名解：1）厉兑。厉，危岸也。兑，口也，八卦之中以兑为口。厉兑名意指胃经的地部经水由本穴回流胃经的体内经脉。本穴物质为内庭穴传来的地部经水，至本穴后，因本穴有地部通道与胃经体内经脉相通，因此体表经水从本穴的地部通道回流体内，经水的运行如从高处落入危险的深井一般，故名厉兑。
2)胃经井穴。井，地之孔也。因本穴有地部通道与胃经体内经脉相通，故为胃经井穴。
3)本穴属金。属金，指本穴气血的运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为地部的经水，其运行是从地之表部流入地之地部。由于受地之地部的高热作用，流入的经水快速气化而成为气态物并由本穴上行天部，气化之气有肺金的秋凉之性，故本穴属金。
气血特征：气血物质为极小的地部经水及大量的湿热水气。
运行规律：经水由体表流入体内，湿热水气由体内外出体表。
功能作用：沟通胃经体表与体内经脉及交换气血物质。
治法：点刺出血。
注：承泣、厉兑二穴皆为胃经连通体内体外经脉气血的出入口，与中脘穴募集的气血物质有较大的关系，中脘穴所募气血中阳气上走承泣穴，阴液下传厉兑穴。
四、足太阴脾经少气多血
四、足太阴脾经少气多血
足太阴脾经少气多血，气血物质的运行变化是由气态向液态再向气态的不断反复变化，且为吸热蒸升的过程。
1隐白井穴，属木。
别名：鬼垒，鬼眼，阴白。
穴义：脾经体内经脉的气血由本穴外输脾经体表经脉。
名解：1）隐白。隐，隐秘、隐藏也。白，肺之色也，气也。隐白名意指脾经体内经脉的阳热之气由本穴外出脾经体表经脉。本穴有地部孔隙与脾经体内经脉相连，穴内气血为脾经体内经脉外传之气，因气为蒸发外出，有不被人所觉察之态，如隐秘之象，故名隐白。
2)鬼垒、鬼眼。鬼，与神相对，指穴内气血来自地部。垒，堡垒也，土堆也。眼，孔眼也。鬼垒、鬼眼名意指本穴的气血物质来自地之内部。理同隐白名解。
3)阴白。阴，地部也。白，气也。阴白名意指本穴的气血物质来自地部，且为肺性之气。理同隐白名解。
4)脾经井穴。井，地之孔也。因本穴有地部通道与脾经体内经脉相通，为孔井通道，故为脾经井穴。
5)本穴属木。属木，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现的五行属性。本穴物质为地之地部的气化之气，其性温湿，有木的生发特性，故其属木。
气血特征：气血物质为湿热之气，位处地之上部天之最下部。
运行规律：湿热之气由地之地部上至地之表部。
功能作用：生发脾气。
治法：寒则通之，热则泻之。
2大都荥穴，属火。
别名：太都。
穴义：脾经的生发之气在此聚集。
名解：1）大都。大，穴内气血场的范围大也。都，都市也，物质的集散之所也。大都名意指脾经的气血物质在此聚集。本穴物质为隐白穴传来的生发之气，至本穴后为聚集之状，如都市之物质聚散也，故名大都。太都名意与大都同，太，通大。
2)脾经荥穴。荥，极小的水流。本穴物质为隐白穴传来的脾土生发之气，富含水湿，至本穴后部分水湿之气散热冷降归地，所降之水也小，故为脾经荥穴。
3)本穴属火。属火，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现的五行属性。本穴物质为隐白穴传来的气化之气，至本穴后为散热冷降的变化，所散之热上炎于天，体现出火的炎上特性，故本穴属火。
气血特征：气血物质为天部的水湿云气。
运行规律：水湿云气聚集本穴后以横行的风气传向太白穴。
功能作用：散发脾热。
治法：寒则补之，热则泻之。
3太白俞穴，属土，足太阴原穴。
别名：大白。
穴义：脾经的水湿之气在此吸热蒸升。
名解：1）太白。太，大也。白，肺之色也，气也。太白名意指脾经的水湿云气在此吸热蒸升，化为肺金之气。本穴物质为大都穴传来的天部水湿云气，至本穴后受长夏热燥气化蒸升，在更高的天部层次化为金性之气，故名太白。大白名意与太白同，大，通太。
2)脾经俞穴。俞，输也。本穴物质为天之下部的水湿云气，吸热后化为阳气蒸升于更高的天部层次，为脾经经气的重要输出之穴，故为脾经俞穴。
3)本穴属土。属土，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴的气血变化为天之下部的水湿云气吸热后蒸升，表现出脾土对肺金的长养特性，故本穴属土。
4)足太阴原穴。原，本原也。脾经为少气多血之经，气不足、血有余，而本穴的蒸升之气同合于足太阴脾经的气血特性，且能较好地充补脾经经气的不足，为脾经经气的供养之源，故为足太阴原穴。
气血特征：气血物质为天部之气。
运行规律：由天之下部上行于天之上部。
功能作用：生发肺性阳气。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之。
4公孙足太阴络穴，冲脉足太阴之会。
穴义：脾经与冲脉的气血相会后在此化为天部的水湿风气。
名解：1）公孙。公孙，公之辈与孙之辈也，言穴内气血物质与脾土之间的关系也。脾经物质五行属土，其父为火，其公为木，其子为金，其孙为水。公孙名意指本穴物质为脾经与冲脉的气血相会后化成了天部的水湿风气。本穴物质来源于二个方面，一是太白穴传来的天部之气，二是由地部孔隙传来的冲脉高温经水。冲脉的高温地部经水出体表后急速气化与天部的气态物相合，形成了本穴天部中的水湿风气，故名公孙。（冲脉为经脉之海，其特点是"主渗灌溪谷"，其来源是位于人体重力场中心部的高温区胞宫，故其气血物质温压较高。而本穴位处人之足部，在地球重力场的制约下，冲脉流行至公孙穴的物质为下行的水液，流行的通道是冲脉的体内经脉，故冲脉气血出公孙穴后会急速气化。）
