Sea of Blood
血海 Xuè Hǎi · SP-10
About SP-10 Sea of Blood
SP-10 Xuehai lives up to its dramatic name -- 'Sea of Blood' -- as the primary acupuncture point for treating diseases of the blood. The Spleen governs the blood in TCM, both producing it through the transformation of food essence and containing it within the vessels. When the Spleen's blood-governing function is impaired, blood may become deficient, stagnant, or overheated, producing a wide range of pathology. SP-10 directly accesses the Spleen's authority over blood, making it the first point considered for any blood disorder.
The point's most celebrated application is in dermatology. TCM holds that the skin's condition reflects the state of the blood -- when blood is hot, the skin becomes red, inflamed, and itchy; when blood is stagnant, dark patches, varicosities, and fixed pain appear; when blood is deficient, the skin becomes dry, pale, and rough. SP-10 addresses all three patterns. Its cooling action is particularly valued for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, urticaria (hives), and psoriasis, where blood-heat drives the redness and itching.
In gynecological practice, Xuehai is second only to SP-6 in importance. It regulates the blood volume and quality that directly affects menstrual health. For heavy periods from blood-heat, it cools and contains; for scanty periods from blood stasis, it invigorates and moves. This bidirectional regulation of blood makes it an essential point for any menstrual pattern. The location in the vastus medialis muscle provides a substantial, comfortable area for firm acupressure stimulation.
How to Find This Point
Sit with the knee bent. Place the opposite palm on the kneecap with the thumb angled toward the inner thigh. The point is where the tip of the thumb naturally falls, in the muscular bulge on the inner side of the thigh just above the knee.
Technique
Press firmly with the thumb into the vastus medialis muscle belly. Deep circular kneading or sustained pressure. The muscle here is substantial and can receive vigorous stimulation.
Pressure & Duration
Firm pressure for 2-3 minutes per side.
Benefits
Invigorates blood, cools blood-heat, nourishes blood, regulates menstruation, benefits the skin, resolves blood stasis
Indications
Skin conditions (eczema, hives, psoriasis), irregular menstruation, heavy periods, blood-heat patterns, knee pain (medial), thigh pain, itching, anemia
TCM Actions
Invigorates blood, cools blood, nourishes blood, regulates menstruation, eliminates wind from the blood level
Self-Care Use
Press firmly on the inner thigh just above the knee for skin conditions that involve redness, itching, or inflammation. This point cools and regulates the blood, which TCM considers the root of most inflammatory skin problems. Also excellent for menstrual regulation. Press 2-3 minutes per side daily for chronic skin conditions. Combine with LI-11 for enhanced effect.
Contraindications & Cautions
Use with caution during heavy menstrual bleeding. Avoid very aggressive pressure in individuals on anticoagulant therapy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the SP-10 Sea of Blood acupressure point located?
SP-10 Sea of Blood (Xuè Hǎi) is located at: On the medial aspect of the thigh, 2 cun superior to the medial upper border of the patella, in the bulge of the vastus medialis muscle. Sit with the knee bent. Place the opposite palm on the kneecap with the thumb angled toward the inner thigh. The point is where the tip of the thumb naturally falls, in the muscular bulge on the inner
How long should I press SP-10 Sea of Blood?
Apply firm pressure to SP-10 for 2-3 minutes per side. Press firmly with the thumb into the vastus medialis muscle belly. Deep circular kneading or sustained pressure. The muscle here is substantial and can receive vigorous stimulation.
What are the benefits of stimulating SP-10 Sea of Blood?
Invigorates blood, cools blood-heat, nourishes blood, regulates menstruation, benefits the skin, resolves blood stasis
Is it safe to do acupressure on SP-10 at home?
Press firmly on the inner thigh just above the knee for skin conditions that involve redness, itching, or inflammation. This point cools and regulates the blood, which TCM considers the root of most i Cautions: Use with caution during heavy menstrual bleeding. Avoid very aggressive pressure in individuals on anticoagulant therapy.
Which meridian does SP-10 belong to?
SP-10 Sea of Blood belongs to the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, which is associated with the Earth element. Its TCM actions include: Invigorates blood, cools blood, nourishes blood, regulates menstruation, eliminates wind from the blood level