Atlas of Acupuncture

4.4 The Spleen Channel System – Foot taiyin(zu tai yin jing luo)

4.4.2 The Spleen Divergent Channel

(zu tai yin jing bie)

Pathway

The Spleen divergent channel separates from the Spleen primary

channel near SP-11(jimen) on the anteromedial aspect of the thigh,

at the medial border of the sartorius muscle. It

➡penetrates the abdomen in the inguinal region at ➞ST-30

(qichong)

➡connects with the Stomach (wei), Spleen (pi) and Heart (xin)

➡ascends along the oesophagus to the suprasternal fossa and

travels laterally to ➞ST-12(quepen) in the supraclavicular

fossa

➡crosses the Stomach primary channel and the Stomach

divergent channel at ➞ST-9(renying) where they meet to

connect at one of the six he-confluences (here: ST/SP as third

confluence ➞1.3).

Clinical importance

● Strengthens the relationship between the Spleen and the

Stomach (zangfu-Organs). Points on the Spleen primary channel

can therefore be used for disorders of the Stomach, and vice

versa points on the Stomach primary channel can treat disorders

of the Spleen. In clinical practice, Spleen points are used for the

whole gastrointestinal tract.

● Meets the Stomach primary channel at ➞ST-30; this is also

a Sea of Water and Grain point, which can be used for many

digestive disorders.

● Links the Spleen primary channel with the Heart; in combination

with other points, SP points can be used for Qi and Blood

deficiency as well as for psycho-emotional disorders.

● Connects the Spleen primary channel and the neck region and

can therefore be used for chronic disorders of the neck and

thyroid caused by retention of Phlegm (for example SP-3with

ST-40, P-5).

● Connects the Spleen primary channel with the mouth and tongue

and can therefore be used for disorders/ulcers of the tongue

and mouth caused by retention of Phlegm (for example SP-2,

SP-3, SP-6).

SP-11

ST-30

ST-12

ST-9

(3rd confluence)

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