Spleen Meridian
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SP-11
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Thigh — Medial
Location
6 cun above Xuehai SP-10, on the line draw from Xuehai SP-10 to Chongmen SP-12.
Main Actions
- Regulates urination
- Clears Damp-Heat
Indications
Commentary
Jimen SP-11 is not a major point of the Spleen Channel. Its main function is to regulates urination and clear Damp-Heat.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion):
"箕门，在鱼腹上越两筋间，动脉应手，太阴内部，足太阴脉气所发，刺入三分，留六呼，灸三壮。"
(Jimen is located above the 'fish belly' [inner thigh muscle], between two sinews where the arterial pulse can be felt, in the Taiyin region. It is where the Qi of the Foot Taiyin channel emanates. Needle to a depth of 3 fen, retain for 6 breaths, apply 3 cones of moxa.)
《素问·刺禁论》 Sùwèn - Cì Jìn Lùn (Plain Questions - On Forbidden Needling):
"刺阴股中大脉，血出不止死。"
(If needling the great vessel in the medial thigh causes unceasing bleeding, it may result in death.) - This classical warning emphasizes the critical importance of avoiding the femoral artery when needling in this region.
How to Locate
First locate Xuehai SP-10 which is 2 cun above the medial superior border of the patella, in a depression on the vastus medialis muscle. Then locate Chongmen SP-12 which is 3.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the upper border of the pubic symphysis, lateral to the femoral artery. Draw an imaginary line between these two points and locate Jimen SP-11. It is 6 cun above the Xuehai SP-10.
Caution
Critical caution: The femoral artery and vein run in close proximity to this point. Deep or careless needling may puncture these major vessels, potentially causing serious hemorrhage. Classical texts specifically warn about the danger of needling the 'great vessel in the medial thigh.' Always palpate for the arterial pulse before needling and insert the needle lateral to the pulse. Avoid deep insertion. Use perpendicular insertion at shallow to medium depth (0.5–1.0 cun) only. Not recommended for practitioners with limited experience in thigh needling.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Femoral artery/vein
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distending or aching sensation locally on the medial thigh. Deqi may radiate along the inner thigh toward the groin or down toward the knee. Due to proximity to major vessels and nerves, practitioners should be cautious and avoid electric or sharp radiating sensations which may indicate nerve contact.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
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