In this blog post I would like to highlight acupuncture points along the trajectory of the Foot Taiyin (Spleen) Meridian. I will describe the nature and functions of the acupuncture points as I utilise & implement them in the acupuncture clinic.
Yin Bai (Hidden White) SP 1 is the first acupuncture point found on the spleen meridian & it is both the ‘wood’ point on the ‘earth’ meridian as well as being the jing-well point. The main application I utilise this acupuncture point in the clinic is for pathological bleeding/haemorrhaging. It is extremely effective for abnormal uterine bleeding/menorrhagia/metrorrhagia. I would like to note that in my clinical experience for Yin Bai SP 1 to have the desired effect of ‘gathering & holding the blood’ in its proper place (stop haemorrhaging) It is best to use direct Moxabustion (okyu).
Dadu (Great Metropolis) SP 2 is another great Moxabustion point, however I do utilise this acupuncture point by solely needle as well. As the fire point on the earth meridian according to five element theory, it is a principle tonifying point. The main clinical application I utilise Dadu SP 2 is to assess the state of the meridian. If pressure pain is present on Dadu SP 2 this can denote heat/inflammation along the meridians trajectory and thus calls for the Metal (SP 5) & Water (SP 9) acupuncture points to be needled. The needling of the ‘Metal’ & ‘Water’ acupuncture points on a given meridian will reduce any pressure pain elicited on the ‘Fire’ point of that meridian. This is an important treatment strategy in cases of appendicitis and OB/GYN conditions.
SP 3 Tai Bai (Supreme White) is the third acupuncture point on the Foot Taiyin (Spleen) Meridian. This acupuncture point has the effect of releasing the muscular layer of the body and thus tightness/spasticity. Being the element on the element (earth point on the earth meridian) it is also very beneficial to use direct Moxabustion on this point (spleen deficiency). I utilise this acupuncture point often in my acupuncture practice to release the ipsilateral scalene muscles, this is very important in thoracic outlet syndrome presentations as well as nervous system imbalances. Furthermore I find this acupuncture point indispensable in treating individuals with ‘sugar issues’ (sensitivity to sugar, tired after eating, diabetes mellitus, hyperactive after consumption of sugar).
Gongsun SP 4 is a great acupuncture point that benefits the contralateral medial aspect of the knee. It is very important to find the exact location and angle that best releases either the spontaneous pain or pain elicited with pressure at the medial aspect of the knee.
SP 5 Shang Qiu (Shang Mound) is both the Jing-river and metal point on the Spleen meridian. This acupuncture point works well for inflammatory conditions in the lower abdomen, as well as in cases of pancreas insufficiency. This acupuncture point constitutes one half of the ‘metal/water’ treatment put forward by Kiyoshi Nagano and thus is used in cases of appendicitis or issues post appendectomy. Furthermore, SP 5 coupled with BL 63 works very well for general knee pain/limited range of movement.
The ‘Three Yin Meeting’ or SanYinJiao SP 6 is as the name suggests, where the liver & kidney meridian meet the spleen meridian. I utilise this acupuncture point for issues with blood movement or vitality. Thus in cases of anaemia I find this acupuncture point to be very beneficial and use both needle and direct moxa. Furthermore, I tend to couple this acupuncture point with the Pericardium meridian for a myriad of health conditions.
SP 7 Lougu ‘Dripping Valley’ is a principle acupuncture point for the regulation of fluids in the body. Thus, I utilise this acupuncture point in oedema conditions where the individual also presents with a lack of urination. David Euler describes this as ‘excess water due to stagnation of Kidney Qi’.
Yin Ling Quan ‘Yin Mound Spring’ is a staple acupuncture point in my clinical practice & it is the 9th point on the spleen meridian. To be honest, I utilise this acupuncture point in nearly every treatment (as dictated by palpatory findings) and thus it is at present an indispensable acupuncture point in my clinical practice with a wide variety of clinical applications (emotional issues, digestive, shoulder pain…).
SP 11 Ji Men can be used as a support to SP 7 Lougu for the treatment water retention.
