SP3 Tàibái

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

SP3 (Tàibái, “Tàibái”) is the Shu-Stream point point of the Spleen Channel Meridian. It is located on the medial aspect of the foot, in the depression distal and inferior to the head of the first metatarsal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin. It tonifies the Spleen, resolves dampness, harmonizes the middle jiao, regulates qi, and clears heat.

Location

On the medial aspect of the foot, in the depression distal and inferior to the head of the first metatarsal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

TCM functions

Tonifies the Spleen, resolves dampness, harmonizes the middle jiao, regulates qi, and clears heat..

Indications

Abdominal fullness, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, body heaviness, bone pain, joint pain, borborygmus, constipation, diarrhea with undigested food, dysentery with pus and blood, facial pain, fever, heat in the body, heat sensation in the chest, heaviness of the body with bone soreness, inability to lie down, indigestion, lumbar pain, mental restlessness, nausea, poor appetite, rebellious qi, vomiting, choleraic disorders, heat disease, headache, heaviness of the head, lassitude, sluggishness, desire to lie down, thigh and calf muscle spasms, tightness in the chest, heart pain, slow pulse..

Shu-Stream pointYuan-Source pointEarth point

Clinical notes

As the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point of the Spleen channel, Taibai is a primary point for diagnosing and treating Spleen deficiency. It addresses both digestive symptoms like abdominal fullness, pain, and diarrhea, and systemic issues arising from dampness, such as body heaviness and joint pain. Its dual role makes it effective for tonifying the Spleen's transport and transformation functions while also resolving the pathological product of dampness.

On the Spleen Channel channel

SP3 is one of 21 points on the Spleen Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP3 located?

SP3 (Tàibái) is located on the medial aspect of the foot, in the depression distal and inferior to the head of the first metatarsal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin.

What is SP3 used for?

SP3 tonifies the Spleen, resolves dampness, harmonizes the middle jiao, regulates qi, and clears heat. Common clinical indications include abdominal fullness, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, body heaviness, bone pain, joint pain, borborygmus, constipation, diarrhea with undigested food, dysentery with pus and blood, facial pain, fever, heat in the body, heat sensation in the chest, heaviness of the body with bone soreness, inability to lie down, indigestion, lumbar pain, mental restlessness, nausea, poor appetite, rebellious qi, vomiting, choleraic disorders, heat disease, headache, heaviness of the head, lassitude, sluggishness, desire to lie down, thigh and calf muscle spasms, tightness in the chest, heart pain, slow pulse.

How is SP3 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

Which meridian is SP3 on?

SP3 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.