SP 6 — Sān Yīn Jiāo (三阴交) — Three Yin Intersection
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1. Overview
SP 6 — Sān Yīn Jiāo (三阴交) — is an acupuncture point on the Spleen meridian. Its English name, Three Yin Intersection, 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 6 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
3 cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the medial aspect of the tibia.
3. Actions
- Tonifies the Spleen and resolves Dampness
- Nourishes the Liver and tonifies Blood
- Benefits the Kidney — tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang
- Regulates menstruation and the uterus — the most important gynaecological point
- Calms the Mind and promotes sleep
- Moves Blood stasis and relieves pain
- Promotes urination
- Induces labour (contraindicated throughout pregnancy)
4. Indications
- All gynaecological conditions — dysmenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, infertility
- Digestive disorders from Spleen deficiency
- Insomnia, anxiety and restlessness
- Urinary disorders — frequency, difficult urination and urinary tract infections
- Skin conditions — eczema and urticaria from Spleen Damp
- Oedema and fluid accumulation
- Fatigue and anaemia from Spleen and Blood deficiency
- Labour preparation and induction
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1.0–1.5 cun. Strong De Qi. Strictly contraindicated during pregnancy — has documented uterotonic effects.
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 6 is the meeting point of the three yin meridians of the leg — Spleen, Kidney and Liver — making it the most multi-functional point on the body. It simultaneously addresses the Spleen (Qi and Damp), Liver (Blood and smooth Qi flow) and Kidney (Yin, Yang and Essence). This makes it indispensable in virtually every gynaecological condition and fertility treatment. Combined with ST 36, it forms one of the most clinically powerful two-point combinations. Strictly contraindicated in pregnancy as it has documented uterotonic effects and has been used to induce labour since ancient times.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use SP 6 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Fertility, Irregular menstrual cycle, Insomnia, Urinary tract infections, Labour induction, 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.
