SP21 Great Wrapping

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

SP21 (Dabao, “Great Wrapping”) is the Luo-Connecting Point point of the Spleen Channel Meridian. It is located on the lateral aspect of the chest, on the mid-axillary line, in the 6th intercostal space. The classical texts place it 3 cun inferior to YuanYe (GB22), which is located 3 cun inferior to the apex of the axilla. It is also described as emerging between the 9th ribs. It regulates Qi and Blood, unbinds the chest and hypochondrium, strengthens the sinews and joints, benefits the collaterals.

Location

On the lateral aspect of the chest, on the mid-axillary line, in the 6th intercostal space. The classical texts place it 3 cun inferior to YuanYe (GB22), which is located 3 cun inferior to the apex of the axilla. It is also described as emerging between the 9th ribs.

Needling

Oblique or transverse insertion 0.5-1.0 cun along the intercostal space. Caution: Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Regulates Qi and Blood, unbinds the chest and hypochondrium, strengthens the sinews and joints, benefits the collaterals..

Indications

Pain in the chest and hypochondrium, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, gurgling sound in the throat, generalized body pain, laxity of all the joints and limbs, asthenia of the four limbs..

Luo-Connecting Point

Clinical notes

As the Great Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen, Dabao has a unique global effect on the body's network of collaterals. The classics state that in excess conditions, it treats pain throughout the entire body, while in deficiency, it addresses widespread laxity and weakness in the joints and limbs. Its location also makes it a key point for resolving pain and constriction in the chest and lateral ribs, particularly when breathing is affected. It is considered to govern all the yin and yang luo vessels, making it a point of systemic regulation.

On the Spleen Channel channel

SP21 is one of 21 points on the Spleen Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

SP13SP14SP15SP16SP17SP18SP19SP20

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP21 located?

SP21 (Dabao) is located on the lateral aspect of the chest, on the mid-axillary line, in the 6th intercostal space. The classical texts place it 3 cun inferior to YuanYe (GB22), which is located 3 cun inferior to the apex of the axilla. It is also described as emerging between the 9th ribs.

What is SP21 used for?

SP21 regulates Qi and Blood, unbinds the chest and hypochondrium, strengthens the sinews and joints, benefits the collaterals. Common clinical indications include pain in the chest and hypochondrium, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, gurgling sound in the throat, generalized body pain, laxity of all the joints and limbs, asthenia of the four limbs.

How is SP21 needled?

Oblique or transverse insertion 0.5-1.0 cun along the intercostal space. Caution: Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall. The Zi Sheng Jing notes that needling too deeply can cause rebellious qi.

Which meridian is SP21 on?

SP21 is a point on the Spleen Channel Meridian (Zú Tài Yīn Pí Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.