2)足太阴络穴。络，联络也。本穴物质为天部的水湿风气，其运行为横向输散脾胃二经，有联络脾胃二经各部气血的作用，故为足太阴络穴。
3)冲脉足太阴之会。理同公孙穴名解。
气血特征：气血物质为富含水湿的风气。
运行规律：循脾经上传商丘穴及传于胃经。
功能作用：以水湿风气的形式运化脾经之气。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之或水针。
5商丘经穴，属金。
穴义：脾经的热散之气由此上行。
名解：1）商丘。商，古指漏刻，计时之气也。丘，废墟也。商丘名意指脾经的热散之气由此快速通过。本穴物质为公孙穴传来的水湿风气，其性湿热且循脾经上行，而本穴的气血通道又如漏刻滴孔般细小，因此风气的运行是快速通过本穴，强劲的风气吹走了本穴中的脾土微粒，地部脾土如废墟一般，故名商丘。
2)脾经经穴。经，经过也。本穴为脾经气血的行经之处，故为脾经经穴。
3)本穴属金。属金，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴为公孙穴内气血的出口之一，气血物质在公孙穴处是湿热状态，出本穴后散热而化为凉性之气，表现出肺金的秋凉特征，故本穴属金。
气血特征：气血物质为快速运行的风气及风气中夹带的脾土微粒。
运行规律：循脾经快速上行后散热冷降。
功能作用：散发脾热。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之。
6三阴交足少阴厥阴太阴之会，足太阴络。
别名：承命，太阴，下三里。
穴义：足三阴经气血在此交会。
名解：1）三阴交。三阴，足三阴经也。交，交会也。三阴交名意指足部的三条阴经中气血物质在本穴交会。本穴物质有脾经提供的湿热之气，有肝经提供的水湿风气，有肾经提供的寒冷之气，三条阴经气血交会于此，故名三阴交。
2)承命。承，承担。命，性命。承命名意是从本穴的功能而言的，指本穴的气血物质运行变化与人之性命相关。本穴物质为足之三阴经交会而成，它既是足三阴经气血物质的交会之所，亦是足三阴经气血物质的重新分配之所。三阴经提供本穴的物质有脾经的湿热之气、肝经的水湿风气、肾经的寒湿之气，三气相合后气血物质中的轻扬部分上走脾经，飘行物质横走肝经，滞重部分则下走肾经，气血物质在本穴的这种重新分配对维持人体功能的正常运行有着至关重要的作用，故本穴又名为承命。
3)太阴。太，大也。阴，阴之属也。本穴物质为足三阴经气血交会而成，位处足部，总体表现出较强的阴寒特性，故名太阴。
4)下三里。下，下部也。三里，穴内气血场的范围也。下三里名意指本穴的气血场范围较大，有如三里之广，故名。
5)足少阴厥阴太阴之会。理同三阴交名解。
6)足太阴络。络，联络也。本穴物质为足三阴经交会而成，气血物质又由本穴重新分配到足三阴经，本穴有联络足三阴经气血的作用，故为足太阴络。
气血特征：气血物质为天部之气，富含水湿，性温热。
运行规律：穴内天部之气的运行分为三支，干燥偏热的气态物在天之上部循脾经上炎，湿热的风气循肝经向上横行，滞重的湿冷之气循肾经下走筑宾穴。
功能作用：将足三阴经气血重组后再行分流。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气或水针。
7漏谷足太阴络。
别名：太阴络。
穴义：脾经中的浊重物质在此沉降。
名解：1）漏谷。漏，漏落也。谷，五谷也、细小之物也。漏谷名意指脾经中的浊重物质在此沉降。本穴物质由三阴交穴传来，因脾经的湿热之气与肝经及肾经气血物质进行了交换，上行至本穴的气态物质则温度偏低，在本穴的变化是散热缩合冷降的变化，浊重的部分由天部沉降到地部，如细小的谷粒漏落之状，故名漏谷。
2)足太阴络、太阴络。本穴物质为三阴交穴传来的天部水湿之气，其气与脾经其它的气血物质相比温度较低，穴内气压亦较低，脾经其它部位的水湿之气向本穴汇聚并沉降地部，本穴有联络聚集脾经天部气血物质的作用，故为足太阴络。
气血特征：气血物质为天部之气及气态物中的脾土尘埃。
运行规律：混浊的气态物由天部沉降至地部。
功能作用：沉降脾经阴浊。
治法：寒则先泻后补或灸之，热则泻之。
8地机足太阴郄穴。
别名：脾舍，地箕。
穴义：脾土物质在此随经水运化人体各部。
名解：1）地机。地，脾土也。机，机巧、巧妙也。地机名意指本穴的脾土微粒随地部经水运化到人体各部，运化过程十分巧妙。本穴物质为漏谷穴传来的降地之雨，雨降地部后地部的脾土微粒亦随雨水的流行而运化人体各部，脾土物质的运行十分巧妙，故名地机。
2)脾舍。脾，土也。舍，来原也。脾舍名意指本穴为提供脾土物质的来源之处。本穴物质为漏谷穴传来的降地之雨，脾土物质随雨水的流行而输送人体各部，为人体营养物质的重要来原之处，故名脾舍。
3)地箕。地，脾土也。箕，挑土的工具。地箕名意指脾土物质通过本穴而运化。理同地机名解。
4)足太阴郄穴。郄，孔隙也。本穴为脾土物质的主要运化之处，脾土物质的运化是通过地部水液而运行的，脾土物质的运行量不大，如从细小的孔隙中通过一般，故为足太阴郄穴。
