Spleen Meridian
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SP-9
Water-Shui
Sea-He Point
Needle Depth
1.0–2.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Knee, Lower Leg — Medial
Location
On the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia, in the depression between the posterior border of the tibia and gastrocnemius muscle.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
- Opens the Water Passages and benefits urination
Indications
Commentary
Yinglingquan SP-9 is one of the major point for resolving Dampness from the Lower Burner, regardless being Damp-Cold or Damp-Heat. Typical symptoms include difficult urination,
retention of urine, painful urination, cloudy urine, vaginal discharge, diarrhoea with foul-smelling stools, mucus in the stools and edema of the legs or abdomen. Of course, Reduce Needling Method should be applied for this Excess case.
On the other hand, SP-9 is also able to open the Channel so at to treat the Painful Obstruction Syndrome, especially on knees and and legs.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu - Chapter on Heat Diseases (灵枢·热病): "For heat disease with acute pain around the umbilicus and fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, treat Yongquan KI-1 and Yinlingquan."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (针灸甲乙经): "For women with pain in the genital region and acute pain with hardness in the lower abdomen, Yinlingquan is the master point."
Bai Zheng Fu (百症赋): "Yinlingquan and Shuifen eliminate abdominal edema."
Za Bing Xue Fa Ge (杂病穴法歌): "For chest fullness and oppression, use Yinlingquan; for urinary retention, use Yinlingquan."
Yu Long Ge (玉龙歌): "For knee swelling and redness like crane's knee wind, Yanglingquan can be attacked, but threading Yinlingquan through is especially effective - the redness and swelling completely disappear with remarkable effect."
How to Locate
Locate Yinlingquan SP-9 by palpating along the posterior border of the medial crest of the tibia towards the head of the tibia. SP-9 is in a depression at the junction of the shaft and the head of the tibia, between the pes anserinus superficialis and the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle. This point is normally sensitive when pressed.
Caution
The area contains the great saphenous vein anteriorly and the tibial nerve in the deeper layers. While not classified as a dangerous point, practitioners should be mindful of the vascular structures when needling. The point is often naturally tender, especially in patients with dampness conditions - this tenderness is diagnostic rather than a contraindication. Avoid aggressive manipulation in patients with varicose veins in this region.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–2.0 cun
Needling Directions
1–1.5 cun vertically, along the posterior border of the tibia. It is better to bent the knee and rotate the hip slightly for location and needling.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the point, with sensation often radiating downward along the medial aspect of the lower leg. Some patients may experience a heavy, aching sensation around the knee area. The point is typically tender to palpation when dampness is present in the body.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Recommended
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Water-Shui
Transporting Type
Sea-He Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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