SP 6 — Sān Yīn Jiāo (三阴交) — Three Yin Intersection

SP 6 (Sanyinjiao, “Three Yin Intersection”) is the meeting point of the three Yin meridians of the leg (Spleen, Kidney and Liver), making it the most multi-functional and clinically powerful point in acupuncture. Located 3 cun above the medial malleolus on the posterior border of the tibia, it is indispensable in virtually every gynaecological condition, fertility treatment, insomnia, urinary disorder and labour preparation. Strictly contraindicated during pregnancy.

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 SP 6

1. About SP 6 (San Yin Jiao)

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. SP 6 location

3 cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the medial aspect of the tibia.

3. Actions

1. Tonifies the Spleen and resolves Dampness
2. Nourishes the Liver and tonifies Blood
3. Benefits the Kidney — tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang
4. Regulates menstruation and the uterus — the most important gynaecological point
5. Calms the Mind and promotes sleep
6. Moves Blood stasis and relieves pain
7. Promotes urination
8. Induces labour (contraindicated throughout pregnancy)

4. Indications

1. All gynaecological conditions — dysmenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, infertility
2. Digestive disorders from Spleen deficiency
3. Insomnia, anxiety and restlessness
4. Urinary disorders — frequency, difficult urination and urinary tract infections
5. Skin conditions — eczema and urticaria from Spleen Damp
6. Oedema and fluid accumulation
7. Fatigue and anaemia from Spleen and Blood deficiency
8. 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.

8. Frequently asked questions about SP 6

What are the acupuncture points SP6 used for?

The acupuncture points SP6 (Sanyinjiao) are used for gynaecological conditions, fertility, insomnia, urinary disorders and digestive issues. As the meeting point of three Yin meridians (Spleen, Kidney and Liver), SP6 has the broadest clinical application of any single point. Acupuncture points SP6 are core to almost every fertility treatment protocol in Chinese medicine.

Where do you press acupressure points SP6?

To find the acupressure points SP6: locate the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus), then measure 4 finger-widths (3 cun) up the inside of the leg. The point sits on the back edge of the shin bone. Apply firm pressure with your thumb for 1–3 minutes. Always apply pressure to acupressure points SP6 on both legs for a balanced effect.

Is SP 6 safe during pregnancy?

No. SP 6 is strictly contraindicated throughout pregnancy. It has well-documented uterotonic effects and has been used to induce labour since ancient times. Avoid pressing or needling SP 6 once pregnancy is confirmed, until full term (after 40 weeks) when it may be used to encourage labour under qualified care.

What does SP 6 mean in Chinese?

SP 6 is called Sān Yīn Jiāo (三阴交) in Chinese, which translates as “Three Yin Intersection”. The name refers to its location where the three Yin meridians of the leg — Spleen, Kidney and Liver — meet.

Can SP 6 help with insomnia?

Yes. SP 6 is one of the most-used acupuncture points for insomnia and restlessness. It calms the Mind (Shen), nourishes Yin and Blood, and supports the Spleen-Liver-Kidney axis that underlies most sleep disturbances. It is often combined with HT 7 (Shen Men), Yin Tang and PC 6 in an insomnia treatment.