My Favourite Acupuncture Point: Spleen 6 (SP6) – The Meeting Point of Three Yin Meridians

If I had to choose one acupuncture point that I use more than almost any other, it would be Spleen 6 (SP6), also known as Sanyinjiao, meaning "Three Yin Intersection."

This remarkable point is one of the most versatile points in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is used in countless treatment plans because of its wide-ranging effects on the body. Whether someone is experiencing stress, digestive issues, poor sleep, hormonal imbalances or chronic pain, SP6 often plays an important role in their treatment.

Where is Spleen 6?

Spleen 6 is located on the inside of the lower leg, approximately three finger-widths (about 3 cun) above the highest point of the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus), just behind the border of the tibia (shin bone).

It is the point where the Spleen, Liver and Kidney meridians intersect, making it unique in its ability to influence all three organ systems simultaneously.

Why is SP6 so important in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In TCM, the Spleen, Liver and Kidney systems each have important responsibilities:

- The Spleen governs digestion, transforms food into Qi and Blood, and helps manage fluid metabolism.

- The Liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body and plays a major role in emotional wellbeing.

- The Kidneys store our Essence (Jing), regulate growth, reproduction, fertility and healthy ageing.

Because SP6 connects all three of these systems, it can have profound effects throughout the body.

Common actions of SP6

In clinical practice, SP6 is commonly used to:

- Nourish Blood and Yin

- Strengthen the Spleen and improve digestion

- Harmonise the Liver and reduce stagnation

- Support Kidney function

- Calm the mind (Shen)

- Regulate menstruation

- Promote healthy circulation

- Resolve Dampness

- Reduce pain

Conditions that may benefit from SP6

Because of these broad actions, SP6 is commonly included in treatment plans for:

Women's health

SP6 is one of the most widely used acupuncture points for:

- Painful periods

- Irregular menstrual cycles

- PMS

- Endometriosis

- PCOS

- Menopausal symptoms

- Fertility support

Important note: SP6 is traditionally avoided during pregnancy unless treatment is being provided by a qualified practitioner for a specific clinical reason, as it has historically been associated with stimulating uterine activity.

Digestive disorders

As a major point on the Spleen channel, SP6 may help support:

- Bloating

- Poor appetite

- Loose stools

- Fatigue after eating

- Irritable bowel symptoms

- General digestive weakness

Stress, anxiety and sleep

Many patients notice a deep sense of relaxation after SP6 is needled.

It is frequently used to help with:

- Stress

- Anxiety

- Poor sleep

- Restlessness

- Emotional tension

Pain conditions

SP6 is also useful in many musculoskeletal conditions including:

- Knee pain

- Ankle pain

- Shin pain

- Lower back pain

- Pelvic pain

What happens from a Western medical perspective?

Modern research suggests that acupuncture works through several interconnected mechanisms involving the nervous system.

When SP6 is stimulated, the needle primarily interacts with branches of the tibial nerve, which originates from the sciatic nerve and carries fibres from the L4–S3 spinal nerve roots. The point also lies close to the saphenous nerve, a sensory branch of the femoral nerve, although the tibial nerve is generally considered the primary neural structure involved.

Needling this area activates sensory nerve fibres that send signals to the spinal cord and brain. This can trigger several physiological responses, including:

- Release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals.

- Activation of serotonin and dopamine pathways involved in mood regulation.

- Modulation of pain processing within the spinal cord and brain.

- Increased parasympathetic ("rest and digest") activity, promoting relaxation.

- Improved local blood flow through changes in the autonomic nervous system.

- Reduction of inflammation through neuroimmune pathways.

Functional MRI studies have also demonstrated that acupuncture can influence areas of the brain involved in pain perception, emotional regulation and autonomic control.

Why I use SP6 so often

One of the reasons I value SP6 is that very few acupuncture points have such broad clinical applications.

It is rare to treat a patient whose presentation would not benefit in some way from improving digestion, supporting healthy circulation, calming the nervous system or nourishing the body's resources.

Whether someone comes to see me with chronic pain, stress, fatigue, digestive complaints or hormonal concerns, SP6 often becomes an important part of an individualised treatment plan.

Of course, acupuncture is never about treating a single point in isolation. Every treatment is tailored to the individual after a thorough assessment, with SP6 selected only when it is appropriate for that person's pattern of health.

Final thoughts

Spleen 6 beautifully illustrates the philosophy of acupuncture: one carefully chosen point can influence multiple systems within the body at the same time.

Its combination of traditional wisdom and growing scientific evidence makes it one of the most valuable acupuncture points available. It remains one of my favourite points because it allows me to support the body's natural ability to regulate, heal and restore balance.

If you're curious about whether acupuncture may help with your specific condition, I'd be happy to discuss an individual treatment plan tailored to your needs.