Henggu Point (KI-11 / Horizontal Bone, also known as Xiaji)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Henggu (KI-11 / Horizontal Bone). Learn its benefits for spermatorrhea, impotence, enuresis, and urinary retention – the meeting point of Kidney and Chong – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Spermatorrhea, impotence, enuresis (urinary incontinence), diarrhea, constipation, urinary retention, hernia, and lower abdominal pain.
Precise Location
In the lower abdomen, 5 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Location Method
Stand with one palm on the abdomen, palm inward, thumb on the umbilicus – the point is one thumb-width downward from the little finger position. Alternatively, sit upright or lie supine – locate the point on the superior border of the pubic symphysis, 0.5 cun lateral to the midline.
Massage Method
Gently press and knead with the four fingers of both hands – once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes. Therapeutic actions: Benefits the kidney and assists yang, clears heat and removes dryness, regulates the lower jiao, and unblocks urination.
Compatibility
Spermatorrhea: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4), Dahe (KI-12), and Henggu (KI-11). Disease overview: Involuntary discharge of semen without sexual intercourse – classified as nocturnal emissions (with dreams) and spermatorrhea (without dreams or even during wakefulness) – often caused by kidney deficiency with insecure essence gate, heart-kidney disharmony, or damp-heat descending. Massage sequence: Massage Guanyuan (3 cun below the umbilicus) for 2 minutes, Dahe for 2 minutes, then Henggu for 3 minutes. Urinary retention: Combine with Zhongji (RN-3) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Hernia: Combine with Ququan (LR-8), Taichong (LR-3), and Henggu (KI-11).
Efficacy & Actions
Wang Bing stated: "According to the current charts of acupoints, Yaoshu (GV-2) is also called Suikong, located at the 21st vertebra of the spine – it treats anhidrosis and cold numbness of the feet." The Jiayi Jing records: "Henggu, also known as Xiaji, is one cun below Dahe, at the meeting of the Chong Vessel and the Foot Shaoyin – needling to one cun, moxibustion with five cones." Ancient physicians regarded this as one of the key Kidney Meridian points – regular massage can treat impotence. This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and is the meeting point of the Kidney Meridian and the Chong Vessel. It benefits the kidney and assists yang, clears heat and removes dryness, regulates the lower jiao, and unblocks urination. It is a commonly used key point for treating urinary and reproductive system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Heng" means horizontal; "Gu" means bone. Located at the superior border of the pubic symphysis – hence the name Henggu (Horizontal Bone). It is also known as "Xiaji."
