Diji Point (SP-8 / Earth Pivot, also known as Pishe, Diji)
Activates blood and regulates blood, regulates menstruation and relieves pain. Based on its properties, this point is mainly used for gynecological disorders and acute spleen-stomach diseases.
Indications
Abdominal distension with pain, and irregular menstruation. (1) Spleen-stomach disorders: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, abdominal distension, acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis. (2) Water-damp patterns: Difficult urination, edema. (3) Gynecological disorders: Dysmenorrhea, metrorrhagia, irregular menstruation, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts. (4) Bleeding disorders: Hematuria, hematochezia, uterine bleeding, purpura. (5) Lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome.
Precise Location
On the medial side of the lower leg, 3 cun below Yinlingquan (SP-9), at the posterior border of the medial aspect of the tibia – 4 finger-widths directly below Yinlingquan.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with the lower leg extended. Measure 3 cun (approximately 4 finger-widths) directly downward from Yinlingquan (SP-9, in the depression below the medial condyle of the tibia) – the point is in the depression at the posterior border of the medial tibia, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Diji with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therapeutic actions: Activates blood and regulates blood, regulates menstruation and relieves pain, strengthens the spleen and drains dampness.
Compatibility
Diabetes: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6) and Gongsun (SP-4). Dysmenorrhea: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Strengthen spleen and drain dampness: Combine with Yinlingquan (SP-9), Shuifen (RN-9), and Zusanli (ST-36). Chest and hypochondriac pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34). Acute pancreatitis: Combine with Liangqiu (ST-34), Zusanli (ST-36), and Weiwanshuxia (EX-B3). Lower limb immobility: Combine with Zhongdu (LR-6) and Fuyang (BL-59). Edema: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6) and Shuifen (RN-9). Irregular menstruation: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Xuehai (SP-10).
Efficacy & Actions
Diji belongs to the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian and is the Xi-Cleft point of this meridian. It strengthens the spleen and drains dampness, regulates menstruation and relieves pain. It is a key point for treating various blood disorders and conditions of the middle jiao due to spleen dysfunction – especially effective for dysmenorrhea. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Di" – earth is the foundation of the land, referring to the Spleen Earth of the Taiyin; "Ji" means important or pivotal. As the Xi-Cleft point of the Spleen Meridian where qi and blood deeply converge, it is named Diji (Earth Pivot). It is also known as "Pishe" and "Diji." (1) Excels at Treating Various Blood Disorders: As the Xi-Cleft point of a yin meridian, it effectively treats blood disorders. The Spleen governs blood – when the spleen fails to govern blood, blood does not stay in the meridians, causing uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, purpura, hematochezia, hematuria, and other bleeding disorders. Diji is a key clinical point for hemorrhagic diseases, combined with other points based on etiology. (2) Treats Pain Disorders: Xi-Cleft points characteristically treat various pain disorders – especially acute pain. As a Spleen Meridian point, it regulates Spleen Meridian qi and unblocks qi and blood to relieve pain, used for dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain, lumbar pain, chest and hypochondriac pain – particularly effective for dysmenorrhea due to qi stagnation and blood stasis. (3) Treats Digestive System Disorders: As a Spleen Meridian point – the Spleen and Stomach govern the transportation of food and fluids – it treats middle jiao disorders due to spleen dysfunction, used for loose stools, edema, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, acute pancreatitis, and acute cholecystitis.
Contraindications
Diji should be located on the line connecting Yinlingquan and the medial malleolus tip – deviation should be avoided. Needling should be performed with care to avoid touching the tibial nerve.
