SP-5 - Shang Mound

商丘 - Shāng qiū

Point Region: Foot

SP

Spleen Meridian

足太阴脾经 - Zú Tàiyīn Píjīng

SP-5 Shangqiu, meaning 'Metal Mound,' is the Jing-River and Metal point of the Spleen channel. Located on the foot, this point is a 'mound of metal' that helps to regulate the body's internal energy and restore a sense of balance. Its name, 'Metal Mound,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the body's entire system, as a mound of metal brings order to the land.

Think of Shangqiu as a point that helps to 'forge the mound' of your body. It's invaluable for addressing issues like a restless spirit, a feeling of 'heat' in the body, and a lack of vitality. By regulating the body's internal energy, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By regulating the body's internal energy, SP-5 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a calm and unburdened body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: In the depression anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the bony bump on the inner side of your ankle
  2. Move forward and down from this bump
  3. Find the depression in front of and below the ankle bone
  4. The point is in this natural hollow
Location illustration for In the depression anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus.

Primary Functions

Digestive System

  • Treats chronic diarrhea and loose stools
  • Improves spleen function and food transformation
  • Reduces abdominal distension and bloating
  • Treats malabsorption syndromes

Musculoskeletal System

  • Treats ankle pain and swelling
  • Reduces foot and lower leg inflammation
  • Strengthens ankle stability
  • Treats sprains and strains of ankle

Urinary System

  • Promotes urination and reduces edema
  • Treats fluid retention in lower body
  • Improves kidney function

Emotional & Mental

  • Reduces excessive worry and rumination
  • Treats mental fatigue from overwork
  • Promotes emotional balance

Endocrine System

  • Regulates blood sugar metabolism
  • Treats diabetes from spleen deficiency

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Abdominal distention
  • Diarrhea
  • Ankle pain
  • Insomnia
  • Bloating
  • Digestive problems
  • Ankle stiffness
  • Sleep problems

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

SP-5 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

  • Recent ankle surgery
  • Severe ankle injury
  • Acute ankle sprain