气血特征：气血物质为地部经水及经水中的脾土微粒。
运行规律：经水循脾经流向阴陵泉穴，脾土微粒沉降于穴周。
功能作用：渗散脾土水湿。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之。
9阴陵泉合穴，属水。
别名：阴陵。
穴义：脾经气血在此会合。
名解：1）阴陵泉。阴，水也。陵，土丘也。泉，水泉也。阴陵泉名意指脾经地部流行的经水及脾土物质混合物在本穴聚合堆积。本穴物质为地机穴流来的泥水混合物，因本穴位处肉之陷处，泥水混合物在本穴沉积，水液溢出，脾土物质沉积为地之下部翻扣的土丘之状，故名阴陵泉。阴陵名意同阴陵泉。
2)脾经合穴。合，会合也。本穴为脾经气血物质中的脾土微粒会合之处，故为脾经合穴。
3)本穴属水。属水，指本穴气血物质运行变化所表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为脾经地部的泥水混合物，对外输出的是地部水液，与脾经本身的湿热气血相比，本穴的外传之液体现了水的阴寒润下特性，故其属水。
气血特征：气血物质为脾土微粒和地部经水以及由脾土蒸发的气态物。
运行规律：脾土微粒沉积穴周，经水由本穴渗入地之地部，气态物则循脾经上行。
功能作用：排渗脾湿。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气或凉药水针。
10血海
别名：百虫窝，血郄。
穴义：脾经所生之血在此聚集。
名解：1）血海。血，受热变成的红色液体也。海，大也。血海名意指本穴为脾经所生之血的聚集之处。本穴物质为阴陵泉穴外流水液气化上行的水湿之气，为较高温度较高浓度的水湿之气，在本穴为聚集之状，气血物质充斥的范围巨大如海，故名血海。
2)百虫窝。百，数量词，形容多也。虫窝，虫之所生之地也。百虫窝名意指本穴的气血物质其特性为湿热。本穴物质为聚集而成的脾经之气，性湿热，而本穴所应的时序、地域又为长夏的中土，是百虫的产生之时和繁衍之地，故名百虫窝。
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Lidui (Lì Duì). Li, meaning dangerous or precipitous. Dui, meaning mouth; in the Eight Trigrams, Dui represents the mouth. The name Lidui indicates that the fluid matter of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian flows back from this acupoint into the internal meridians of the Stomach Meridian. The substance at this acupoint is the fluid matter transmitted from Neiting (ST44); upon reaching this acupoint, due to the connection between the ground-level channel of this acupoint and the internal meridians of the Stomach Meridian, the surface fluid returns internally through this ground-level channel. The flow resembles water falling from a height into a dangerous deep well, hence the name Lidui.
2) Jing-Well Acupoint of the Stomach Meridian. Jing, meaning a hole in the earth. Because this acupoint has a ground-level channel connecting with the internal meridians of the Stomach Meridian, it is the Jing-Well point of the Stomach Meridian.
