KI3 Tai Xi (太溪) Dog Acupuncture Point
In dogs, KI3 (Tai Xi, 太溪) is a point on the Kidney meridian. Location: In a depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon at the height of the tip of the medial malleolus (opposite BL-60). Traditional indications in this chart include local point for the ankle joint, pain in the lower back, paralysis of the hind legs.
This page is educational. It describes a point in dogs as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Quick facts
- Species
- Dog
- Point code
- KI3
- Pinyin
- Tai Xi
- Chinese name
- 太溪
- Meridian
- Kidney
- Element or system
- Water
- Point category and notes
- Yuan-Source; Key kidney disorder point
Where is KI3 Tai Xi on a dog?
In a depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon at the height of the tip of the medial malleolus (opposite BL-60).
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
Want KI3 Tai Xi on a chart you can keep? Our downloadable dog acupuncture chart and cards are an instant download you can print or edit for study notes and clinic handouts.
Traditional indications
- Local point for the ankle joint
- pain in the lower back
- paralysis of the hind legs
- growing pains
- problems of the urogenital tract, especially the kidney
- cystitis
- functional disorders of the kidney
- diabetes mellitus with weight loss
- irregular estrous cycle
- infertility
Indications are taken from traditional veterinary acupuncture charts. They describe how the point has been used and are not proof that it treats these conditions in dogs.
Dog conditions that mention KI3 Tai Xi
PetAcu dog condition guides that name this point:
Points often discussed alongside KI3 Tai Xi
These points appear in the same dog condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each dog.
See these points together on a printable dog meridian chart with English and Chinese names, available as a digital download from PetAcu.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point, the size of the dog and its condition.
Some owners are shown gentle acupressure by their veterinarian. Do not press on a painful area, and stop if your dog shows pain, guarding or anxiety. If your dog suddenly cannot walk or is in severe pain, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about KI3 Tai Xi
Where is KI3 Tai Xi on a dog?
In a depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon at the height of the tip of the medial malleolus (opposite BL-60). Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is KI3 Tai Xi used for in veterinary acupuncture?
The source chart lists local point for the ankle joint, pain in the lower back, paralysis of the hind legs, growing pains, problems of the urogenital tract, especially the kidney, cystitis, functional disorders of the kidney, diabetes mellitus with weight loss and others as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use KI3 Tai Xi at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle acupressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your dog is in pain, has a spinal problem or has not been examined.
Is there a printable or downloadable dog acupuncture point chart?
Yes. PetAcu offers a printable dog acupuncture point chart and illustrated point cards as an instant digital download, with English and Chinese names, so points such as KI3 Tai Xi are easy to find again. Editable files are available for study notes and clinic handouts. See the printable dog acupuncture point cards or browse PetAcu digital products. A chart is a learning and reference aid, not a treatment plan.
Learn more and next steps
Printable dog acupuncture point cards
Illustrated cards showing common dog points, with English and Chinese names and Five Element colour coding. Instant download on Gumroad.
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Original PetAcu charts and reference materials for students, veterinary professionals and curious owners, with more species and clinic materials in preparation.
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Other Kidney points with guides
Species: dog. Point data compiled by PetAcu from Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats: A Pocket Atlas (Eul-Matern, Thieme, 2nd edition, 2022). Back to the dog acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas. Looking for a downloadable version? Get the dog acupuncture chart and point cards or other PetAcu digital charts.