Translating "然谷", acupuncture point KI-2
The reasoning for translating "然谷" as "Burning Valley" from Chinese into English. This is the original name of acupuncture point KI-2 (Kidney 2).
Explanation of the point name
Most of the Kidney meridian point names in the neighbourhood of this point are about waters in nature (Bubbling Spring, Largest Valley Stream, Water Spring, Shining Sea, Restoring the Trickle). 谷 can be translated as either 'valley stream' or 'valley', and within this context of names about waters, 'valley stream' seems right. However, in other point names, 谿 already means 'valley stream', and for 谷, 'valley' makes more sense.
然 can hardly be translated other than 'burning' or 'blazing'. So, the bushes and trees in this valley are on fire.
The feelings this is about, that the point treats, are about a dangerous place one needs to go through. The point can elicit the courage to do that.
Also, the depression where this point is located is like a valley.
1st character
No other point names with this character.
2nd character
Point names with 谷
For consistency in the translations, it is necessary to be aware of how the character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
| LI-4 | 合谷 | Closed Valley |
| ST-43 | 陷谷 | Trapped in the Valley |
| SP-7 | 漏谷 | Leaking Valley |
| SI-2 | 前谷 | In Front of the Valley |
| SI-5 | 陽谷 | Yang Valley |
| BL-66 | 足通谷 | Walking Through the Valley |
| KI-2 | 然谷 | Burning Valley |
| KI-10 | 陰谷 | Yin Valley |
| KI-20 | 腹通谷 | On the Belly Through the Valley |
| GB-8 | 率谷 | Follow the Valley |
Nearby points
Sometimes the names of consecutive points on a meridian are related. Being aware of nearby points can help to translate consistently in such a situation.
| BL-66 | 足通谷 | Walking Through the Valley |
| BL-67 | 至陰 | Most Yin |
| KI-1 | 涌泉 | Bubbling Spring |
| KI-2 | 然谷 | Burning Valley |
| KI-3 | 太谿 | Largest Valley Stream |
| KI-4 | 大鐘 | Big Bell |
| KI-5 | 水泉 | Water Spring |