3) This acupoint belongs to Metal. Belonging to Metal refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the changes in the qi and blood circulation at this acupoint. The substance here is fluid at the ground level, flowing from the surface into the underground. Due to the high heat of the underground, the incoming fluid rapidly vaporizes into gaseous matter and ascends to the Heaven Level via this acupoint. This vaporized qi possesses the cooling nature of Autumn associated with Lung Metal, thus this acupoint belongs to Metal.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substances are minute amounts of ground-level fluid and abundant damp-warm qi.
Circulation Pattern: Fluid flows from the exterior to the interior; damp-warm qi disperses from the interior to the exterior.
Functional Role: Connects the external and internal meridians of the Stomach Meridian and facilitates the exchange of qi and blood substances.
Treatment Method: Prick to bleed.
Note: Both Chengqi (ST1) and Lidui (ST45) serve as entry and exit points for qi and blood connecting the internal and external meridians of the Stomach Meridian. This is closely related to the qi and blood gathered at Zhongwan (CV12). The yang qi gathered at Zhongwan ascends to Chengqi, while the yin fluids descend to Lidui.
IV. The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian has little Qi and much Blood.
The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian is characterized by little Qi and much Blood. The transformation of its qi and blood substances involves continuous cycles from gas to liquid and back to gas, representing an endothermic evaporation process.
1. Yinbai (Yǐn Bái), Jing-Well Acupoint, belongs to Wood.
Aliases: Guilei (Ghost Rampart), Guiyan (Ghost Eye), Yinbai (Yin White).
Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the internal meridians of the Spleen Meridian are transported outward to the external meridians of the Spleen Meridian from this acupoint.
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Yinbai. Yin means hidden or concealed. Bai refers to the color of the Lung and also to qi. The name Yinbai indicates that the warm-hot qi of the internal meridians of the Spleen Meridian exits from this acupoint to the external meridians. This acupoint connects to the internal meridians of the Spleen Meridian via ground-level pores. The qi within is transmitted from the internal meridians. Since the qi evaporates and exits invisibly, resembling a hidden state, it is named Yinbai.
