Spleen 6 (SP 6) San Yin Jiao — Three Yin Intersection

This is the meeting point of the three leg yin channels (Spleen, Liver and Kidney). It is one of the most important points for gynaecology, digestion, and nourishing blood and yin.

Spleen 6 (SP 6) San Yin Jiao 三陰交 — Three Yin Intersection

Location

On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, in a depression on the posterior border of the medial crest of the tibia.

Anatomy

Posterior to the tibia on flexor digitorum longus and soleus; the great saphenous vein and posterior tibial artery and vein; the medial crural cutaneous nerve and tibial nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Tonifies the Spleen and resolves dampness
  • Harmonises the Liver and tonifies the Kidney
  • Nourishes blood and yin
  • Regulates menstruation and induces labour
  • Benefits urination and the genitals; calms the mind

Indications

Gynaecological and obstetric disorders (irregular or painful menstruation, infertility, difficult labour), digestive complaints, insomnia, urogenital disorders, oedema, and blood and yin deficiency.

Needling

0.5-1.0 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion; indirect moxa supports tonification of the Spleen, blood and yin and warms cold patterns. Avoid moxa during pregnancy.

Point Combinations

With ST-36 to tonify qi and blood; with CV-4 for gynaecological and urogenital disorders; with LV-3 to regulate the Liver.

Classical Text References

  • Classically the great meeting of the three leg yin channels.
  • The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture (Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing) lists it for menstrual and abdominal disorders.

Cautions & Contraindications

Contraindicated in pregnancy until term, as it promotes labour.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.