Spleen Meridian
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SP-16
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Abdomen — Upper
Location
3 cun above the umbilicus center and 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the mamillary line.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Intestines
Indications
Commentary
Fuai SP-16 is not an important point of the Spleen Channel. Its main function is to regulate the intestines.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》(Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing): First recorded this point, establishing its location on the Spleen channel.
《奇经八脉考》(Qijing Bamai Kao): Documents that the Yin Wei Mai "ascends to meet the Foot Taiyin at Daheng and Fuai" (上会足太阴于大横、腹哀), confirming its status as a crossing point with the Yin Linking Vessel.
《针灸大成》(Zhenjiu Dacheng): Describes its indications for periumbilical pain, undigested food in stools, and dysenteric disorders.
How to Locate
There are 8 cun between the umbilicus center and the sternocostal angle. Fuai SP-16 is located 3 cun from the umbilicus in a superior direction and 4 cun in a lateral direction. it is also located on the mamillary line. Depending on the shape of the thorax, this point will either be located on the abdomen or it will project onto the lower border of the ribcage.
Caution
In thin patients, deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity. Deep needling may also injure an enlarged spleen (on left) or liver/gallbladder (on right). In patients with narrow subcostal angles, the point may fall on the costal margin—in such cases, needle transversely or locate the point more medially. Avoid strong manipulation. Use caution during pregnancy due to abdominal location.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Depending on the shape of the thorax, the correct location of this point might be on the costal cartilage. In this case, either transverse needling, locate the point more medially or choose an alternative point. Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the point, sometimes radiating toward the umbilical region. Due to the abdominal location, deqi may be less pronounced than limb points.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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