2) Guilei and Guiyan. Gui (relative to Shen/Spirit) indicates that the qi and blood come from the ground level. Lei means rampart or earthen mound. Yan means pore. These names indicate that the qi and blood substances originate from inside the earth, consistent with the explanation for Yinbai.
3) Yinbai. Yin refers to the ground level. Bai refers to qi. The name indicates that the qi and blood substances come from the ground level and possess the nature of Lung qi. Consistent with the explanation for Yinbai.
4) Jing-Well Acupoint of the Spleen Meridian. Jing means a hole in the earth. As this acupoint connects to the internal meridians of the Spleen Meridian via a ground-level channel acting as a well-like opening, it is the Jing-Well point of the Spleen Meridian.
5) This acupoint belongs to Wood. Belonging to Wood refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the qi and blood transformations. The substance here is vaporized qi at the ground level, which is warm and damp, exhibiting the generating characteristics of Wood; therefore, it belongs to Wood.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is damp-warm qi, located at the upper part of the Earth Level and the lowest part of the Heaven Level.
Circulation Pattern: Damp-warm qi rises from the inner ground level to the surface ground level.
Functional Role: Generates Spleen Qi.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use unblocking methods; for heat patterns, use draining methods.
2. Dabu (Dà Bù), Ying-Spring Acupoint, belongs to Fire.
Alias: Taidu (Great Metropolis).
Acupoint Meaning: The generating qi of the Spleen Meridian gathers here.
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Dabu. Da means large, referring to the extensive range of the qi-blood field at this acupoint. Du means metropolis, a place where materials gather and disperse. The name Dabu indicates that the qi and blood substances of the Spleen Meridian gather here. The substance comes from the generating qi transmitted from Yinbai (SP1); upon arrival, it gathers like materials in a metropolis, hence the name Dabu. Taidu has the same meaning, with Tai being synonymous with Da.
2) Ying-Spring Acupoint of the Spleen Meridian. Xing means a very small stream. The substance here is the generating qi of Spleen Earth transmitted from Yinbai, rich in water and dampness. Upon reaching this acupoint, some of this dampness cools and descends to the earth. Since the descending water is minimal, it is named the Ying-Spring point.
3) This acupoint belongs to Fire. Belonging to Fire refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the qi and blood transformations. The substance is vaporized qi from Yinbai; upon arrival, it undergoes cooling and descent. The heat dissipated rises upward, reflecting the flaming-upward characteristic of Fire; thus, it belongs to Fire.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is moist cloud qi at the Heaven Level.
Circulation Pattern: After gathering at this acupoint, the moist cloud qi is transmitted horizontally to Taibai (SP3) via wind qi.
Functional Role: Disperses Spleen Heat.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification; for heat patterns, use draining.
3. Taibai (Tài Bái), Shu-Stream Acupoint, belongs to Earth, Yuan-Source Acupoint of the Foot-Taiyin.
Alias: Dabai (Big White).
Acupoint Meaning: The moist qi of the Spleen Meridian absorbs heat and ascends here.
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Taibai. Tai means large. Bai refers to the color of the Lung and qi. The name Taibai indicates that the moist cloud qi of the Spleen Meridian absorbs heat and ascends here, transforming into Lung Metal qi. The substance is the moist cloud qi from the Heaven Level transmitted from Dabu (SP2); upon arrival, it is heated by the dry heat of late summer, vaporizes, and ascends to a higher Heaven Level, transforming into Metal-natured qi. Hence, Taibai. Dabai shares the same meaning, with Da being synonymous with Tai.
2) Shu-Stream Acupoint of the Spleen Meridian. Shu means transport. The substance here is moist cloud qi from the lower Heaven Level. After absorbing heat, it transforms into yang qi and ascends to a higher Heaven Level. It is a major output point for Spleen Meridian qi, hence the Shu-Stream point.
3) This acupoint belongs to Earth. Belonging to Earth refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the qi and blood transformations. The change involves moist cloud qi from the lower Heaven Level absorbing heat and ascending, demonstrating the nurturing characteristic of Spleen Earth toward Lung Metal; thus, it belongs to Earth.
