It’s no secret that modern diets are loaded with sugar, often hidden in plain sight. Even when you skip dessert, it can still sneak in through processed foods, sauces, and drinks. And while a sugar rush may give you a quick energy boost, it usually ends in a crash.
If you’re constantly feeling tired, foggy, or groggy—especially in the mornings—it may be more than poor sleep or too much screen time. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it may be related to your spleen. That’s where an acupoint on your side, Great Embracement (Da Bao, SP21), becomes your trusted ally.
Ancient Wisdom: Where the Body Embraces Vital Energy
Da Bao was first recorded in the “Ling Shu” (“Spiritual Pivot”), one of TCM’s classical texts. What makes this point special is its position as the final stop on the Spleen meridian. In TCM, each meridian is like an energetic highway, and Da Bao is the place where the energy of the spleen connects with the external environment, making it an ideal spot for releasing stagnation and recalibrating the system.
From a TCM standpoint, the spleen is central to health because it transforms the food we eat into blood and qi (vital energy). If the kidneys are your inherited battery, the spleen is your daily power source—drawing energy from the food you eat and sending it where it’s needed. Supporting the spleen is like giving your body’s metabolism a tune-up, and Da Bao is a targeted way to do just that.
When to Stimulate Da Bao
If your meals are relatively balanced, you sleep okay, and still feel like you are running on empty, your spleen might be flagging. Signs can include sluggish mornings, muscle weakness, and irregular bowel movements. Stimulating Da Bao can reignite your energy, help your body process food more efficiently, and boost nutrient distribution—particularly important if you’re underweight or showing signs of deficiency despite eating well.
Da Bao also plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar, offering a gentle, non-invasive intervention to support energy stability from the inside out.
Modern Science Meets Ancient Practice
An insightful clinical study placed Da Bao in the spotlight. Researchers explored whether acupuncture at this single point could help manage diabetes mellitus, a condition linked with energy and metabolism. The results were promising.
Patients who received only acupuncture at Da Bao (with no diabetes medication) saw significant improvements in post-meal blood sugar levels. While the effect wasn’t as strong as that of Western medicine, the findings suggest that Da Bao helps the body regulate glucose after meals, pointing to its potential as a supportive therapy.
How to Locate and Activate Da Bao
Da Bao is located on the side of the chest, along the center of your armpit line, between the sixth and the seventh ribs. If you’re not into counting ribs, here’s a shortcut: the nipple typically sits on the fourth rib. Count two ribs down from the nipple and move your finger to the midline of your side. Press gently between the ribs. If you feel a spot that’s a little sore or tender—that’s Da Bao.
How to Activate Da Bao
- Basic pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, relax for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Use your thumb or index finger to massage in slow, outward-moving circles for one to three minutes per side. If it’s hard to pinpoint the exact spot due to high body mass index, use your closed fist or full palm to rub the general area firmly for three to five minutes.
- Herbal patch: Apply overnight for added effect.
- Advanced techniques: Because Da Bao is close to the lungs and other vital organs, acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) should only be done by a licensed TCM practitioner.
Precautions
Avoid using this acupoint if you have any injuries in the chest or rib area. Be cautious when using herbal patches, especially if you have sensitive skin; opt for formulations without harsh chemicals.
Your Body Deserves More Than Sugar Crashes
In a world flooded with sugar and energy-draining food choices, we all need a bit of backup. Stimulating Da Bao offers a natural way to help your body bounce back, support blood sugar regulation, and improve your morning energy levels. When paired with thoughtful nutrition and gentle movement, this small self-care ritual can serve as your daily reminder that your health is worth protecting—and easy to embrace.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 22 June 2025
