Spleen meridian

SP-16 (Fù'āi, 腹哀) — Abdomen's Sorrow

Meridian
Spleen (SP)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Meeting point of the Spleen channel with the Yin Linking vessel.
Depth reference
0.7–1.2 cun perpendicular; reduce depth in thin patients
Moxibustion
Applicable
Reference aliases
SP16; Fu'ai; 腹哀; Abdomen's Sorrow

Anatomical location

On the upper abdomen, 3 cun above the centre of the umbilicus and 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Traditional actions

Regulates intestinal function and relieves upper-abdominal digestive discomfort.

Recorded indications

Primary: Upper abdominal pain; indigestion; constipation; diarrhoea.

Secondary: Reduced appetite; abdominal fullness after eating.

How to read this reference

AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.

Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region SP16, p. 77
  2. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2 Chest, back and abdomen, p. 25
  3. American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference SP-16: Command Functions, Actions, Indications, Needling and abdominal-organ caution

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP-16 located?

On the upper abdomen, 3 cun above the centre of the umbilicus and 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for SP-16?

Regulates intestinal function and relieves upper-abdominal digestive discomfort. The dataset lists these primary indications: Upper abdominal pain; indigestion; constipation; diarrhoea. Secondary indications are recorded as: Reduced appetite; abdominal fullness after eating.

Is SP-16 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify SP-16 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.