SP8 Earth's Crucial Point, or Earth Pivot

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

SP8 (Dìjī, “Earth's Crucial Point, or Earth Pivot”) is the Xi-Cleft point point of the Spleen Channel Meridian. It is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, in a depression on the posterior border of the tibia, 5 cun inferior to the knee or 3 cun inferior to Yinlingquan (SP9). It regulates the Spleen and resolves Dampness, harmonizes Blood and regulates menstruation, moves Qi and alleviates pain, clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao.

Location

On the medial aspect of the lower leg, in a depression on the posterior border of the tibia, 5 cun inferior to the knee or 3 cun inferior to Yinlingquan (SP9).

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun, along the posterior border of the tibia.

TCM functions

Regulates the Spleen and resolves Dampness, harmonizes Blood and regulates menstruation, moves Qi and alleviates pain, clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao..

Indications

Abdominal and hypochondriac distention from Qi, abdominal hardness, loose stools with abdominal masses (táng jiǎ), abdominal pain, organ-related stagnation (zàng bì), lack of appetite, water swelling, urinary difficulty, seminal insufficiency, lumbar pain making it difficult to bend or extend, women's abdominal masses (zhēng jiǎ), menstrual irregularities, pain in the inner thigh as if scalded with hot water..

Xi-Cleft point

Clinical notes

As the Xi-Cleft point of the Spleen channel, Diji is a primary point for acute conditions involving this meridian and its associated organ, particularly pain, bleeding, and stagnation. It excels at treating abdominal pain, distention, and diarrhea, as well as gynecological issues like dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation, reflecting its ability to regulate Qi and Blood in the Lower Jiao. Its use for water swelling and urinary difficulty highlights its function in resolving Dampness.

On the Spleen Channel channel

SP8 is one of 21 points on the Spleen Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP8 located?

SP8 (Dìjī) is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, in a depression on the posterior border of the tibia, 5 cun inferior to the knee or 3 cun inferior to Yinlingquan (SP9).

What is SP8 used for?

SP8 regulates the Spleen and resolves Dampness, harmonizes Blood and regulates menstruation, moves Qi and alleviates pain, clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao. Common clinical indications include abdominal and hypochondriac distention from Qi, abdominal hardness, loose stools with abdominal masses (táng jiǎ), abdominal pain, organ-related stagnation (zàng bì), lack of appetite, water swelling, urinary difficulty, seminal insufficiency, lumbar pain making it difficult to bend or extend, women's abdominal masses (zhēng jiǎ), menstrual irregularities, pain in the inner thigh as if scalded with hot water.

How is SP8 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun, along the posterior border of the tibia.

Which meridian is SP8 on?

SP8 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.