Spleen Meridian
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SP-2
Fire-Huo
Spring-Ying Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.1–0.3 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Toes
Location
On the medial aspect of the big toe, at the junction of the shaft and the base of the proximal phalanx, distal to the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Spleen
- Clears Heat
- Calms the Mind
- Resolves Dampness
Indications
Fever
Anxiety
Vomiting
Insomnia
No sweat
Diarrhoea
Heavy body
No sweating
Constipation
Chest fullness
Epigastric pain
Abdominal distension
Sudden limb swelling
Commentary
Dadu SP-2's main function is to clear Heat rather than tonifying the Spleen, despite being the 'tonifying' or 'mother' point of the Spleen Channel. It is widely used to expel Exterior Heat at the Greater Yang Stage of the Six Stage Theory, characterized by febrile disease without sweating.
Furthermore, it calms the Mind when there are excessive Heat in the Spleen and Stomach.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 2 - Ben Shu: "It flows (溜 liù) to Dadu." This establishes SP-2 as the Ying-Spring point where Qi "flows" and begins to gather.
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture): "Low back pain preventing bending forward or backward, pain around the ankle from wind, and infantile fright (ke wu) - Dadu governs these." This classical text highlights the point's use for musculoskeletal and pediatric conditions.
Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic): Records SP-2 as the Ying-Spring and Fire point of the Spleen channel, establishing its role in the five-phase tonification protocol for Spleen deficiency.
How to Locate
On the medial aspect of the big toe, palpate from distal to proximal towards the metatarsophalangeal joint, until the junction of the shaft is felt with the base of the proximal phalanx. Dadu SP-2 is located distally to the base of the bone, which forms a distinct step, and slightly inferiorly to its outer curvature, at the border of the red and white skin, which is also the border of the foot sole and dorsum.
Caution
The point is located on thin tissue over the bone of the big toe. Avoid excessive depth or aggressive manipulation. As a distal point on the toe, it may be sensitive in patients with peripheral neuropathy or circulatory issues. Bloodletting is traditionally indicated for febrile conditions without sweating, but should be performed with appropriate sterile technique.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.1–0.3 cun
Needling Directions
0.2–0.5 cun vertically or obliquely, just below the lower border of the bone. Caution: Painful point.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension, soreness, or numbness at the point, which may radiate along the medial aspect of the big toe. Deqi is typically mild due to the shallow insertion depth.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes, or 3–5 cones
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Fire-Huo
Transporting Type
Spring-Ying Point
Mother-Child Role
Mother (Tonifying)
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