Daheng Point (SP-15 / Great Horizontal, also known as Shenqi)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Daheng (SP-15 / Great Horizontal). Learn its benefits for constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, intestinal paralysis, and abdominal obesity, plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Intestinal paralysis, constipation, abdominal pain, abdominal obesity, dysentery, and diarrhea.
Precise Location
Sit upright or lie supine. Bring the five fingers of the right hand together with the fingers pointing downward, place the thumb on the umbilicus – the point is where the little finger margin aligns with the umbilicus. Use the same method to locate the left point. (Standard location: On the abdomen, 4 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.)
Massage Method
Press vertically with the tips of both middle fingers (inhaling and contracting the abdomen enhances the effect) – once each morning and evening, for 1–3 minutes per session. Therapeutic actions: Regulates the stomach and intestines, warms the middle and dispels cold, regulates qi and unblocks the fu-organ.
Compatibility
Intestinal paralysis: Combine with Shenque (RN-8) and Daheng (SP-15). Disease overview: Toxic intestinal paralysis is caused by bacteria, viruses, and their toxins leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction – reduced or absent intestinal peristalsis, gas accumulation in the intestinal lumen with increased pressure, impaired gastrointestinal blood circulation, and insufficient blood and oxygen supply, forming a vicious cycle. Severe abdominal distension can affect cardiopulmonary function, causing or worsening dyspnea. Main symptoms include abdominal distension and signs of infection (such as fever); abdominal percussion shows tympany; if necrosis with exudation occurs, ascites may develop with shifting dullness on percussion; auscultation reveals weakened or absent bowel sounds. Massage sequence: Sit upright, rub both hands together until warm – knead Shenque with the warm palms for 3 minutes; then massage Daheng for 3 minutes using the same method. Abdominal pain: Combine with Qihai (RN-6), Daheng (SP-15), Zusanli (ST-36), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Habitual constipation: Combine with Pishu (BL-20), Weishu (BL-21), Xiaochangshu (BL-27), and Dachangshu (BL-25).
Efficacy & Actions
In daily life, we often see people with prominent bellies and excessive abdominal obesity. They often suffer from chronic habitual constipation – going to the toilet daily with great difficulty. For these individuals, daily pressing of Daheng provides excellent health-regulating, improvement, and wellness benefits for gastrointestinal function and abdominal obesity. This point belongs to the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian and is the meeting point of the Spleen Meridian and the Yin Wei Vessel. It regulates the stomach and intestines, warms the middle and dispels cold, regulates qi and unblocks the fu-organ. It is a commonly used point for treating digestive system and abdominal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Da" means great or broad; "Heng" means horizontal. Located in the abdomen beside the umbilicus, this point is where Spleen Meridian qi flows horizontally – hence the name Daheng (Great Horizontal). It is also known as "Shenqi."
