Spleen Channel

Gongsun SP-4

Chinese: 公孙

Pinyin: Gōng Sūn

Location

In the depression distal and inferior to the base of the 1st metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin. 

How to locate

The base of the 1st metatarsal bone forms a distinct bony prominence, by palpating along the border of the red and white skin from toe to heel, on the medial aspect of the foot. 

Gongsun SP-4 is at the junction of the shaft and the base of the bone, located in the depression distal to this prominence. 

Main actions

  1. Harmonizes the Spleen, Stomach and Intestines
  2. Regulates the Penetrating Vessel and menstruation
  3. Stops bleeding
  4. Calms the Mind
  5. Benefits feet and toes

Indications

Anxiety Insomnia Diarrhoea Heel pain Cold feet Hot soles Borborygmi Depression Chest pain Restlessness Big toe pain Bloody stools Feet numbness Abdominal pain Painful period Foot arch pain Epigastric pain Uterus bleeding Chest stiffness Lochia retention Fungal Infection Abdominal fullness Placenta retention Epigastric fullness Abdominal distension Epigastric distension Irregular menstruation Oesophageal constriction Undigested food in the stools

Needling

0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely from medial towards lateral.

Caution: Needling may be painful.

Commentary for Gongsun SP-4

Gongsun SP-4 is an important point with various functions. 

First of all, it harmonizes the Middle Burner, mainly the Spleen and Stomach. In fact, it can be indicated for any Excess patterns there, such as Dampness in the epigastrium, Stomach Blood Stagnation, Stomach Heat or Stomach Rebellious Qi. Typical manifestations include fullness, distension or pain in the epigastrium and abdomen. 

Stronger Spleen and Stomach functions benefit the Intestines. Thus SP-4 also regulates this Organ and treat symptoms such as borborygmi, diarrhoea and undigested food in the stools.

Many of SP-4's other functions are due to its being the opening point of the Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai). Most importantly, the vessel is considered the 'Sea of Blood' and the 'Sea of the 12 Channels'. It has influence over the Uterus functions such as menstruation or lochia. Gongsun SP-4 can be stimulated to regulate the Vessel, so as to stop symptoms such as painful period or excessive Uterus bleeding. 

On the other hand, a well functioning Spleen also helps to stop various bleeding (eg: Intestines or Uterus) because stronger Spleen Qi can hold Bloods in the veins. 

Gongsun SP-4 is also the Connecting-Luo point of the Spleen Channel, which generally stops bleeding of the relevant Channel as well as the Penetrating Vessel. 

Furthermore, the Penetrating Vessel goes through the Heart. Thus Gongsun SP-4 is able to regulates the Heart and the chest. It also calms the Mind by opening the Heart Orifice. Typical manifestations includes depression, anxiety, insomnia, mental restlessness as well as chest pain and stiffness.

Finally, one of the Penetrating Vessel's branches go to the sole, big toe and the arch of the foot. SP-4 regulates the Vessel, so as to ease pain, coldness and numbness in these parts of the body.