Pathway

It originates below the little toe. It crosses the sole of the foot through the plantar muscles. It reaches the medial malleolus of the foot from where a branch goes to the inner side of the calcaneus while the other goes up along the inner side of the leg, close to the Achilles tendon, to the area of KI-9. Then it inserts into the inner part of the popliteal fossa and from there ascends along the inner side of the thigh. It goes up to the genitals and reaches CV-3 (meeting point of the foot muscle channels).

• A branch from CV-3 penetrates internally, reaches the anterior part of the spine and ascends there to the nape of the neck.
• Another branch contours the pelvic floor (very important!), reaches the spine and ascends along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies to the nape of the neck.

Symptoms

Pulling sensations, contractures, pain along the pathway.

• Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, lower back pain (moxibustion at 3-4 RM).
• Problems with body extension.
• Chronic lower back pain with cold in the lumbar region. Difficulty bending and/or straightening up.
• Degenerative disorders of bones and joints. (If there is osteoporosis, one should walk and stimulate the sole of the foot, since it is a way to stimulate the Kidney channel)