Supreme White
太白 Tài Bái · SP-3
About SP-3 Supreme White
SP-3 Taibai is the yuan-source point of the Spleen meridian, making it the most direct access point for tonifying Spleen qi. The Spleen in TCM is the central organ of digestion and transformation -- it extracts nourishment from food and drink, transforms it into usable qi and blood, and transports these substances throughout the body. When the Spleen is weak, food sits undigested, fluids accumulate as dampness, the limbs feel heavy, and the mind becomes foggy.
As both the shu-stream point and the yuan-source point, Taibai carries a double concentration of the Spleen's original qi. Shu-stream points are where qi begins to pour through the meridian with greater force (like a stream deepening), and yuan-source points connect directly to the organ's fundamental vitality through the san jiao (triple burner) system. This dual status makes SP-3 the strongest single point for addressing Spleen deficiency.
The name 'Supreme White' references the color associated with Metal in five-element theory, but here the white refers to the pure, refined essence that the Spleen produces when functioning optimally. The point lies at the junction of red and white skin on the foot, a boundary zone that in TCM carries special energetic significance. Clinically, Taibai is used for all patterns involving Spleen weakness: poor digestion, loose stools, abdominal bloating, fatigue after eating, and the accumulation of dampness that produces heaviness, edema, and mental dullness.
How to Find This Point
Run your finger along the inner edge of your foot from the big toe toward the heel. You will feel a bony bump (the head of the first metatarsal). The point is in the depression just behind and below this bump, where the skin color changes from the pale sole to the darker top of the foot.
Technique
Press with the thumb into the depression behind the metatarsal head. Moderate sustained pressure or gentle circular motions. The point often feels deep and achy when the Spleen is deficient.
Pressure & Duration
Moderate pressure for 2-3 minutes per side.
Benefits
Strengthens the Spleen, resolves dampness, harmonizes the Stomach and Spleen, regulates qi, benefits digestion
Indications
Abdominal distension, poor appetite, loose stools, heaviness in the body, edema, nausea, vomiting, gastric pain, foot pain, brain fog from dampness
TCM Actions
Strengthens the Spleen, resolves dampness, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, shu-stream and yuan-source point of the Spleen meridian
Self-Care Use
Press this point on the inner foot when feeling bloated, heavy, or foggy-headed after eating. It is the primary tonification point for the Spleen, which governs digestion and the transformation of food into energy. If you tend toward loose stools, poor appetite, or a heavy sensation in the limbs, pressing SP-3 daily for 2-3 minutes per side can help strengthen digestive function over time.
Contraindications & Cautions
No major contraindications. Use gentle pressure if there is acute gout affecting the first metatarsal joint.
Related Points
Explore Traditional Healing
Acupressure works with your body's natural energy pathways. Discover more about the meridian system and other traditional healing modalities to deepen your practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the SP-3 Supreme White acupressure point located?
SP-3 Supreme White (Tài Bái) is located at: On the medial aspect of the foot, in the depression proximal and inferior to the head of the first metatarsal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin. Run your finger along the inner edge of your foot from the big toe toward the heel. You will feel a bony bump (the head of the first metatarsal). The point is in the depression just behind and below t
How long should I press SP-3 Supreme White?
Apply moderate pressure to SP-3 for 2-3 minutes per side. Press with the thumb into the depression behind the metatarsal head. Moderate sustained pressure or gentle circular motions. The point often feels deep and achy when the Spleen is deficient.
What are the benefits of stimulating SP-3 Supreme White?
Strengthens the Spleen, resolves dampness, harmonizes the Stomach and Spleen, regulates qi, benefits digestion
Is it safe to do acupressure on SP-3 at home?
Press this point on the inner foot when feeling bloated, heavy, or foggy-headed after eating. It is the primary tonification point for the Spleen, which governs digestion and the transformation of foo Cautions: No major contraindications. Use gentle pressure if there is acute gout affecting the first metatarsal joint.
Which meridian does SP-3 belong to?
SP-3 Supreme White belongs to the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, which is associated with the Earth (shu-stream and yuan-source point of Earth meridian) element. Its TCM actions include: Strengthens the Spleen, resolves dampness, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, shu-stream and yuan-source point of the Spleen meridian