Gongsun SP-4 location
SP-4

Gongsun SP-4

Grandfather Grandson · 公孙 · Gōng Sūn
Spleen Meridian
Luo-Connecting Point

Needle Depth

0.5–1.0 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Body Area

Foot — Dorsum

Location

In the depression distal and inferior to the base of the 1st metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin.

Previous on channel

Taibai SP-3

Next on channel

Shangqiu SP-5

Main Actions

  • Harmonizes the Spleen, Stomach and Intestines
  • Regulates the Penetrating Vessel and menstruation
  • Stops bleeding
  • Calms the Mind
  • Benefits feet and toes

Commentary

Gongsun SP-4 is an important point with various functions. 

First of all, it harmonizes the Middle Burner, mainly the Spleen and Stomach. In fact, it can be indicated for any Excess patterns there, such as Dampness in the epigastrium, Stomach Blood Stagnation, Stomach Heat or Stomach Rebellious Qi. Typical manifestations include fullness, distension or pain in the epigastrium and abdomen. 

Stronger Spleen and Stomach functions benefit the Intestines. Thus SP-4 also regulates this Organ and treat symptoms such as borborygmi, diarrhoea and undigested food in the stools.

Many of SP-4's other functions are due to its being the opening point of the Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai). Most importantly, the vessel is considered the 'Sea of Blood' and the 'Sea of the 12 Channels'. It has influence over the Uterus functions such as menstruation or lochia. Gongsun SP-4 can be stimulated to regulate the Vessel, so as to stop symptoms such as painful period or excessive Uterus bleeding. 

On the other hand, a well functioning Spleen also helps to stop various bleeding (eg: Intestines or Uterus) because stronger Spleen Qi can hold Bloods in the veins. 

Gongsun SP-4 is also the Connecting-Luo point of the Spleen Channel, which generally stops bleeding of the relevant Channel as well as the Penetrating Vessel. 

Furthermore, the Penetrating Vessel goes through the Heart. Thus Gongsun SP-4 is able to regulates the Heart and the chest. It also calms the Mind by opening the Heart Orifice. Typical manifestations includes depression, anxiety, insomnia, mental restlessness as well as chest pain and stiffness.

Finally, one of the Penetrating Vessel's branches go to the sole, big toe and the arch of the foot. SP-4 regulates the Vessel, so as to ease pain, coldness and numbness in these parts of the body. 

Classical Sources

《灵枢·本输》Líng Shū - Běn Shū (Spiritual Pivot): "足太阴之别，名曰公孙" (The Luo-connecting point of Foot Tai Yin is named Gongsun.)

《灵枢·经脉》Líng Shū - Jīng Mài: "去本节之后一寸，别走阳明" (One cun posterior to the base joint, it branches to connect with Yang Ming [Stomach channel].)

《针灸甲乙经》Zhēn Jiǔ Jiǎ Yǐ Jīng: "实则肠中切痛，厥，头面肿起，烦心，狂，多饮，虚则鼓胀" (When excess: cutting pain in intestines, reversal, swelling of head and face, vexation, mania, excessive thirst. When deficient: drum-like distension.)

《针灸大成·标幽赋》Zhēn Jiǔ Dà Chéng - Biāo Yōu Fù: "脾冷胃疼，泻公孙而立愈" (For Spleen cold and Stomach pain, draining Gongsun brings immediate cure.)

《席弘赋》Xí Hóng Fù: "肚疼须是公孙妙，内关相应必然瘳" (For belly pain, Gongsun is essential; with Neiguan responding, healing is certain.)

《医宗金鉴》Yī Zōng Jīn Jiàn: "公孙主治痰壅胸膈，肠风下血，积块，妇人气蛊" (Gongsun mainly treats phlegm congestion in the chest and diaphragm, intestinal wind with bloody stool, abdominal masses, and women's Qi accumulation disorders.)

How to Locate

The base of the 1st metatarsal bone forms a distinct bony prominence, by palpating along the border of the red and white skin from toe to heel, on the medial aspect of the foot. Gongsun SP-4 is at the junction of the shaft and the base of the bone, located in the depression distal to this prominence.

Caution

Located near the junction of red and white skin (赤白肉际), which can be sensitive. As a Confluent Point opening the Chong Mai, this point has a strong effect on menstruation and the uterus - use with caution during pregnancy, especially with strong stimulation or sedation technique. The Chong Mai connection means this point can strongly move Qi and Blood in the abdomen.

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Depth Category

Medium

Standard Depth

0.5–1.0 cun

Needling Directions

0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely from medial towards lateral. Caution: Needling may be painful.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Local distension and soreness at the point, often radiating along the medial arch of the foot. Sensation may spread proximally toward the ankle or along the Spleen channel pathway. When treating digestive conditions, patients may feel a warm, spreading sensation in the abdomen. Strong stimulation may produce sensation ascending toward the chest.

Moxibustion

Recommended

Duration: 10–20 minutes

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

N/A

Gua Sha

Questionable

Special Point Classifications

Luo-Connecting Point

Extraordinary Vessel Connection

Confluent Point opens to:

Chong Mai (衝脈)

Related Resources

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