SP 10 — Xuè Hǎi (血海) — Sea of Blood

Spleen 10 (SP 10), Xue Hai or “Sea of Blood”, is one of the most important Blood-regulating points on the Spleen meridian. Located 2 cun above the upper border of the patella on the bulge of the medial quadriceps, it invigorates Blood, cools Blood Heat and regulates menstruation — making it central to the treatment of irregular periods, painful periods, skin conditions and medial knee pain.

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic
8. Frequently asked questions about Spleen 10

1. Overview

SP 10 — Xuè Hǎi (血海) — is an acupuncture point on the Spleen meridian. Its English name, Sea of Blood, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of a range of conditions.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use SP 10 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

2 cun above the mediosuperior border of the patella, on the bulge of the medial portion of quadriceps femoris (vastus medialis). With the knee flexed, the point is where the practitioner's thumb tip rests when the palm is placed on the superior border of the patella.

3. Actions

1. Invigorates Blood and resolves Blood stasis
2. Cools Blood and clears Heat from the Blood
3. Nourishes Blood
4. Regulates menstruation
5. Eliminates Wind from the skin

4. Indications

1. Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea from Blood stasis or Blood Heat
2. Uterine bleeding — heavy periods from Blood Heat
3. Skin conditions — urticaria, eczema, psoriasis from Heat and Wind in the Blood
4. Acne from Blood Heat
5. Knee pain — important local point for the medial aspect of the knee
6. Itching skin from Blood deficiency generating Wind

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0–1.5 cun. Moxibustion applicable.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.

6. Clinical notes

SP 10 is the primary point for Blood disorders in clinical practice. Its name — Sea of Blood — reflects its central role in regulating all Blood conditions: it moves Blood stasis, cools Blood Heat, nourishes Blood deficiency and regulates menstruation. Combined with LI 11 and SP 6, it forms the core prescription for skin conditions driven by Blood Heat. It is also used as a local point for medial knee pain and is particularly effective for VMO strengthening patterns in patellofemoral syndrome.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use SP 10 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Acne, Irregular menstrual cycle, Endometriosis, Knee pain. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.

8. Frequently asked questions about Spleen 10

What is Spleen 10 used for?

Spleen 10 is used primarily for blood-related conditions in Chinese medicine. The most common clinical uses for Spleen 10 are irregular menstruation, painful periods, heavy periods, skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, urticaria), acne, and medial knee pain. It is considered the most important blood-regulating point on the Spleen meridian.

Where is the Spleen 10 acupuncture point located?

Spleen 10 (Xue Hai) is located 2 cun (approximately 3 finger-widths) above the mediosuperior border of the kneecap, on the bulge of the medial portion of the quadriceps muscle (vastus medialis). A practical way to locate Spleen 10: place your palm on the upper edge of the patella with fingers pointing up the thigh — the tip of your thumb when angled inwards rests on Spleen 10.

What does Spleen 10 mean in Chinese?

Spleen 10 is called Xuè Hǎi (血海) in Chinese, which translates literally as “Sea of Blood”. The name reflects the point's central role in regulating all blood disorders in traditional Chinese medicine — from moving stagnant blood to cooling blood heat to nourishing blood deficiency.

Can Spleen 10 help with period problems?

Yes. Spleen 10 is one of the most-used acupuncture points for menstrual irregularities. It is indicated for irregular cycles, painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), heavy periods, scanty periods, and amenorrhoea — particularly when the underlying TCM pattern involves blood stasis or blood heat. It is often combined with Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao) and Liver 3 (Tai Chong) in a fertility or menstrual treatment protocol.

Is Spleen 10 safe to needle?

Yes, when needled by a qualified acupuncturist. Spleen 10 is needled perpendicularly to a depth of 1.0–1.5 cun. Moxibustion can also be applied to the point. There are no anatomical structures of concern at this location. As with all acupuncture points, never attempt self-needling — treatment should only be performed by a fully qualified and insured practitioner.

How does Spleen 10 help skin conditions?

From a Chinese medicine view, skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, urticaria and acne are often driven by “heat in the blood” or “wind in the blood”. Spleen 10 cools blood heat and eliminates wind from the skin, making it a core point for these conditions. It is typically combined with Large Intestine 11 (Qu Chi) for stronger heat-clearing effect.