve. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women.
