Spleen Meridian
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SP-15
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.7–1.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Middle
Location
On the mammillary line 4 cun lateral to the umbilicus center.
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Spleen
Indications
Commentary
Daheng SP-15 is quite an important point with various functions, especially for abdominal disorders.
First of all, it tonifies the Spleen so as to strengthen the Spleen's function of transforming and transporting Food Essence, Qi, Body Fluids and Blood. Therefore, it is able to improve symptoms such as general fatigue, poor appetite, sadness and weakness.
When the Spleen is weak, it fails to transport Food Essence to the limbs, causing cold and weak limbs. Daheng SP-15 is able to solve this issue.
On the other hand, the stronger Spleen Qi can stimulate the Large Intestine's stools moving function, thus treat chronic constipation.
Furthermore, Daheng SP-15 is able to resolve Dampness as well with stronger Spleen Qi. It is because the Spleen rules the Body Fluids transformation. It is especially effective in removing Dampness in the Intestines so as to treat chronic diarrhoea with mucus in the stools.
Finally, in additional to the tonifying attributes, it also regulates Liver Qi, thus resolving Qi Stagnation in the abdomen, characterized by abdominal pain pain.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "大风，逆气，多寒，善悲，大横主之" (Great wind, counterflow qi, excessive cold, tendency toward grief - Daheng governs these.)
《备急千金要方》 Bèijí Qiānjīn Yàofāng (Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces for Emergency): "惊怖心忪，少力，灸大横五十壮" (For fright and palpitations, heart agitation, and weakness - moxibustion at Daheng 50 cones.) "四肢不可举动，多汗洞痢，灸大横随年壮" (For inability to lift the four limbs, excessive sweating, and severe diarrhea - moxibustion at Daheng according to the patient's age in cones.)
《针灸甲乙经》: "大横，在腹哀下三寸，直脐旁，足太阴、阴维之会" (Daheng is located 3 cun below Fuai, directly lateral to the umbilicus, the meeting point of Foot Taiyin and Yin Wei Mai.)
How to Locate
Find the center of the umbilicus and measure 4 cun laterally and locate Daheng SP-15 at the same level. The point should fall on the mamillary line, which can be used as reference, especially for men.
Caution
In thin patients, deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity, risking pneumoperitoneum. Deep insertion may also penetrate a significantly enlarged spleen or liver in patients with hepatomegaly or splenomegaly. Always palpate the abdomen before needling and use appropriate depth based on body type. Use caution during pregnancy - this point lies near the uterus and strong stimulation should be avoided.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.7–1.2 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–1.5 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy. Deep needling may reach the aponeuroses of the transverse abdominal musculature.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Localized distension and soreness around the point, often radiating horizontally across the abdomen. Deqi may spread toward the umbilicus or laterally toward the flanks. Some patients experience a sensation of intestinal movement or gurgling after needling.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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