SP5 Shāngqiū

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

SP5 (Shāngqiū, “Shāngqiū”) is the Jing-River point point of the Spleen Channel Meridian. It is located on the medial aspect of the foot, in the depression located slightly anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus. It strengthens the Spleen, resolves dampness, calms the spirit, clears heat, and benefits the sinews and joints. It treats abdominal disorders, digestive issues, and conditions of the local area.

Location

On the medial aspect of the foot, in the depression located slightly anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 0.8 cun. Oblique insertion directed proximally or distally is also used for local issues.

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TCM functions

Strengthens the Spleen, resolves dampness, calms the spirit, clears heat, and benefits the sinews and joints. It treats abdominal disorders, digestive issues, and conditions of the local area..

Indications

Abdominal fullness, feeling of unease with difficult defecation, cold pain under the heart, lockjaw (trismus), mouth deviation, spleen deficiency causing coldness and unhappiness, frequent sighing, alternating cold and heat, vomiting of foam, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhoids with bone erosion, infertility in women, spleen channel accumulations , jaundice, tongue root stiffness and pain, pain in the inner thigh, body heaviness, joint pain, lassitude, sleepiness, infantile slow-fright wind , cold malaria with abdominal pain, hemorrhoids with blood, post-defecation tenesmus, foot unable to touch the ground due to pain, wind-dampness , hot or cold wind conditions..

Jing-River pointMetal point

Clinical notes

As the Jing-River and Metal point of the Spleen channel, Shangqiu is classically indicated for both excess and deficiency patterns. It excels at treating abdominal fullness, bloating, and diarrhea by strengthening the Spleen's transportive function. Its ability to address 'Spleen deficiency causing coldness and unhappiness' and frequent sighing highlights its role in treating the psycho-emotional aspects of Spleen disharmony. It is also a key local point for pain and dysfunction of the ankle and foot.

On the Spleen Channel channel

SP5 is one of 21 points on the Spleen Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP5 located?

SP5 (Shāngqiū) is located on the medial aspect of the foot, in the depression located slightly anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus.

What is SP5 used for?

SP5 strengthens the Spleen, resolves dampness, calms the spirit, clears heat, and benefits the sinews and joints. It treats abdominal disorders, digestive issues, and conditions of the local area. Common clinical indications include abdominal fullness, feeling of unease with difficult defecation, cold pain under the heart, lockjaw (trismus), mouth deviation, spleen deficiency causing coldness and unhappiness, frequent sighing, alternating cold and heat, vomiting of foam, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhoids with bone erosion, infertility in women, spleen channel accumulations , jaundice, tongue root stiffness and pain, pain in the inner thigh, body heaviness, joint pain, lassitude, sleepiness, infantile slow-fright wind , cold malaria with abdominal pain, hemorrhoids with blood, post-defecation tenesmus, foot unable to touch the ground due to pain, wind-dampness , hot or cold wind conditions.

How is SP5 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 0.8 cun. Oblique insertion directed proximally or distally is also used for local issues. Caution: One source (Qian Jin Yi Fang) states '忌灸' (moxibustion is forbidden), which contradicts other classics that recommend it.

Which meridian is SP5 on?

SP5 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.