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Dabao (SP-21), “Great Embracement”, is the Great Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen channel. It governs the blood and connective tissues of the whole body and unbinds the chest, and is used for generalised aching and weakness.
Location
On the lateral chest, in the sixth intercostal space, on the mid-axillary line.
Anatomy
In the sixth intercostal space, on the serratus anterior; the thoraco-epigastric vein and the seventh intercostal artery; the lateral cutaneous branch of the seventh intercostal nerve.
Actions & Functions
- Governs the blood vessels and the connective tissue of the whole body (Great Luo)
- Unbinds the chest and regulates qi and blood
Indications
Generalised aching and weakness of the whole body, pain and fullness of the chest and costal region, and asthma.
Needling
0.3-0.5 cun, oblique or transverse insertion.
Moxibustion Suitability
Suitable for moxibustion.
Point Combinations
With GB-34 and BL-17 for generalised aching; with LV-14 for hypochondriac pain.
Classical Text References
The Great Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen, said to connect with the blood and vessels of the whole body.
Cautions & Contraindications
Deep perpendicular insertion risks pneumothorax; needle obliquely or transversely.
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.