Spleen meridian

SP-6 (Sānyīnjiāo, 三阴交) — Three Yin Intersection

Meridian
Spleen (SP)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Meeting point of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney channels.
Depth reference
1.0–1.5 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Listed as applicable in the checked moxibustion reference; pregnancy use requires specialist clinical judgment
Reference aliases
SP6; Sanyinjiao; 三阴交; Three Yin Intersection

Anatomical location

On the medial leg, immediately posterior to the medial border of the tibia, 3 cun above the prominence of the medial malleolus.

Traditional actions

Strengthens the Spleen; resolves dampness; regulates menstruation and the lower burner; calms the spirit.

Recorded indications

Primary: Menstrual irregularity; pelvic discomfort; digestive weakness; urinary difficulty; insomnia.

Secondary: Medial leg pain; oedema; dizziness associated with blood deficiency.

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 SP6, p. 72
  2. The safety of obstetric acupuncture: forbidden points revisited Discussion of SP6 among traditionally forbidden points
  3. Safety in Clinical Practice p. 12: SP6 pregnancy caution
  4. American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference SP-6: Command Functions, Actions, Indications and Needling
  5. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1st edition SP6, p. 150: moxibustion applicable; depth in this source is not used

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP-6 located?

On the medial leg, immediately posterior to the medial border of the tibia, 3 cun above the prominence of the medial malleolus.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for SP-6?

Strengthens the Spleen; resolves dampness; regulates menstruation and the lower burner; calms the spirit. The dataset lists these primary indications: Menstrual irregularity; pelvic discomfort; digestive weakness; urinary difficulty; insomnia. Secondary indications are recorded as: Medial leg pain; oedema; dizziness associated with blood deficiency.

Is SP-6 safe during pregnancy?

Traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy because it is used to influence the uterus and labour. Pregnancy evidence is mixed, so this point should not be presented for self-treatment.