Xuehai Point (SP-10 / Sea of Blood, also known as Baichongke)
Strengthens the spleen and nourishes blood, activates and regulates blood, unblocks the Triple Burner. Based on its properties, this point is used for gynecological disorders and skin diseases.
Indications
Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, abdominal distension, uterine prolapse, eczema, and pruritus. (1) Allergic disorders: Urticaria, rubella, eczema, pruritus, erysipelas, psoriasis, vitiligo, tinea cruris, melasma, localized scleroderma, neurodermatitis, allergic purpura, herpes zoster. (2) Gynecological disorders: Irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, postpartum lochiorrhea, functional uterine bleeding. (3) Motor system disorders: Medial thigh pain, lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome, sciatica, knee joint pain. (4) Others: Ptosis, orchitis, impotence, difficult urination, qi counterflow, abdominal distension, anemia.
Precise Location
Located on the Spleen Meridian. With the knee flexed, on the medial thigh, 2 cun above the medial end of the patellar base, at the prominence of the medial head of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
Location Method
Sit upright, place the left foot on the right knee. Bring the four fingers of the right hand (excluding the thumb) together, place the little fingertip at the upper medial corner of the left kneecap – the point is where the index finger pad rests.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Bend the thumb and knead the point with the fingertip – once each morning and evening, for 3–5 minutes per session. Therapeutic actions: Regulates menstruation and blood, strengthens the spleen and resolves dampness.
Compatibility
Uterine prolapse: Combine with Qihai (RN-6), Zhongji (RN-3), Guilai (ST-29), Xuehai (SP-10), and Baihui (GV-20). Disease overview: Uterine prolapse is the descent of the uterus along the vagina from its normal position, with the external cervical os below the level of the ischial spines – in severe cases, the uterus prolapses out of the vaginal introitus along with the anterior and posterior vaginal walls. Massage sequence: Patient lies supine – gently knead the abdomen with the palm repeatedly, pushing upward from the lower abdomen with gentle force to create a lifting sensation of the uterus; then press Qihai, Zhongji, Guilai, and Xuehai with the middle finger; finally massage Baihui on the top of the head – 50 rotations clockwise and 50 counterclockwise, 2–3 times daily. Vaginal itching: Combine with Quchi (LI-11), Xuehai (SP-10), and Huiyang (BL-35). Diabetes: Combine with Laogong (PC-8), Zusanli (ST-36), Xuehai (SP-10), Liangqiu (ST-34), and Chengshan (BL-57). Irregular menstruation: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6) and Daimai (GB-26). Skin disorders: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Quchi (LI-11). Various blood stasis patterns: Combine with Geshu (BL-17). Erysipelas: Combine with Neiting (ST-44) and Yinlingquan (SP-9). Knee joint pain: Combine with Quchi (LI-11) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6); or combine with Xiyangguan (GB-33) and Yinlingquan (SP-9).
Efficacy & Actions
Xuehai belongs to the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian. It governs blood, nourishes blood, activates and regulates blood – its functions are closely related to the physiological functions of the Spleen. It is used for various blood disorders such as blood stasis with obstruction, reckless movement of blood heat, and yin-blood deficiency. It is a key point for treating blood disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. A gathering place is called a "sea." This point is the sea where spleen blood gathers, with the function of guiding blood back to the spleen – like rivers flowing into the sea – hence the name Xuehai (Sea of Blood). It is also known as "Baichongke." When you squat down to pick something up and stand up again, or when you bend over to take something and then straighten up, do you ever suddenly experience black spots before your eyes, dizziness, or a feeling of fainting? If this happens frequently, regular massage of Xuehai can provide excellent health-regulating benefits for qi and blood. (1) Treats Blood-Related Disorders: Belonging to the Spleen Meridian – the Spleen governs blood – and as a gathering place of blood, this point regulates blood and treats various blood disorders. The Zhenjiu Jiayijing states: "Blood stasis with obstruction – Xuehai is the primary point." The Great Compendium states: "Sudden incessant uterine bleeding – Xuehai is the primary point." Women are based on blood, so it is particularly effective for gynecological bleeding disorders such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, functional uterine bleeding, and postpartum lochia – often combined with Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Diji (SP-8), and Zusanli (ST-36) as a basic formula for treating blood disorders. (2) Common Point for Skin Disorders: TCM holds that wind pathogens are the root cause of skin diseases – with the principle "treat wind by treating blood first; when blood circulates, wind naturally extinguishes." Thus Xuehai is a key point for skin disorders, often combined with Quchi (LI-11) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6) for urticaria, allergic purpura, neurodermatitis, pruritus, tinea cruris, eczema, erysipelas, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, herpes zoster, and various other skin conditions. (3) Treats Knee Disorders: Located around the knee, according to "where the point is located, there it treats," it is used for knee joint disorders – often combined with Liangqiu (ST-34), Heding (EX-LE2), Xiyangguan (GB-33), Yanglingquan (GB-34), Yinlingquan (SP-9), and internal/external knee eye points. (4) Other Therapeutic Effects: Clinically also used for dribbling urination, orchitis, impotence, qi counterflow, abdominal distension, anemia, hypochondriac pain, flaccidity syndrome, and bi-syndrome.
Contraindications
Xuehai is located at the most prominent part of the medial head of the quadriceps femoris. This point is primarily used to activate and move blood, but does not have blood-tonifying effects – this should be noted in clinical application.
