Spleen Meridian
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SP-10
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Thigh — Medial, Knee
Location
When knee is flexed, Xuehai SP-10 is 2 cun above the medial upper border of the patella, in a depression on the vastus medialis muscle.
Main Actions
- Cools the Blood
- Invigorates Blood and removes Stagnation
- Regulates menstruation
- Benefits the skin
Indications
Commentary
The 'Xuehai' (Sea of Blood) indicates its role. Xuehai SP-10 has a wide range of functions on Blood. With Tonifying Needling method, it nourishes Blood. With Reducing Needling method, it cools the Blood as well as invigorates the Blood by removing the Stagnation.
A wide range of gynecological and dermatological disorders occur either caused by Blood Stagnation or Blood Heat.
It also nourish the Blood, despite that it is less used this way than Sanyinjiao SP-6.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經, Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Blood sea is located on the inner thigh above the kneecap, 2.5 cun above the white flesh border." The text describes its indications for women's leaking discharge (lou xia), blood blockage (bi), and rebellious qi with abdominal distension.
Qianjin Yaofang (千金要方): Records the location as "2 cun" above the patella rather than 2.5 cun, establishing the modern standard measurement.
Classical name explanation: "Xue" means blood, "Hai" means sea—referring to this point being where Spleen-generated Blood gathers like water in a vast sea. As the Spleen controls the blood and warms the five Zang organs, this point where foot Taiyin qi emerges is considered the sea where qi and Blood converge.
How to Locate
Locate Xuehai SP-10 by measuring 2 cun proximal to the medial upper border of the patella and palpating slightly medially for a soft depression. Or: the practitioner places their left hand on the patient’s right patella, with the heel of the palm level with the inferior patellar border and the extended fingers pointing in a superior direction. With the thumb and index finger forming an angle of 45°, the tip of the thumb will point to SP-10.
Caution
Caution with patients who have a thin, weak pulse as this point strongly moves Blood and may further deplete patients with Blood deficiency. For Blood-deficient patients, use tonifying needle technique only. During pregnancy, use gentle stimulation as the point influences menstruation and uterine blood flow. Avoid deep needling in very thin patients where there is little muscular tissue.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 1–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness locally at the vastus medialis muscle. The sensation may radiate downward toward the knee joint or spread across the medial thigh. Some patients experience a heavy, spreading warmth characteristic of Blood-moving points.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
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