SP 5 — Shāng Qiū (商丘) — Mound of Shang

On this page

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

1. Overview

SP 5 — Shāng Qiū (商丘) — is an acupuncture point on the Spleen meridian. Its English name, Mound of Shang, refers to the classical musical note associated with the Metal phase and the location of the point in a depression resembling a mound on the medial ankle. It is used in acupuncture practice for conditions involving the Spleen, ankles and joints.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use SP 5 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

In the depression distal and inferior to the medial malleolus, at the midpoint of the line connecting the tip of the medial malleolus and the tuberosity of the navicular bone.

3. Actions

1. Strengthens the Spleen and resolves Dampness
2. Transforms Damp-Heat in the Spleen and Stomach
3. Activates the meridian and relieves pain — the primary local point for medial ankle disorders
4. Tonifies the Spleen and harmonises the Middle Jiao

4. Indications

1. Medial ankle pain, sprain and swelling — the primary local point for the medial ankle
2. Foot and lower limb Bi syndrome from Dampness
3. Digestive disorders from Spleen Qi deficiency — bloating, loose stools and poor appetite
4. Haemorrhoids — traditionally indicated via the Spleen’s role in holding Blood
5. Sluggishness and heaviness from Damp-Phlegm
6. Abdominal distension from Spleen deficiency

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun.

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 5 is the Jing-River and Metal point of the Spleen meridian. As the Metal point of an Earth organ, it is used to drain excess from the Spleen channel via the controlling cycle — particularly useful for Damp-Heat where the Spleen is congested. In musculoskeletal practice, SP 5 is the primary local point for medial ankle injuries and deltoid ligament sprains. Its combination with SP 6 and ST 40 forms the core Phlegm-Damp resolving combination for the lower limb.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use SP 5 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Ankle sprains and sports injuries, Digestive disorders, PCOS. 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.