Spleen Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
SP-12
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower, Thigh — Medial
Location
Lateral to the inguinal groove, on the immediate lateral side of the femoral artery, at the level of the upper border of symphysis pubis, 3.5 cun lateral to Qugu REN-2.
Main Actions
- Invigorates Qi and Blood
- Subdues Rebellious Qi
- Resolves Dampness and benefits urination
Indications
Hip pain
Haemorrhoids
Abdominal pain
Abdominal mass
Urinary retention
Painful urination
Vaginal discharge
Pain in the groin
Abdominal fullness
Urinary difficulty
Difficult breastfeeding
Commentary
Chongmen SP-12's main function is to invigorate the Qi and Blood.
For pregnant women, the fetus Qi may rush upwards to harass the Heart, causing abdominal pain, distension and fullness. SP-12 is able to subdues this Rebellious Qi.
It is also able to resolves Dampness and benefits urination.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First documented the point Chongmen with its alternative names Cigong (慈宫) and Shang Cigong (上慈宫).
Name Etymology: Chong (冲) means "surging" or "rushing," and Men (门) means "gate" or "door." The name reflects that this point serves as a gateway where the Qi of the Spleen channel surges upward from the lower limbs into the abdomen. It sits at the critical juncture of the inguinal region, functioning as a door between the leg and trunk.
Alternative Name Meanings: The name Cigong (慈宫, "Palace of Compassion") indicates that the ascending Qi here, while rising upward, does not harm the Lung Metal—like a compassionate mother (Earth/Spleen) nurturing her child (Metal/Lung).
How to Locate
From the upper border of the pubic symphysis where Qugu Ren-2 is located, measure 3.5 cun in a lateral direction and identifying the femoral artery by its pulsation. Chongmen SP-12 is in a depression immediately lateral to the artery.
Caution
Located adjacent to the femoral artery and femoral nerve. Needling in a medial direction may puncture the femoral artery; needling in a lateral direction may injure the femoral nerve. Always palpate for the arterial pulsation before needling and insert the needle just lateral to the pulse. Avoid deep needling. Direct moxibustion is contraindicated due to proximity to major vessels; use indirect moxa or moxa stick only. Exercise caution during pregnancy, though the point is classically indicated for pregnancy-related symptoms like fetal Qi rushing upward.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Needling in a medial direction may puncture the artery while needling in a lateral direction may injure the femoral nerve.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness locally at the groin area. Some patients may experience a sensation radiating into the lower abdomen or down toward the medial thigh. Practitioners should be cautious to avoid the femoral artery pulsation medially and the femoral nerve laterally.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Questionable
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians