Spleen Meridian
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SP-8
Xi-Cleft Point
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Medial
Location
3 cun below the medial condyle of the tibia, on the line connecting Yinlingquan SP-9 and the the medial malleolus.
Main Actions
- Removes Blood Stagnation and regulates mensuration
- Stops bleeding
Indications
Commentary
Similar to other Accumulation-Xi points, Diji SP-8 removes Blood Stagnations and stops pain. It is mostly used in Excess patterns in acute cases, such as painful periods. Despite that, it can also be used as part of the treatment strategy for chronic periods pain.
SP-8 can be needled right before the period to invigorate Qi and Blood in the Uterus with Reducing Needling method. Other points can be used to tackle the root of the condition (eg: Cold in Uterus ) with Reducing Needling Method.
Furthermore, SP-8 stop bleeding as well such as heavy period or bloody stools.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》(Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng - The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First recorded this point, stating its location as "below the knee five cun" (在膝下五寸).
《针灸大成》(Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng - The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Treats lumbar pain with inability to bend forward or backward, diarrhea with thin stools, abdominal and hypochondriac distension, abdominal hardness with edema, poor appetite, difficult urination, essence deficiency, when pressed feels like hot water pouring down the inner thigh to the knee."
How to Locate
First locate Yinlingquan SP-9 on the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia. Draw an imaginary line between SP-9 and the tip of the medial malleolus. Locate Diji SP-8 on this line, 3 cun below SP-9.
Caution
This point is frequently tender, especially in patients with dysmenorrhea or during menstruation. Use gentle technique when locating and needling. The great saphenous vein runs anteriorly in this region, so careful palpation before insertion is recommended to avoid vascular puncture. Avoid strong stimulation during pregnancy as the point has a powerful effect on the uterus and blood circulation.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distention and soreness at the point, which may radiate down the medial aspect of the lower leg toward the ankle. Some patients experience a spreading warm sensation. The point is often tender to palpation, especially in patients with menstrual disorders or acute abdominal conditions.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Xi-Cleft Point
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