4) Yuan-Source Acupoint of the Foot-Taiyin. Yuan means origin. The Spleen Meridian has little Qi and much Blood; qi is insufficient while blood is excessive. The ascending qi at this acupoint aligns with the qi-blood characteristics of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian and effectively supplements the deficiency of Spleen Meridian qi, serving as the source of nourishment for Spleen Meridian qi. Therefore, it is the Yuan-Source point.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is qi at the Heaven Level.
Circulation Pattern: Ascends from the lower Heaven Level to the upper Heaven Level.
Functional Role: Generates Lung-type Yang Qi.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, tonify and moxa; for heat patterns, drain.
4. Gongsun (Gōng Sūn), Luo-Connecting Acupoint of the Foot-Taiyin, Meeting Point of Chong Mai and Foot-Taiyin.
Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the Spleen Meridian and Chong Mai meet here and transform into moist wind qi at the Heaven Level.
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Gongsun. Gongsun refers to the relationship between ancestors (grandfather/grandson) and descendants, describing the relationship between the qi-blood substances at this acupoint and Spleen Earth. Spleen Earth belongs to Earth; its father is Fire, its grandfather is Wood, its son is Metal, and its grandson is Water. The name Gongsun indicates that the meeting of qi and blood from the Spleen Meridian and Chong Mai transforms into moist wind qi at the Heaven Level. The substance originates from two sources: first, the Heaven Level qi transmitted from Taibai (SP3); second, high-temperature fluid from the Chong Mai transmitted via ground-level pores. When the high-temperature ground fluid from Chong Mai emerges on the surface, it rapidly vaporizes and combines with the gaseous matter at the Heaven Level, forming the moist wind qi at this acupoint, hence the name Gongsun. (Chong Mai is the Sea of Meridians, characterized by "permeating and irrigating muscle clefts." Its source is the uterus, a high-temperature zone at the center of the body's gravitational field, so its qi and blood have high temperature and pressure. However, since this acupoint is on the foot, under the constraint of Earth's gravity, the substance flowing from Chong Mai to Gongsun is descending fluid traveling through the internal channels of Chong Mai. Thus, after exiting Gongsun, the qi and blood of Chong Mai rapidly vaporize.)
2) Luo-Connecting Acupoint of the Foot-Taiyin. Luo means connection. The substance here is moist wind qi at the Heaven Level, spreading horizontally to distribute to both the Spleen and Stomach meridians, connecting their respective qi and blood. Hence, it is the Luo-Connecting point.
3) Meeting Point of Chong Mai and Foot-Taiyin. Same rationale as above.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is wind qi rich in moisture.
Circulation Pattern: Transmits upward along the Spleen Meridian to Shangqiu (SP5) and then to the Stomach Meridian.
Functional Role: Transforms Spleen Meridian qi in the form of moist wind qi.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, tonify and moxa; for heat patterns, drain or use aquapuncture.
5. Shangqiu (Shāng Qiū), Jing-River Acupoint, belongs to Metal.
Acupoint Meaning: The dissipating heat qi of the Spleen Meridian ascends from here.
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Shangqiu. Shang refers to ancient water clocks (clepsydrae), indicating timed qi. Qiu means ruin or mound. The name Shangqiu indicates that the dissipating heat qi of the Spleen Meridian passes through quickly here. The substance is moist wind qi from Gongsun (SP4), which is hot and damp and ascends along the Spleen Meridian. The qi-blood channel at this acupoint is narrow like a drip hole in a water clock. Consequently, the wind qi passes through rapidly. The strong wind blows away Spleen Earth particles, leaving the ground-level earth looking like ruins. Hence, Shangqiu.
2) Jing-River Acupoint of the Spleen Meridian. Jing means passage. This acupoint is a pathway for Spleen Meridian qi and blood, hence the Jing-River point.
3) This acupoint belongs to Metal. Belonging to Metal refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the qi and blood transformations. This acupoint is one of the outlets for qi and blood from Gongsun. The substance is hot and damp at Gongsun but becomes cool after dissipating heat upon exiting this acupoint, exhibiting the autumn-cooling characteristic of Lung Metal. Thus, it belongs to Metal.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is rapidly moving wind qi carrying Spleen Earth particles.
