When to use: mid-morning drowsiness, a heavy feeling in the body, puffiness, or self-care around your cycle.
| Element | Earth |
|---|---|
| Organ | Spleen |
| Paired with | Stomach Meridian |
| Peak hours | 9–11 a.m. (Si hour) |
| Number of points | 21 |
| Starts at | Yin Bai (SP1) |
| Ends at | Da Bao (SP21) |
| Pathway type | Three Yin of the Foot · foot to abdomen |
| Emotion | Overthinking/Worry |
| Color | Yellow |
The pathway
Begins at Yin Bai (SP1) on the inner side of the big toe, passes in front of the inner ankle, rises along the front inner edge of the lower leg and thigh, enters the abdomen (4 cun from the midline), and ends at Da Bao (SP21) on the side of the chest below the armpit.
Its hour on the meridian clock
9–11 a.m. (Si hour) · Hexagram Qian (The Creative). All six lines are yang—the hour of pure yang. Your mind is at its clearest; tackle what matters most.
Key points
- Five transporting points: Yin Bai (SP1), Da Du (SP2), Tai Bai (SP3), Shang Qiu (SP5), Yin Ling Quan (SP9)
- Source (yuan) point: Tai Bai (SP3)
- Connecting (luo) point: Gong Sun (SP4)
- Cleft (xi) point: Di Ji (SP8)
- Front-mu point: Zhang Men (LV13)
- Back-shu point: Pi Shu (BL20)
A simple tapping routine
Sit down and, with both hands, press and glide from the inner ankle up the inner lower leg and thigh to the groin, 36 times per side.
Foods traditionally linked to this meridian
Chinese yam, Job's tears (coix seed), red dates (jujube), millet, fox nut (euryale seed)
Everyday tips
- Women: Before and after your period, press San Yin Jiao (SP6) and Xue Hai (SP10) (skip both during pregnancy).
- Men: After lots of dining out or when you feel heavy and damp, press Yin Ling Quan (SP9) and cut back on greasy and sugary foods.
- Elders: Take a sunny walk between 9 and 11 a.m., and enjoy millet and Chinese yam congee.
Six ways to work with your meridians →
See all twelve on one chart: The 12 Meridians Wall Chart →
We don't promise. We don't cure. We align. This article is for everyday wellness and cultural education only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a health concern, talk with your doctor first.
