SP 10 — Xuè Hǎi (血海) — Sea of Blood
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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
- Invigorates Blood and resolves Blood stasis
- Cools Blood and clears Heat from the Blood
- Nourishes Blood
- Regulates menstruation
- Eliminates Wind from the skin
4. Indications
- Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea from Blood stasis or Blood Heat
- Uterine bleeding — heavy periods from Blood Heat
- Skin conditions — urticaria, eczema, psoriasis from Heat and Wind in the Blood
- Acne from Blood Heat
- Knee pain — important local point for the medial aspect of the knee
- 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.
