Principal Meridian Tai Yin SP

Spleen Meridian

足太阴脾经 | Zú Tàiyīn Pí Jīng

Spleen Channel of Foot Tai-Yin

Spleen Meridian pathway diagram

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Quick Facts

Associated Organ

Spleen

Acupuncture Points

21 points

Peak Hours

09:00 - 11:00

Flow Direction

Centripetal (toward torso)

Overview

The Spleen Meridian (Foot Tai Yin) is one of the 12 primary channels in Traditional Chinese Medicine, beginning at the big toe and traveling up the inner leg to the chest. It is intimately connected with the Spleen organ system, which in TCM governs digestion, transformation and transportation of nutrients, and the production of Qi and Blood. The Spleen is considered the foundation of postnatal Qi—the energy we derive from food after birth. This meridian plays a central role in digestive health, muscle tone, blood quality, and mental clarity. It is paired with the Stomach Meridian in a Yin-Yang relationship, together forming the Earth element and managing all aspects of nourishment and energy production in the body.

24-Hour Qi Circulation Cycle

Previous in cycle

Stomach Meridian

Current Channel

Spleen Meridian

09:00 - 11:00

Peak Activity Hours

Next in cycle

Heart Meridian

Channel Pathways

The Spleen Meridian consists of multiple channel systems, each with its own pathway and clinical significance.

Pathway Description

The external pathway: 

  • The Spleen Primary Channel starts at Yinbai SP-1 at the medial corner of the big toe nail. It connects to a Stomach Primary branch at Chongyang ST-42 and forms the first great circuit of Foot Yin-Yang.
  • It flows through the medial aspect of the foot, along the border where the skin changes color. 
  • It then passes Shangqiu SP-5 of the medial malleolus and ascends along the posterior border of the medial tibia. 
  • Sanyinjiao SP-6 is 3 cun above the madial malleolus, which is the meeting point with the other two Foot-Yin Channel (Liver and Kidneys). SP-6 is also the most important point of the Channel. 
  • It continues ascending the anteromedial aspect of the knee and thigh to the lower abdomen at Fushe SP-13. 
  • Afterwards, it ascends to the Stomach area 4 cun lateral to the midline, then to the ribs area 6 cun lateral to the midline. During the course, it also cross other Channels at Riyue GB-24, Qimen LIV-14 and  Zhongfu LU-1. 
  • After reaching the second intercostal space, the Primary Channel curves downward and terminates at Dabao SP-21, on the midaxillary line 6 cun below the axilla. 

The internal pathway: 

  • In the abdomen area, the Primary Channel intersects with the Directing Vessel internally at Zhongji REN-3, Guangyuan REN-4 and Xiawan REN-10 on the midline. 
    • One internal branch enters the Spleen, penetrates the diaphragm, ascending along the oesophagus and spreads over the lower surface of the tongue. 
    • Another internal branch enters the Stomach, penetrates the diaphragm and connects to the Heart. 

Five Element Correspondences

Traditional associations of the Spleen and its meridian within the Five Element framework.

Emotion

Worry (pensiveness, overthinking)

Color

Yellow

Taste

Sweet

Climate

Dampness

Sense Organ

Mouth (lips)

Tissue

Muscles (flesh)

Manifests In

Lips

Sound

Singing

Body Fluid

Saliva (thick/viscous)

Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points along the Spleen Meridian and related points from other channels.

