Spleen Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
SP-7
Safety Warnings
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Medial
Location
6 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, 3 cun above Sanyinjiao SP-6.
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Indications
Oedema
Sadness
Belching
Diarrhoea
Knee pain
Borborygmi
Swollen ankle
Leg paralysis
Seminal emissions
Abdominal fullness
Urinary difficulty
Commentary
Lougu SP-7 is not a major point. Its main function is to tonify the Spleen, which rules the Body Fluids transformation and transportation. Therefore, a malfunctioning Spleen gives rise to Dampness accumulation.
SP-7 resolves Dampness, so as to promote urination and reduce swelling.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First recorded SP-7 Lougu as a point of the Foot Taiyin Spleen channel, establishing its location and primary indications for abdominal fullness, intestinal rumbling, and urinary difficulty.
Baidu Encyclopedia (百度百科): Documents indications including "abdominal distension, intestinal rumbling, urinary tract infection, lower limb paralysis, abdominal heat, counterflow qi rising to the head, ankle swelling and pain."
Classical Moxibustion Contraindication: According to many classical texts, this point is contraindicated for moxibustion, a restriction noted across multiple historical sources.
How to Locate
Find the tip of the medial malleolus and measure 6 cun superiorly. Locate Lougu SP-7 in a depression at the posterior border of the tibia medial crest.
Caution
According to many classical texts, moxibustion is contraindicated at this point. The anatomical area contains the posterior tibial artery and vein, as well as the tibial nerve in the deeper layers. While not considered a dangerous point, practitioners should be mindful of the vascular structures when needling, particularly with deeper insertion.
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
Deqi sensation typically manifests as local soreness, distension, or heaviness at the point. The sensation may radiate proximally along the medial aspect of the leg toward the knee or distally toward the ankle. Some patients report a spreading warmth or mild electrical sensation along the Spleen channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A (classically contraindicated)
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians