Spleen Channel

Dadu SP-2

Chinese: 大都

Pinyin: Dàdū

Location

On the medial aspect of the big toe, at the junction of the shaft and the base of the proximal phalanx, distal to the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint.

How to locate

On the medial aspect of the big toe, palpate from distal to proximal towards the metatarsophalangeal joint, until the junction of the shaft is felt with the base of the proximal phalanx.

Dadu SP-2 is located distally to the base of the bone, which forms a distinct step, and slightly inferiorly to its outer curvature, at the border of the red and white skin, which is also the border of the foot sole and dorsum. 

Main actions

  1. Regulates the Spleen
  2. Clears Heat
  3. Calms the Mind
  4. Resolves Dampness

Indications

Fever Anxiety Vomiting Insomnia No sweat Diarrhoea Heavy body No sweating Constipation Chest fullness Epigastric pain Abdominal distension Sudden limb swelling

Needling

0.2–0.5 cun vertically or obliquely, just below the lower border of the bone.

Caution: Painful point.

Commentary for Dadu SP-2

Dadu SP-2's main function is to clear Heat rather than tonifying the Spleen, despite being the 'tonifying' or 'mother' point of the Spleen Channel. It is widely used to expel Exterior Heat at the Greater Yang Stage of the Six Stage Theory, characterized by febrile disease without sweating. 

Furthermore, it calms the Mind when there are excessive Heat in the Spleen and Stomach.