Circulation Pattern: Ascends rapidly along the Spleen Meridian, then dissipates heat and descends.
Functional Role: Disperses Spleen Heat.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, tonify and moxa; for heat patterns, drain.
6. Sanyinjiao (Sān Yīn Jiāo), Meeting Point of Foot-Shaoyin, Foot-Jueyin, and Foot-Taiyin, Luo-Connecting of Foot-Taiyin.
Aliases: Chengming (Support Life), Taiyin (Great Yin), Xiasanli (Lower Three Li).
Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the three Foot-Yin meridians intersect here.
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Sanyinjiao. Sanyin refers to the three Foot-Yin meridians. Jiao means intersection. The name indicates that qi and blood from the three Yin meridions of the foot converge here. The substance includes damp-warm qi from the Spleen Meridian, moist wind qi from the Liver Meridian, and cold qi from the Kidney Meridian. Since these three Yin meridians intersect here, it is named Sanyinjiao.
2) Chengming. Cheng means to bear or support. Ming means life. The name reflects the function: the qi-blood transformations here are crucial for human life. This acupoint is both the convergence point and the redistribution center for the qi and blood of the three Foot-Yin meridians. The substances provided are damp-warm qi from Spleen, moist wind qi from Liver, and cold-damp qi from Kidney. After combining, the light and rising portion ascends to the Spleen Meridian, the floating portion moves horizontally to the Liver Meridian, and the heavy portion descends to the Kidney Meridian. This redistribution is vital for maintaining normal bodily functions, hence the alias Chengming.
3) Taiyin. Tai means great. Yin refers to Yin attributes. The substance is formed by the convergence of the three Foot-Yin meridians at the foot, exhibiting strong cold-yin characteristics, hence named Taiyin.
4) Xiasanli. Xia means lower. Sanli refers to the large scope of the qi-blood field. The name indicates that the qi-blood field at this acupoint is extensive, comparable to the area of Sanli, hence the name.
5) Meeting Point of Foot-Shaoyin, Foot-Jueyin, and Foot-Taiyin. Same rationale as Sanyinjiao.
6) Luo-Connecting of Foot-Taiyin. Luo means connection. The substance converges here and is redistributed to the three Foot-Yin meridians. It connects the qi and blood of these meridians, hence the Luo-Connecting designation.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Heaven Level qi, rich in moisture, and warm in nature.
Circulation Pattern: The Heaven Level qi divides into three branches: dry and slightly hot gaseous matter ascends along the Spleen Meridian in the upper Heaven Level; damp-warm wind qi moves horizontally upward along the Liver Meridian; heavy, cold-damp qi descends along the Kidney Meridian to Zhubin (KI9).
Functional Role: Reorganizes and redistributes the qi and blood of the three Foot-Yin meridians.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, tonify and moxa; for heat patterns, drain qi with needles or use aquapuncture.
7. Lougu (Lòu Gǔ), Luo-Connecting of Foot-Taiyin.
Alias: Taiyinluo (Taiyin Luo).
Acupoint Meaning: Heavy turbid substances of the Spleen Meridian sink here.
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Lougu. Lou means leaking or dropping. Gu means grain or small objects. The name indicates that heavy turbid substances of the Spleen Meridian settle here. The substance comes from Sanyinjiao (SP6). Having exchanged with the Liver and Kidney meridians, the ascending gaseous matter is cooler. At this acupoint, it cools, condenses, and descends. The heavy portion sinks from the Heaven Level to the Earth Level, resembling grains leaking out, hence the name Lougu.
2) Luo-Connecting of Foot-Taiyin / Taiyin Luo. The substance is moist qi from the Heaven Level transmitted from Sanyinjiao. Compared to other Spleen Meridian substances, it is cooler and has lower pressure. Moist qi from other parts of the Spleen Meridian converges here and sinks to the Earth Level. It connects and gathers Heaven Level qi and blood of the Spleen Meridian, hence the Luo-Connecting designation.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Heaven Level qi containing Spleen Earth dust.
Circulation Pattern: Turbid gaseous matter sinks from the Heaven Level to the Earth Level.
