Spleen 3 Acupoint Location, Practical Uses, and Benefits

Spleen 3 (SP3, Sp 3, Sp-3), also known as Taibai or “Supreme White” ( Hey I didn’t create the name, I just write it as I see it) , holds a unique position in acupuncture theory and practice. Known as “the center of the center” (according to Giovanni) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. It is one of the essential points for promoting the health of the digestive system, supporting energy levels, and regulating internal balance. It is also the Shu-Stream point of the Spleen meridian, and has shown itself as a “Shu” point in research to reflect the “transportation” function.¹

If you’re familiar with other points on the Spleen Meridian, especially Spleen 9 (SP9) and Spleen 10 (SP10), you’ll find Spleen 3 has complementary yet distinct functions. In those articles, we’ve discussed how the Spleen plays a central role in digestion, Qi transformation, and dampness management in TCM. For a deeper understanding of the Spleen Meridian’s broader functions, feel free to refer back to those articles.

Location and Needle Depth of Spleen 3

Location: Spleen 3 is located on the medial side of the foot, just proximal to the head of the first metatarsal bone². It sits in a small depression, where the skin changes from the dorsal to the plantar surface of the foot.

To locate this point:

1. Start by finding the head of the first metatarsal bone.
2. Move your fingers slightly toward the inside (medial side) of the foot.
3. Locate the natural depression proximal to the bone’s head, which aligns with the skin change from the top to the sole of the foot.

Needle Depth

Spleen 3 is generally needled perpendicularly, with a recommended depth of approximately 0.25 to 0.4 cun. Since the area may be sensitive care should be taken not to insert too deeply. Also, some patients may exhibit some anxiety or fear based on the point’s location, but proper needle technique, high quality acupuncture needles, and practitioner reassurance these concerns can be effectively eased. Adjustments may be made based on the patient’s comfort and specific therapeutic goals.

Spleen 3 Functions

In TCM, the spleen functions similarly to what we understand as metabolism in biomedicine. It plays a crucial role in taking food and converting it into usable energy for the body. Through the study of biology, we examine these systems in detail, though they may be described differently across medical perspectives.

Comparing Spleen 3 to another key point, Spleen 4, we find each has distinct effects in TCM and acupuncture theory. Spleen 3 is associated with Qi, focusing on energy and vitality, while Spleen 4 targets Yin and blood. Spleen 3 is ideal for addressing issues like low energy, digestive problems, chronic constipation, bloating, and distension. Additionally, this point can be beneficial for conditions like plantar fasciitis due to its location on the foot.

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Functions according to TCM / Acupuncture Theory:

• Strengthens the Spleen Qi (TCM)
• Stimulates Intellect (Yi)³
• Dampness (TCM)

Bio-Medicine Function

• Tiredness
• Borborygmi
• Poor Memory
• Diarrhea, constipation, Undigested food in the stools⁴
• Hyperuricemia⁵
• Postoperative Rehabilitation of encephaloma⁶

Research on Spleen 3

Hyperuricemia

In a 2014 study published in the Annals of Palliative Medicine (APM), 32 patients with hyperuricemia were observed for 11 days, and provided acupuncture treatment after the initial 48 hours of the study. Blood uric acid, blood creatinine, urine creatinine, urine uric acid, and urine triglycerides. The acupuncture points used included the Five (5) Shu points of the spleen meridian (which includes spleen 3).

The blood creatinine, urine creatinine, and triglycerides show no significant changes. The blood uric acid and urine uric acid had clinically significant changes across all three test groups. Authors concluded that the acupuncture decreased the blood uric acid level by promoting the excretion of uric acid and by increasing the urine volume.⁷

Adverse effects included pain sensation during acupuncture. No damage to local function.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

A case study published in 2022 in the journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine looked at a patient with a history of fatty liver diagnosed for more than 1 year. The patients symptoms included fatigue, anorexia, swelling, excessive sleep, and a pale tongue with tooth marks along the edges and a white greasy tongue coating. Superficial acupuncture needling and moxibustion warming on needle were utilized for treatment. Symptoms were improved after three weeks, and after three months the symptoms improved significantly.⁸

