In the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), every organ is linked to a specific taste. For the spleen, that taste is sweet. Sweet refers to foods like white rice, white flour, and honey, in addition to refined sugar. However, today, our diets are overloaded with sugar, and our bodies feel the impact.
That’s where Di Ji (Earth Pivot, SP8) comes in. Located on the inside of the shin, this point is more relevant than ever in helping the body cope with modern dietary habits.
A Deep Reservoir of Healing Energy
Di Ji was first recorded in the classical text “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“The A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”). What makes this point particularly noteworthy is that it is a Xi-Cleft point—a location where qi and blood pool together. These types of points are powerful tools for addressing acute conditions. When it comes to the spleen, in TCM theory, Di Ji is responsible for circulating the blood produced by the liver. That makes it especially helpful for painful blood-related conditions, such as menstrual cramps, fibroids, and even internal bleeding.
Sugar, Dampness, and the Spleen Connection
Di Ji’s other important use is associated with digestion. Along with moving the blood, the spleen’s job is also to carry nutrients around the body. Excess sweetness—especially in the form of refined sugar and coupled with oils and dairy—can lead to excessive dampness, a state of internal imbalance. Dampness can contribute to conditions like diabetes and inflammation of the pancreas. Di Ji is often included in protocols to boost the body’s natural ability to combat these conditions. However, consistency is key. The benefits of stimulating this acupoint build over time, not overnight.
Modern Studies Catch Up
Recent research echoes what TCM has long maintained about Di Ji’s role in managing blood-related conditions. One study compared the temperature differences of specific acupoints in women with primary dysmenorrhea and healthy subjects. Using infrared imaging, researchers found that during the postmenstrual phase, Di Ji showed higher temperature differences in patients. This suggests the point becomes sensitized depending on the hormonal changes in people with dysmenorrhea, pointing to its relevance in treating related symptoms.
Moreen Liao
R.Ph. of TCM (Taiwan)
Moreen was born into a family with a lineage of four generations of traditional Chinese medicine doctors and professors.
She was Dean of the Natural Therapies Institute in Sydney, Australia.
Drawing on her family heritage, she created a certified organic wellness brand, and co-founded the largest Chinese medical image encyclopedia online.
