Two main diagnostic points on the spleen meridian are Spleen 6 and Spleen 9. Spleen 6 is the Triple Yin Meeting point and is an important point for all three yin ("solid organ") channels of the leg: Liver, Spleen, and Kidney, and for imbalances related to menstruation. Spleen 9 is the Yin Mound Spring and is related to dampness in the body.
"Triple Yin Meeting Point" is located 4 finger widths above the ankle bone, in the "valley" behind the shin. It is used for menstrual stagnation and to promote labor. If this point is very sore it indicates hormone imbalances and stagnation of the reproductive system. Numerous herbs that affect the reproductive system are associated with this point. Aromatic herbs help remove stagnation.
"Yin Mound Spring" indicates dampness in the body and herbs that remove dampness can be beneficial. Many aromatic herbs and bitters can have benefit. Additionally, sweet-tasting herbs the build chi and tonify yang (metabolic fire) can be used to counter dampness. Since dampness originates in the digestive system (spleen), particularly those herbs from the above-mentioned groups (aromatics, bitters, and sweet tonics) that affect digestion are indicated.
Spleen 10, the "Sea of Blood", is also related to dampness, particularly in the location - the knee, as well as blood. Herbs that build blood could be helpful. Circulatory stimulants and other herbs that move blood, such as aromatics, can also be helpful.
Herbs that can benefit menstruation and relieve stagnation in and associated with Spleen 6, "Triple Yin Meeting Point", include Peony, Dong Quai, Ginger, Mugwort, Motherwort, Partridge Berry, and Raspberry. Many of these herbs would also be found useful for treating blood disorders associated with stagnation in Spleen 10. Additionally, herbs that regulate and move blood include Dan Shen (Red Sage Root), He Shou Wu, Tienchi Ginseng, Pine, Osha, Cattail, and Ginger. Naturally, many of these herbs are also used to treat dampness (creating stagnation in Spleen 10). Additional herbs for dampness include Elecampane, Atractylodes, Poria, Anise Hyssop, Fennel, Nutmeg, and Sassafras. Bitters are used for damp-heat (including affecting Spleen 10, digestion, etc.) and include Chinese Skullcap, Barberry, Goldenseal, Artichoke, and Dandelion. Chi tonics like Ginseng, American Ginseng, Codonopsis, and Licorice can be used to boost Spleen chi.
"Yin Mound Spring" indicates dampness in the body and herbs that remove dampness can be beneficial. Many aromatic herbs and bitters can have benefit. Additionally, sweet-tasting herbs the build chi and tonify yang (metabolic fire) can be used to counter dampness. Since dampness originates in the digestive system (spleen), particularly those herbs from the above-mentioned groups (aromatics, bitters, and sweet tonics) that affect digestion are indicated.
Spleen 10, the "Sea of Blood", is also related to dampness, particularly in the location - the knee, as well as blood. Herbs that build blood could be helpful. Circulatory stimulants and other herbs that move blood, such as aromatics, can also be helpful.
Herbs that can benefit menstruation and relieve stagnation in and associated with Spleen 6, "Triple Yin Meeting Point", include Peony, Dong Quai, Ginger, Mugwort, Motherwort, Partridge Berry, and Raspberry. Many of these herbs would also be found useful for treating blood disorders associated with stagnation in Spleen 10. Additionally, herbs that regulate and move blood include Dan Shen (Red Sage Root), He Shou Wu, Tienchi Ginseng, Pine, Osha, Cattail, and Ginger. Naturally, many of these herbs are also used to treat dampness (creating stagnation in Spleen 10). Additional herbs for dampness include Elecampane, Atractylodes, Poria, Anise Hyssop, Fennel, Nutmeg, and Sassafras. Bitters are used for damp-heat (including affecting Spleen 10, digestion, etc.) and include Chinese Skullcap, Barberry, Goldenseal, Artichoke, and Dandelion. Chi tonics like Ginseng, American Ginseng, Codonopsis, and Licorice can be used to boost Spleen chi.
