SP-3

Taibai SP-3

Supreme White · 太白 · Tài Bái

Spleen Meridian

Earth-Tu Stream-Shu Point Yuan-Source Point

Needle Depth

0.5–1.0 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)

Body Area

Foot — Dorsum, Toes

Location

Proximal and inferior to the head of the 1st metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin.

Previous on channel

Dadu SP-2

Next on channel

Gongsun SP-4

Main Actions

Tonifies the Spleen
Resolves Dampness
Strengthens the Intellect/Thought

Indications

Fatigue Diarrhoea Back pain Heavy body Heavy head Borborygmi Poor memory Heavy limbs Constipation Poor appetite Abdominal pain Epigastric pain Mental confusion Frontal headache Poor concentration Abdominal distension Muzziness of the head Epigastric distension Undigested food in the stools

Commentary

Taibai SP-3 is major point of the Spleen Channel with various functions.

First of all, it is the Source-Yuan point as well as the the Earth point of the Earth Organ. The Spleen is of the Earth element according to the Five Phases Theory. Therefore, SP-3 strongly tonifies the Spleen, regardless of being Qi, Yin or Yang Deficiency.

The Spleen rules the transformation and transportation of Body Fluids. Thus a weaken Spleen can give rise to Dampness accumulation, which eventually becomes Phlegm. Manifestations includes frontal headache, mental confusion, head muzziness and heaviness, epigastrium fullness, poor appetite as well as sticky tongue coating. Using Reducing Needling method, SP-3 is very effective in resolving the Dampness of the Triple Burner by strengthening the Spleen.

Furthermore, Taibai SP-3 is widely used for resolving chronic Lung Phlegm, caused by weaker Spleen function of transporting and transforming Body Fluids. The Spleen is the mother of the Lungs according to the Five Phases Theory. The Lungs (son) can be strengthened by tonifying its mother Spleen.

Another function of SP-3 is to strengthen the Intellect (Yi) or thought. The Spleen houses the Intellect, meaning absorbing and remembering information, focusing, studying, thinking, and organizing ideas. If Spleen Qi is strong, it is easy to study, think, and concentrate. If not, thinking can be fuzzy, memorization can be weak, and concentration is poor. The point is effective to stimulate mental powers in patients suffering from chronic post viral fatigue syndrome.

Classical Sources

Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 'Ben Shu': First mention of Taibai as the Shu-Stream point of the Spleen channel.

Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "For heat disease with fullness and inability to lie down, Taibai is the master point. For chest and lateral costal distension with intestinal rumbling and cutting pain, Taibai is the master point. For heavy body and bone aching with lack of awareness, Taibai is the master point."

Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): Notes indications including headache with chills and fever, sweating without aversion to cold, swelling of knee and thigh, aching and cramping.

How to Locate

The metatarsophalangeal joint forms a prominent landmark, when palpate along the border of the red and white skin on the medial aspect of the foot from toes to ankle. Taibai SP-3 is located in a depression just proximal to this joint. The depression is at the junction of the head and the shaft of the 1st metatarsal bone.

Caution

This point tends to be painful when needled due to its location over thin tissue and periosteum. Use gentle technique and ensure proper angle to avoid excessive discomfort. The medial plantar artery branch runs nearby; avoid aggressive deep needling.

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)

Depth Category

Shallow

Standard Depth

0.5–1.0 cun

Needling Directions

0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely from medial towards lateral. Caution: Needling this point tends to be painful.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Localized distension and soreness at the point site. The sensation may radiate along the medial aspect of the foot. Due to the thin tissue layer over bone, needling tends to be more sensitive than other points.

Moxibustion

Recommended

Duration: 5–15 minutes, or 1–3 cones

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

Questionable

Gua Sha

Questionable

Five Element & Transporting Classification

Five Phase

Earth-Tu

Transporting Type

Stream-Shu Point

Mother-Child Role

Mother (Tonifying)

Special Point Classifications

Yuan-Source Point

Commonly Combined Points

Gongsun

Zusanli

Zhongwan

Fenglong

Sanyinjiao

Classical Point Combinations

SP-3 + ST-36 + REN-12 for Stomach Pain

This combination treats stomach pain and digestive disorders by combining the Yuan-Source point of the Spleen (SP-3), the He-Sea point of the Stomach (ST-36), and the Front-Mu point of the Stomach (REN-12). Together they powerfully tonify the Spleen and harmonize the Stomach.

SP-3 + ST-40 for Phlegm (Yuan-Luo Combination)

The classic Yuan-Source and Luo-Connecting point pairing between paired Yin-Yang channels. SP-3 tonifies the Spleen to address the root cause of phlegm production, while ST-40 (the primary phlegm-resolving point) transforms existing phlegm. Effective for chronic respiratory phlegm and dampness conditions.

SP-3 + SP-4 + ST-36 for Spleen-Stomach Disharmony

Combines the Yuan-Source point (SP-3), Luo-Connecting point (SP-4), and Stomach He-Sea point (ST-36) to treat loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and digestive weakness from Spleen-Stomach discord.

SP-3 + LU-9 for Lung Deficiency (Five-Phase Treatment)

Based on the Mother-Child relationship in Five Phase theory: Spleen (Earth) is the mother of Lung (Metal). This combination uses the Earth points of both Spleen and Lung channels to tonify Lung Qi by strengthening its mother (Spleen). Used particularly in Japanese Five-Phase treatment protocols.

Related Resources

Spleen Meridian

View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.

View meridian

Browse All Points

Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.

View all meridians