Spleen Meridian
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SP-21
Luo-Connecting Point
Exit Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Hypochondrium, Chest
Location
On the mid-axillary line, in the 6th intercostal space.
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood in the Blood Connecting Channels of the all body
- Regulates Qi in the chest
Indications
Commentary
Dabao SP-21 is the starting point of the Great Luo-Connecting Vessel of the Spleen, which then spreads over the chest and ribs. Therefore, it invigorates Qi in the chest.
It also controls all the Blood Connecting Channel all over the body. Therefore, it is able to treat general body pain caused by Connecting Channel Blood Stagnation. Typical symptoms include body aches, weak limbs and joints and muscle pain.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Chapter on Channels): "The Great Luo of the Spleen is called Dabao. It emerges 3 cun below Yuanye (GB-22) and spreads over the chest and lateral costal region. When it is excess, there is pain throughout the whole body; when deficient, all the hundred joints are flaccid."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing: "When the great Qi cannot be regulated during breathing, there is pain in the chest and lateral costal region. When excess, the whole body feels cold; when deficient, all hundred joints are flaccid. Dabao governs these."
Qian Jin Yao Fang: "Governs pain in the chest and lateral costal region. Governs when the great Qi cannot be regulated during breathing."
How to Locate
The nipples are usually fall into the 4th intercostal space, which is the same level at Tianxi SP-18. Identify the 6nd intercostal space by counting 2 space down, or 6 space down from the clavicle. Then follow the intercoastal space in a lateral direction and locate Dabao SP-21 on the axillary midline. SP-21 is often sensitive to press.
Caution
This point lies over the pleural cavity with underlying lungs. Perpendicular insertion is strictly contraindicated as it may cause pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Always needle obliquely or transversely along the intercostal space. Use extra caution in thin patients where the chest wall is shallow. On the right side, the liver lies deep to this point; on the left side, the stomach. Never needle deeply.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely, parallel to the intercostal space or with or against the channel pathway. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading along the intercostal space. Some patients feel sensation radiating to the chest or back. The point is often naturally tender to palpation, so expect heightened sensitivity.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Luo-Connecting Point
Exit Point
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