Spleen (YIN) Stomach (YANG)
The Spleen is located in the upper left abdominal region, protected by the lower part of the rib cage. It is a soft, semiflattened organ, five or six inches long and two or three inches wide. The spleen contains lymph tissue for filtering worn out red cells from the blood. Along with the bone marrow, it produces white blood cells, antibodies, and stores blood for use in in emergencies. The spleen is stimulated by impulses from the sympathetic nervous system and by epinephrine from the adrenal glands, and is strongly activated in emotional states and times of physical stress.
The spleen meridian governs the pancreas, and can be called the spleen-pancreas meridian. The pancreas manufactures several fluids: the pancreatic juice and insulin. Pancreatic juice is a powerful digestive aid. Insulin is released into the blood and regulates the amount of sugar used in the tissues.
Chinese tradition says that the spleen is responsible for “moving and transforming” food, and distributing the energy from the food. The spleen meridian travels through the stomach and up into the lungs “to unify the Qi of the food and air”. This meridian greatly contributes to a person’s vital energy. The spleen is considered to “unify the blood”, so it is often used for blood (i.e anemia) or menstrual problems. The spleen also is responsible for the transformation of liquids. Edema and diarrhea are related in this way to the spleen.
IMPORTANT POINTS ON THE SPLEEN MERIDIAN
- Sp 1 “Hidden White” Entry Pt Insomnia, irregular menstruation, vomiting, hyperacidity
- Sp 3 “Most White” Source pt Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, hernia
- Sp 4 “Grandfather Grandson” MASTER PT, Sp Lo pt foot cramps, stomach, disorders, menstrual cramps, pain due to an injury of the testicles, epilepsy
- Sp 6 “3 Yin Meeting” Reunion of Sp, K, Lv Genital pain and disorders, diarrhea, nervous depression, menstrual disorders, labor
- Sp 9 “Fountain of Yin” Used for any yin condition, bleeding, edema, knee problems, menstrual irregularity
- Sp 10 “Sea of Blood” Menstrual problems, knee problems, edema
- Sp 13 “Mansion Cottage” Sexual frustration, pelvic tension, hernia, menstrual problems, indigestion, abdominal pain, grounding, uterine hemorrhage
- Sp 16 “Abdomen Sorrow” Sideache, ulcer, hypo or hyperacidity, diaphragm tensions, hiccoughs, any abdominal dysfunction
- Sp 21 “Big Wrapping” Exit pt, Grand, Lo pt Chest and side pains, general aching
TRADITIONAL INDICATIONS FOR USE
- abdominal cramps or pain
- anorexia
- big toe problems
- constipation
- depression
- diabetes
- diarrhea
- edema
- fatigue
- genital disorders
- hemorrhage
- hemorrhoids
- hypoglycemia
- indigestion
- insomnia
- menstrual cramps
- muscle spasms
- vomiting
- weakness in the legs
- used during labor
The stomach in traditional Chinese understanding encompasses more than its physiology–it is called the “sea of nourishment”. The stomach is responsible for pulling nourishment from food and passing it on for distribution by the spleen. Not just food, but whatever is taken in, is used by the stomach. The meridians pass close to the sense organs: mouth, eyes, ears, nose. Since every part of the body needs nourishment, when there is an imbalance in the stomach meridian, the other organs are quickly affected. The stomach is easily affected by stress and can serve as a front line detector for emotional distress.
IMPORTANT POINT ON THE STOMACH MERIDIAN
- St 1 “Receive Tears” Entry Pt good eye point
- St 3 “Facial Beauty” St/Li Reunion Used for local conditions (headache, sinuses, facial paralysis, jaw tension), nausea
- St 6 “Jaw Chariot” St/GB Reunion Pt tmj release point, local jaw point for inflammation, pain, grinding teeth
- St 13 “Chi Door” shoulder tension, chest pain and tension, asthma, bronchitis
- St 16 “Breast Window” cough, asthma, mastitis, heartburn, lactation, emotional distress
- St 36 “Three Miles” Sea of Nourishment General tonic point, stomach disorders, constipation, distal point for symptoms near stomach points on neck and head
- St 40 “Abundant Splendour” Lo Point Coughing phlegm, dizziness, schizophrenia, leg problems\
- St 42 “Rushing Yang” Source and Exit Pt toothache, gum problems, vomiting, yawning, foot problems
- St 45 “General Exchange” Sinusitis, tonsilitis, face swollen, eyes twitch, cerebral anemia, fainting, food poisoning
TRADITIONAL INDICATIONS FOR USE
- abdominal disorders
- anorexia
- arthritis of leg and knee
- breast problems
- cough, emphysema
- deafness
- excessive sympathy
- diarrhea
- epilepsy
- eye problems
- fatigue
- flatulence
- genital problems
- obsessions
- headache
- hernia
- jaw (mouth) problems
- leg pain, paralysis
- tonsilitis
- vomiting
- worry
EXCERPT FROM INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED ACUPRESSURE COURSE BOOKLET: by Acupressure Institute