Functional Role: Settles Yin turbidity of the Spleen Meridian.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, drain then tonify or moxa; for heat patterns, drain.
8. Dijji (Dì Jī), Xi-Cleft Acupoint of Foot-Taiyin.
Aliases: Pishe (Spleen Residence), Diji (Earth Basket).
Acupoint Meaning: Spleen Earth substances are transported to various parts of the body via fluid here.
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Dijji. Di means Spleen Earth. Ji means mechanism or ingenuity. The name indicates that Spleen Earth particles are ingeniously transported throughout the body by ground-level fluid. The substance is rain falling to the ground transmitted from Lougu (SP7). After rainfall, Spleen Earth particles move with the water to nourish the body. This process is ingenious, hence the name Dijji.
2) Pishe. Pi means Earth (Spleen). She means source or residence. The name indicates this acupoint is a source of Spleen Earth substances. Rainfall from Lougu transports Spleen Earth to the body, serving as a key source of nutrients, hence Pishe.
3) Diji. Di means Spleen Earth. Ji means basket for carrying soil. The name indicates Spleen Earth substances are transported through this acupoint. Consistent with Dijji.
4) Xi-Cleft Acupoint of Foot-Taiyin. Xi means cleft or pore. This is the main site for transporting Spleen Earth substances. The transport occurs via ground-level fluid, and the volume is small, passing through narrow pores like a Xi-Cleft point. Hence, it is the Xi-Cleft point.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is ground-level fluid containing Spleen Earth particles.
Circulation Pattern: Fluid flows along the Spleen Meridian to Yinlingquan (SP9); Spleen Earth particles settle around the acupoint.
Functional Role: Percolates and disperses Spleen Earth dampness.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, tonify and moxa; for heat patterns, drain.
9. Yinlingquan (Yīn Líng Quán), He-Sea Acupoint, belongs to Water.
Alias: Yinling (Yin Mound).
Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the Spleen Meridian converge here.
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Yinlingquan. Yin means water. Ling means mound. Quan means spring. The name indicates that the mixture of ground-level fluid and Spleen Earth substances flows and accumulates here. The substance is mud-water mixture flowing from Dijji (SP8). Located in a depression of flesh, the mixture settles here; water overflows, and Spleen Earth deposits like an overturned mound underground. Hence, Yinlingquan. Yinling shares the same meaning.
2) He-Sea Acupoint of the Spleen Meridian. He means convergence. This is where Spleen Earth particles in the Spleen Meridian qi and blood converge, hence the He-Sea point.
3) This acupoint belongs to Water. Belonging to Water refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the qi and blood transformations. The substance is the mud-water mixture at the ground level of the Spleen Meridian. The output is ground-level fluid. Compared to the inherent hot-damp qi and blood of the Spleen Meridian, the outgoing fluid exhibits the cold, downward-flowing nature of Water. Thus, it belongs to Water.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance consists of Spleen Earth particles, ground-level fluid, and gaseous matter evaporated from the Spleen Earth.
Circulation Pattern: Spleen Earth particles settle around the acupoint; fluid seeps into the inner Earth Level; gaseous matter ascends along the Spleen Meridian.
Functional Role: Drains and percolates Spleen Dampness.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, tonify and moxa; for heat patterns, drain qi with needles or use cool-water aquapuncture.
10. Xuehai (Xuè Hǎi)
Aliases: Baichongwo (Nest of Hundred Insects), Xuexi (Blood Cleft).
Acupoint Meaning: The blood generated by the Spleen Meridian gathers here.
[Terminology Explanation]: 1) Xuehai. Xue means red liquid formed by heating. Hai means large. The name indicates that this acupoint is the gathering place for blood generated by the Spleen Meridian. The substance is moist qi vaporizing and ascending from the water flowing out of Yinlingquan (SP9). It is warm and concentrated moist qi, gathering here with a vast range like a sea, hence Xuehai.
2) Baichongwo. Bai means many. Chongwo means nest of insects. The name indicates that the qi-blood substance here has damp-heat characteristics. The substance is aggregated Spleen Meridian qi, which is damp and hot. The corresponding season and region are the central Earth of late summer, the time and place where insects are born and multiply. Hence, Baichongwo.