Spleen meridian

SP-21 (Dàbāo, 大包) — Great Enveloping

Meridian
Spleen (SP)
Anatomical view
lateral
Point classification
Great Luo-connecting point of the Spleen.
Depth reference
0.3–0.5 cun transverse or oblique along the intercostal space
Moxibustion
Applicable with caution
Reference aliases
SP21; Dabao; 大包; Great Enveloping

Anatomical location

On the lateral chest, in the sixth intercostal space on the midaxillary line.

Traditional actions

Regulates qi and blood throughout the connecting vessels; unbinds the chest; benefits the lateral ribs.

Recorded indications

Primary: Generalized aching; weakness of the limbs; pain or fullness of the lateral chest.

Secondary: Cough; shortness of breath; flaccidity of the joints.

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 SP21, p. 80
  2. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2 Lung and pleura, p. 25
  3. American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference SP-21: Command Functions, Actions, Indications, Needling, moxa and pneumothorax caution

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP-21 located?

On the lateral chest, in the sixth intercostal space on the midaxillary line.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for SP-21?

Regulates qi and blood throughout the connecting vessels; unbinds the chest; benefits the lateral ribs. The dataset lists these primary indications: Generalized aching; weakness of the limbs; pain or fullness of the lateral chest. Secondary indications are recorded as: Cough; shortness of breath; flaccidity of the joints.

Is SP-21 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify SP-21 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.