SP 21 Da Bao ‘Great Wrapping’ is not an acupuncture point that I have utilised much in the acupuncture clinic. However, I wish to share that master acupuncturist Shudo Denmai would leave an intradermal needle in patients with high blood pressure. Also, David Euler uses this acupuncture point in patients with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), or conditions of discrepancy between the two upper limbs (i.e. coldness or sweating). I cannot say that I have yet had the opportunity to try this acupuncture point (SP 21) for the above conditions & thus cannot personally sat that I have tried & tested its effects, however both these master acupuncturists mentioned above have amazing clinical results & are truly gifted teachers. Thus, it is definitely worth to mention.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Warm Regards,
Giancarlo Nerini – Acupuncturist (Melbourne CBD)
Yin Bai (Hidden White) SP 1 is the first acupuncture point found on the spleen meridian & it is both the ‘wood’ point on the ‘earth’ meridian as well as being the jing-well point. The main application I utilise this acupuncture point in the clinic is for pathological bleeding/haemorrhaging. It is extremely effective for abnormal uterine bleeding/menorrhagia/metrorrhagia. I would like to note that in my clinical experience for Yin Bai SP 1 to have the desired effect of ‘gathering & holding the blood’ in its proper place (stop haemorrhaging) It is best to use direct Moxabustion (okyu).
Dadu (Great Metropolis) SP 2 is another great Moxabustion point, however I do utilise this acupuncture point by solely needle as well. As the fire point on the earth meridian according to five element theory, it is a principle tonifying point. The main clinical application I utilise Dadu SP 2 is to assess the state of the meridian. If pressure pain is present on Dadu SP 2 this can denote heat/inflammation along the meridians trajectory and thus calls for the Metal (SP 5) & Water (SP 9) acupuncture points to be needled. The needling of the ‘Metal’ & ‘Water’ acupuncture points on a given meridian will reduce any pressure pain elicited on the ‘Fire’ point of that meridian. This is an important treatment strategy in cases of appendicitis and OB/GYN conditions.
SP 3 Tai Bai (Supreme White) is the third acupuncture point on the Foot Taiyin (Spleen) Meridian. This acupuncture point has the effect of releasing the muscular layer of the body and thus tightness/spasticity. Being the element on the element (earth point on the earth meridian) it is also very beneficial to use direct Moxabustion on this point (spleen deficiency). I utilise this acupuncture point often in my acupuncture practice to release the ipsilateral scalene muscles, this is very important in thoracic outlet syndrome presentations as well as nervous system imbalances. Furthermore I find this acupuncture point indispensable in treating individuals with ‘sugar issues’ (sensitivity to sugar, tired after eating, diabetes mellitus, hyperactive after consumption of sugar).
Gongsun SP 4 is a great acupuncture point that benefits the contralateral medial aspect of the knee. It is very important to find the exact location and angle that best releases either the spontaneous pain or pain elicited with pressure at the medial aspect of the knee.
SP 5 Shang Qiu (Shang Mound) is both the Jing-river and metal point on the Spleen meridian. This acupuncture point works well for inflammatory conditions in the lower abdomen, as well as in cases of pancreas insufficiency. This acupuncture point constitutes one half of the ‘metal/water’ treatment put forward by Kiyoshi Nagano and thus is used in cases of appendicitis or issues post appendectomy. Furthermore, SP 5 coupled with BL 63 works very well for general knee pain/limited range of movement.
The ‘Three Yin Meeting’ or SanYinJiao SP 6 is as the name suggests, where the liver & kidney meridian meet the spleen meridian. I utilise this acupuncture point for issues with blood movement or vitality. Thus in cases of anaemia I find this acupuncture point to be very beneficial and use both needle and direct moxa. Furthermore, I tend to couple this acupuncture point with the Pericardium meridian for a myriad of health conditions.
SP 7 Lougu ‘Dripping Valley’ is a principle acupuncture point for the regulation of fluids in the body. Thus, I utilise this acupuncture point in oedema conditions where the individual also presents with a lack of urination. David Euler describes this as ‘excess water due to stagnation of Kidney Qi’.
Yin Ling Quan ‘Yin Mound Spring’ is a staple acupuncture point in my clinical practice & it is the 9th point on the spleen meridian. To be honest, I utilise this acupuncture point in nearly every treatment (as dictated by palpatory findings) and thus it is at present an indispensable acupuncture point in my clinical practice with a wide variety of clinical applications (emotional issues, digestive, shoulder pain…).
SP 11 Ji Men can be used as a support to SP 7 Lougu for the treatment water retention.
SP 21 Da Bao ‘Great Wrapping’ is not an acupuncture point that I have utilised much in the acupuncture clinic. However, I wish to share that master acupuncturist Shudo Denmai would leave an intradermal needle in patients with high blood pressure. Also, David Euler uses this acupuncture point in patients with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), or conditions of discrepancy between the two upper limbs (i.e. coldness or sweating). I cannot say that I have yet had the opportunity to try this acupuncture point (SP 21) for the above conditions & thus cannot personally sat that I have tried & tested its effects, however both these master acupuncturists mentioned above have amazing clinical results & are truly gifted teachers. Thus, it is definitely worth to mention.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Warm Regards,
Giancarlo Nerini – Acupuncturist (Melbourne CBD)
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