21 Points on this Channel

1

Yinbai

SP-1

2

Dadu

SP-2

3

Taibai

SP-3

4

Gongsun

SP-4

5

Shangqiu

SP-5

6

Sanyinjiao

SP-6

7

Lougu

SP-7

8

Diji

SP-8

9

Yinlingquan

SP-9

10

Xuehai

SP-10

11

Jimen

SP-11

12

Chongmen

SP-12

13

Fushe

SP-13

14

Fujie

SP-14

15

Daheng

SP-15

16

Fuai

SP-16

17

Shidou

SP-17

18

Tianxi

SP-18

19

Xiongxiang

SP-19

20

Zhourong

SP-20

21

Dabao

SP-21

Related Points from Other Channels

Zhongji REN-3

Crossing point - Spleen meridian intersects with Conception Vessel at this point

Guanyuan REN-4

Crossing point - Spleen meridian intersects with Conception Vessel at this point

Xiawan REN-10

Crossing point - Internal pathway of Spleen meridian connects here

Zhongwan REN-12

Crossing point - Internal pathway connects to Stomach at this level

Riyue GB-24

Crossing point - Spleen meridian internal pathway intersects

Qimen LR-14

Crossing point - Spleen meridian internal pathway intersects

Zhongfu LU-1

SP-20 Zhourong lies directly below this Lung meridian point

Detailed Information

In-depth information about the Spleen Meridian and its clinical significance.

Overview

The Spleen Meridian, known in Chinese as Zú Tàiyīn Pí Jīng (足太阴脾经), is classified as a Foot Tai Yin (Greater Yin) channel. It contains 21 acupuncture points on each side of the body and represents the Yin aspect of the Earth element. The Spleen in TCM encompasses functions beyond the Western anatomical organ, including the pancreas and aspects of the digestive and immune systems.

Meridian Pathway

The Spleen Meridian originates at the medial tip of the big toe (SP-1 Yinbai) and travels along the inner edge of the foot at the junction of red and white skin. It passes in front of the inner ankle, ascends the inner aspect of the lower leg behind the tibia, and at approximately 8 cun above the ankle, it crosses in front of the Liver Meridian. It continues up the inner knee and thigh, enters the abdomen where it connects with the Spleen organ and links to the Stomach, then passes through the diaphragm to reach the throat and root of the tongue, dispersing under the tongue. An internal branch separates at the Stomach and ascends through the diaphragm to connect with the Heart, where it meets the Heart Meridian.

Functions in TCM

The Spleen system performs several vital functions: Transformation and Transportation (converting food into usable nutrients and Qi), Governing the Muscles (maintaining muscle tone and limb strength), Holding Blood (keeping blood within the vessels), Raising Qi (preventing organ prolapse), and Housing Thought (supporting concentration, memory, and mental clarity). When Spleen Qi is strong, digestion is efficient, energy is abundant, and the mind is clear. When weakened, symptoms include fatigue, bloating, loose stools, muscle weakness, easy bruising, and overthinking.

Key Acupuncture Points

  • SP-1 Yinbai (Hidden White) - Jing-Well point; treats bleeding disorders and calms the mind
  • SP-3 Taibai (Supreme White) - Shu-Stream and Yuan-Source point; tonifies Spleen Qi
  • SP-4 Gongsun (Grandfather-Grandson) - Luo-Connecting point and Master point of the Chong Mai; treats digestive and heart conditions
  • SP-6 Sanyinjiao (Three Yin Intersection) - Meeting point of three Yin meridians; major point for gynecological, digestive, and urinary conditions (contraindicated in pregnancy)
  • SP-9 Yinlingquan (Yin Mound Spring) - He-Sea point; resolves dampness and edema
  • SP-10 Xuehai (Sea of Blood) - Regulates blood and treats skin conditions
  • SP-21 Dabao (Great Wrapping) - Great Luo of the Spleen; influences whole body Qi

Clinical Applications

The Spleen Meridian is primarily used for treating digestive disorders (bloating, poor appetite, loose stools, nausea), gynecological conditions (irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, infertility), edema and dampness-related conditions, muscle weakness and fatigue, blood disorders, and mental-emotional imbalances related to worry and overthinking. The famous "Three Emperors" points (Sanyinjiao, Diji, Yinlingquan) are particularly effective for treating water metabolism issues and strengthening the Earth element.

Related Resources

Explore All Meridians

Browse the complete collection of Principal Meridians and Extraordinary Vessels in our knowledge base.

View all meridians

Spleen Patterns

Explore TCM patterns associated with the Spleen to understand common imbalances and treatments.

View Spleen patterns