Taibai Point (SP-3 / Supreme Brightness)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Taibai (SP-3 / Supreme Brightness). Learn its benefits for stomach pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, diarrhea, and eczema – the Spleen meridian Yuan-Source point for strengthening the spleen.
Indications
Eczema, stomach pain, abdominal distension, vomiting and diarrhea, and borborygmus.
Precise Location
On the medial border of the foot, in the depression posterior and inferior to the head of the 1st metatarsal bone – that is, on the medial border of the foot near the great toe.
Location Method
Sit upright, raise the foot and place it on the opposite thigh. Press with the thumb of the opposite hand into the depression on the medial border of the foot near the great toe – that is the point.
Massage Method
Massage: Firmly pinch and knead with the thumb tip. Press vertically into the point with the thumb pad – once each morning and evening, for 1–3 minutes on each side. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and resolves dampness, strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach.
Compatibility
Bacillary dysentery: Combine with Shangjuxu (ST-37), Quchi (LI-11), and Taibai (SP-3). Disease overview: Bacillary dysentery is an intestinal infectious disease caused by Shigella bacteria. Clinical manifestations include chills, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, tenesmus, and mucopurulent bloody stools. Toxic bacillary dysentery has sudden onset with high fever, repeated convulsions, lethargy, coma, and rapid circulatory and respiratory failure, with mild or absent intestinal symptoms – a critical condition. Massage sequence: Shangjuxu is located on the anterolateral side of the lower leg, 6 cun below Dubi (ST-35), one middle finger-width lateral to the anterior tibial border – push massage 20 times; then massage Quchi for 3 minutes; finally massage Taibai for 3 minutes. Stomach pain: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36), Huaroumen (ST-24), and Taibai (SP-3). Beriberi (athlete's foot): Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Taichong (LR-3), and Taibai (SP-3).
Efficacy & Actions
Taibai is the Earth point on the Earth meridian and the Yuan-Source point of the Spleen Meridian. It is a vital point for strengthening the spleen and can treat spleen deficiency from various causes. If someone suddenly exercises or lifts heavy objects, causing excessive depletion of spleen qi and qi deficiency in the muscles, tapping or firmly kneading Taibai can regulate and unblock the meridian qi, rapidly relieving muscle soreness and treating local injuries caused by overexertion. This point belongs to the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian and is the Shu-Stream point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Earth element in the five-element theory). It is also the Yuan-Source point of the Spleen Meridian. It clears heat and resolves dampness, strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach. It is a key point for treating spleen-stomach and digestive system disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Tai" means great or supreme; "Bai" means white or bright. As the Yuan-Source point of the Spleen Meridian, earth qi is abundant and bright here – hence the name Taibai (Supreme Brightness).
