Kidney 1: Rooting Into Winter Through the Water Element

Kid 1 Acupuncture Point

As the days grow shorter and the natural world turns inward, Winter invites us to slow down and reconnect with our deepest reserves of energy. In Chinese Medicine, this is the season of the Water Element, a time associated with rest, reflection, and replenishment. One of the most powerful ways to support your body and mind during this time is by working with Kidney 1 (KID 1), also known as Yongquan which means “Bubbling Spring.”

Kidney 1 is the very first point on the Kidney meridian, and it plays a special role in grounding and restoring the body’s essential energy. Located on the sole of the foot, it’s the only acupuncture point on the bottom of the body and is considered a gateway where the body connects directly with the Earth’s stabilizing force.

Where Is Kidney 1?

Kidney 1 is found on the sole of the foot, in the natural depression between the ball of the foot and the toes. If you curl your toes slightly, you’ll feel a tender, soft spot where the foot seems to “dip.” This point is easy to massage and can be activated with thumb pressure, acupressure tools, or grounding practices like walking barefoot on natural surfaces.

Because the Water Element is all about depth, stillness, and restoration, Kidney 1’s location on the foot reflects its symbolic and energetic purpose: to help us root, settle, and connect back to our source.

Why Kidney 1 Matters in Winter

Winter corresponds to the Kidneys, which store the body’s deepest energy reserves (Jing). This precious energy is responsible for vitality, endurance, development, fertility, aging, and our ability to handle stress. When the Kidney system is nourished, we feel calm, steady, and resilient. When depleted, we may experience fatigue, fearfulness, burnout, or a loss of inner strength.

Because Kidney 1 is the “entry point” to the Kidney meridian, stimulating it helps support these foundational energies at the perfect time of year.

Benefits of Stimulating Kidney 1

1. Grounding & Calming the Mind

Kidney 1 is famous for its ability to draw excess energy downward, easing anxiety, scattered thoughts, and emotional overwhelm. Winter often brings introspection, and this point helps steady the mind, so reflection becomes peaceful, not stressful.

2. Supporting Energy Reserves

By activating the start of the Kidney meridian, KID 1 can help nourish the body’s core vitality. Gentle stimulation encourages the flow of Qi into the deeper energy stores needed for winter renewal.

3. Easing Stress & Fear

The emotion of the Water Element is fear, both healthy and unhealthy. When Kidney energy is low, fear can become excessive or irrational. Working with Kidney 1 helps calm the nervous system and restore confidence and inner steadiness.

4. Enhancing Sleep & Relaxation

Because it helps quiet the mind and settle the spirit, Kidney 1 is frequently used for nighttime restlessness, overthinking, or difficulty winding down.

5. Connecting the Body to the Earth

Energetically, Kidney 1 grounds us. Physically, massaging the foot increases circulation and relaxation. Emotionally, this point helps us feel anchored and supported.

How to Use Kidney 1 This Season

• Massage the point for 30–60 seconds before bed.

• Soak your feet in warm water to nourish the Kidney system.

• Practice slow breathing while pressing the point to deepen the calming effect.

• Walk barefoot on grass, sand, or earth to naturally stimulate the area (weather permitting!).