Exploring the Spleen Meridian: Massage Techniques and Acupoint Care

November 14, 2023

The spleen meridian is the meridian of the foot tai yin, which starts at the tip of the big toe, runs along the inner side of the white flesh boundary of the toe, passes behind the medial malleolus, goes up in front of the inner ankle, runs along the back of the tibia, intersects with the jue yin meridian, continues along the front of the inner knee, enters the abdomen, belongs to the spleen, connects with the stomach, goes up to the diaphragm, passes through the throat, and spreads to the base of the tongue and the underside of the tongue. Now let's explain the massage direction of the spleen meridian in detail.

Massage direction of the spleen meridian

Tap and rub the inner side of both legs according to the position of the spleen meridian, or massage the corresponding acupoints along the meridian, 100-200 times each time.

Route of the spleen meridian

The spleen foot tai yin meridian starts at the hidden white acupoint beside the inner corner of the big toe, goes from the foot to the chest, runs in front of the inner ankle of the foot, runs along the inner edge of the lower limb, runs alongside the ren meridian 4 cun beside the abdomen, runs alongside the ren meridian 6 cun beside the chest, and stops at the da bao acupoint 6 cun under the armpit.

Method to clear the spleen meridian

Sit with the left leg crossed over the right leg (place the left calf on the right knee), hold an empty fist with the right hand, and tap the spleen meridian on the leg from bottom to top. Use the palm to strike the calf and the base of the fingers to strike the root of the thigh. Switch to the right leg and strike in the same way. Strike each side 3-5 times or for 5 minutes each side.

The best time for spleen meridian massage

The best time for spleen meridian massage is the si shi period, which is from 9 am to 11 am. During this time, qi and blood flow to the spleen meridian, which is responsible for transporting the essence of digestion from the stomach to the pores.

Massage and care for acupoints of the spleen meridian

Yinbai acupoint

Yinbai is located about 0.1 cun beside the inner corner of the big toe.

Massage method: Bundle three or four toothpicks together with a rubber band or string, and then use the tips of the toothpicks to press the Yinbai acupoint, 60 times on each side.

Effect: Yinbai is the well acupoint of the spleen meridian, which can effectively mobilize the function of the entire spleen meridian. It is used to treat poor appetite, abdominal distension, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive menstruation, abnormal vaginal discharge, nosebleeds, and other symptoms.

Sanyinjiao acupoint

Sanyinjiao is located 3 cun above the inner ankle, on the posterior border of the tibia.

Massage method: Use the thumb or index finger to knead the acupoint for 3 minutes, once a day.

Effect: Sanyinjiao is an important acupoint for treating digestive system and urogenital system diseases. It has excellent effects on spleen and stomach weakness, indigestion, poor appetite, abdominal distension with bowel sounds, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, headache, weakness in the limbs, heaviness in the body, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, spermatorrhea, impotence, and penile pain.

Xuehai acupoint

Xuehai is located on the inner side of the thigh, 2 cun above the knee.

Massage method: Sit on a chair with the knee joint bent, spread out the palm, press the acupoint with the thumb, and grasp the leg with the other four fingers. Then use the thumb to press and knead the acupoint. You can press both legs at the same time with both hands. Once a day, 5 minutes each time.

Effect: Xuehai governs all blood-related issues in the body, including anemia and menstrual problems in women (such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, etc.), as well as urticaria, eczema, athlete's foot, etc.

Gongsun acupoint and Fenglong acupoint

Gongsun is an acupoint of the spleen meridian, and Fenglong is an acupoint of the stomach meridian. These meridian points not only treat diseases related to their own meridians but also treat diseases of other meridians. Gongsun and Fenglong can treat both the spleen and the stomach.

Location of Gongsun acupoint: It is located on the inner margin of the foot, below the anterior lower part of the first metatarsal base.

Massage method: Press and push down on the Gongsun acupoint with force. If the force is not enough, you can use the heel of one foot to step on or press against this area. Stop when there is a sore and swollen feeling. Do this once in the morning and evening.

Location of Fenglong acupoint: Fenglong is located on the outer side of the front of the lower leg, 8 cun above the tip of the outer ankle, 2 horizontal fingers (middle finger) away from the anterior edge of the tibia.

Massage method: Place the lower limb flat on the opposite knee joint, place the tip of the middle finger of the right (left) hand on the Fenglong acupoint, and use the thumb to press firmly for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do this once in the morning and evening.

Characteristics of the spleen meridian and viscera

1. The key to health preservation during the si shi period is to nourish the spleen. The spleen is responsible for transportation and distribution, regulates blood, and transports the essence of water and grains. It is the source of qi and blood production for the organs and limbs. Therefore, it is known as the foundation of acquired constitution.

2. The spleen and stomach are the yin and yang organs of damp earth. The stomach is the dry earth of yang ming, while the spleen not only dislikes dampness but also has a susceptibility to dampness. "Damp earth of tai yin, starts to function with yang; dry earth of yang ming, becomes calm with yin. The spleen prefers dryness and the stomach prefers moisture."

3. The stomach is responsible for descending, and it is interconnected with the spleen. The stomach's function of descending refers to the smooth and downward movement of qi in its position. The stomach follows the principle of descending.

4. The spleen governs blood production, indicating its function of producing blood; the spleen governs blood circulation, indicating its function of regulating and controlling blood circulation within the meridians without overflowing outside the vessels.

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