Acupressure on Sp-3 For Hyperemesis Gravidarum

A 2021 study published in the Journal of Maternal and Child Health examined the use of acupressure on points Pericardium 6 (PC-6) and Spleen 3 (SP-3) for hyperemesis Gravidarum, or severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy for expecting mothers. It is one of the most common complaints during gestation affecting 70-80% of women occurring primarily between weeks 5 – 12.⁹

Brain Areas Activated by Spleen 3

A 2021 study published in the journal of Brain and Behavior looked at 15 healthy volunteers and the effects of unilateral acupuncture of Spleen 3 on the right side compared to sham acupuncture. Researchers used resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) on patients who had never received acupuncture prior to the study. Areas showing signs of activity when acupuncture was applied to spleen 3 include the bilateral lingual gyrus, the cuneus and the calcarine (occipital lobe), the right postcentral gyri, Heschl’s gyrus, right parietal gyri, and the right superior temporal gyri. These areas showed significant levels of activation as opposed to the sham acupuncture.

Furthermore, the study states that “The involvement of vision‐related structures induced by acupuncture on the SP3 point” suggests that Spleen 3 “may be a therapeutic target for treating visual dysfunction.”¹⁰

The authors noted limitations of the study included sample size, and that further investigation and studies are needed.

This information is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a healthcare provider for any diagnosis or treatment.

1. Sun, Bao-Guo, Jun Meng, Ting Xiang, Ze-Xiong Chen, & Shi-Jun Zhang. “Acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian to lower blood uric acid level.” Annals of Palliative Medicine [Online], 3.1 (2014): 22-27. Web. 2 Nov. 2024 ↩︎
2. Cerebral areas affected bySun, Bao-Guo, Jun Meng, Ting Xiang, Ze-Xiong Chen, & Shi-Jun Zhang. “Acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian to lower blood uric acid level.” Annals of Palliative Medicine [Online], 3.1 (2014): 22-27. Web. 2 Nov. 2024 ↩︎
3. Maciocia G. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. 2nd ed. London: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005:941-942. ↩︎
4. ↩︎
5. Cerebral areas affected bySun, Bao-Guo, Jun Meng, Ting Xiang, Ze-Xiong Chen, & Shi-Jun Zhang. “Acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian to lower blood uric acid level.” Annals of Palliative Medicine [Online], 3.1 (2014): 22-27. Web. 2 Nov. 2024 ↩︎
6. Wang F, Yang T, Li X, et al. Cerebral areas affected by unilateral acupuncture on SP3 in healthy volunteers: An explorative resting-state fMRI study. Brain Behav. 2021;11(4):e02057. doi:10.1002/brb3.2057 ↩︎
7. Cerebral areas affected bySun, Bao-Guo, Jun Meng, Ting Xiang, Ze-Xiong Chen, & Shi-Jun Zhang. “Acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian to lower blood uric acid level.” Annals of Palliative Medicine [Online], 3.1 (2014): 22-27. Web. 2 Nov. 2024 ↩︎
8. Sun BG, Meng J, Xiang T, Chen ZX, Zhang SJ. Acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian to lower blood uric acid level. Ann Palliat Med. 2014;3(1). doi:10.21037/apm.2014.01.05. ↩︎
9. Ria MB, Manek BD (2022). The Effectiveness of Acupressure Points PC-6 and SP-3 on the Hyperemesis
   Gravidarum in Pregnant Women. J Matern Child Health. 07(02): 138-147. https://doi.org/10.26911/the-
   jmch.2022.07.02.03 ↩︎
10. Wang F, Yang T, Li X, et al. Cerebral areas affected by unilateral acupuncture on SP3 in healthy volunteers: An explorative resting-state fMRI study. Brain Behav. 2021;11(4):e02057. doi:10.1002/brb3.2057 ↩︎

Carlo St Juste

Carlo St. Juste II, MAOM has a background in acupuncture with over 10 years of clinical experience, published author, and over 16 years in the Martial Arts. He has worked with various organizations to implement employee wellness programs and workshops including The City of West Covina, The City of Brea, Broadcom, University of Southern California (USC), American Suzuki, and Pomona College. He is dedicated to promoting integrative health and has seen the benefits of knowledge and implementation first hand.