SP 4 — Gōng Sūn (公孙) — Grandfather Grandson

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

SP 4 — Gōng Sūn (公孙) — is an acupuncture point on the Spleen meridian. Its English name, Grandfather Grandson, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for 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 practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

Distal and inferior to the base of the 1st metatarsal bone, at the junction of red and white skin.

3. Actions

1. Opens and regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
2. Tonifies the Spleen and resolves Dampness
3. Regulates the Stomach and descends rebellious Qi
4. Calms the Heart and Mind

4. Indications

1. Opening point of the Chong Mai — all Chong Mai disorders
2. Gynaecological disorders — irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea, uterine bleeding
3. Digestive disorders — vomiting, nausea and gastric pain
4. Heart pain and palpitations via the Chong Mai

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5–0.8 cun.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.

6. Clinical notes

SP 4 is the Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen and opening point of the Chong Mai. Paired with PC 6 to open the Chong Mai, this combination is one of the most important in fertility practice — the Chong Mai is the Sea of Blood governing menstruation and the uterus. The SP 4 + PC 6 combination is also widely used for morning sickness and nausea during IVF.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use SP 4 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Fertility, Irregular menstrual cycle, Morning sickness. 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.