SP6 Three Yin Intersection

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

SP6 (Sānyīnjiāo, “Three Yin Intersection”) is the Meeting point of the three foot yin channels point of the Spleen Channel Meridian. It is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, in a depression just posterior to the tibial border, 3 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus. It tonifies the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys, regulates menstruation, resolves dampness, harmonizes the lower jiao, calms the spirit, and invigorates blood.

Location

On the medial aspect of the lower leg, in a depression just posterior to the tibial border, 3 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun, slightly posterior to the tibia.

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TCM functions

Tonifies the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys, regulates menstruation, resolves dampness, harmonizes the lower jiao, calms the spirit, and invigorates blood..

Indications

Abdominal distention, borborygmus, loose stools, undigested food in stool, spleen disease with heaviness of the body, inability to lift the four limbs, coldness in the abdomen, abdominal masses (, ), pain in the inner thigh and knee, difficulty urinating, foot weakness (atrophy) and inability to walk, hernia, seminal emission, nocturnal emissions, male genital pain, impotence, insomnia, fright and inability to sleep, tetany with cold limbs, cholera with cold hands and feet, vomiting water after eating, water swelling , women's irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding , amenorrhea, infertility, difficult labor, retained placenta, postpartum fainting from blood loss, postpartum retained lochia, leukorrhea (red and white), sudden death after childbirth, infantile convulsions ..

Meeting point of the three foot yin channels

Clinical notes

As the meeting point of the three foot yin channels, Sanyinjiao is a paramount point for treating disorders of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney. It is exceptionally important for digestive issues, such as abdominal distention and diarrhea, and is arguably the most significant distal point for gynecological and urogenital conditions, including menstrual irregularities, infertility, and seminal emission. Its ability to calm the spirit also makes it useful for insomnia, especially when rooted in yin or blood deficiency.

On the Spleen Channel channel

SP6 is one of 21 points on the Spleen Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP6 located?

SP6 (Sānyīnjiāo) is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, in a depression just posterior to the tibial border, 3 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus.

What is SP6 used for?

SP6 tonifies the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys, regulates menstruation, resolves dampness, harmonizes the lower jiao, calms the spirit, and invigorates blood. Common clinical indications include abdominal distention, borborygmus, loose stools, undigested food in stool, spleen disease with heaviness of the body, inability to lift the four limbs, coldness in the abdomen, abdominal masses (, ), pain in the inner thigh and knee, difficulty urinating, foot weakness (atrophy) and inability to walk, hernia, seminal emission, nocturnal emissions, male genital pain, impotence, insomnia, fright and inability to sleep, tetany with cold limbs, cholera with cold hands and feet, vomiting water after eating, water swelling , women's irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding , amenorrhea, infertility, difficult labor, retained placenta, postpartum fainting from blood loss, postpartum retained lochia, leukorrhea (red and white), sudden death after childbirth, infantile convulsions.

How is SP6 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun, slightly posterior to the tibia. Caution: Traditionally avoided or used with caution in PREGNANCY (strong qi/blood-moving or labour-promoting action). Contraindicated in pregnancy. The Zhen Jiu Ju Ying recounts a story of its use to induce abortion and discusses the principle: draining SP6 (Blood) and supplementing LI4 (Qi) causes the fetus to descend.

Which meridian is SP6 on?

SP6 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.