Would you know what to say if someone asked you what the spleen does? Most people wouldn’t—and that’s not surprising. The spleen doesn’t get the spotlight like the heart or the stomach, but it’s quietly pulling strings behind the scenes. Medieval medicine linked it to emotions such as anger—hence the phrase “venting your spleen.”
In Indonesia, the Bajau people of the tribe, known for their incredible free-diving ability, have notably large spleens thought to aid blood oxygenation. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the spleen plays an equally fascinating and complex role—and Supreme White (Tai Bai, SP3), an unassuming point on your foot, allows you to tap into its potential.
A Time-Tested View of Spleen Health
Tai Bai was first mentioned in “Ling Shu” (“Spiritual Pivot”), a foundational TCM text. It’s classified as the Shu-Stream point and the Yuan-Source point on the Spleen meridian. These types of points are especially powerful: Shu-stream points are known to treat a sense of heaviness in the body, while Yuan-source points regulate the function of their corresponding organ—in this case, the spleen.
In TCM, the spleen governs digestion, nutrient absorption, and the distribution of qi and blood. The spleen is also thought to shape your “acquired constitution.” While the kidneys are thought to hold our original vital energy, akin to our inherited genetic traits, the spleen can be associated with epigenetics, referring to how our bodies adapt and change in response to life’s experiences after birth. It’s no surprise that Tai Bai is often used in clinical practice to keep vital processes running smoothly.
What Tai Bai Can Do for You
Given its unique status, Tai Bai is useful for a wide range of concerns. As a Shu-Stream point, it’s particularly effective for treating sensations of heaviness in the limbs. If you feel sluggish or weighed down, this might be your go-to. As the Yuan-Source point for the Spleen meridian, it also excels in correcting digestive issues. Whether you’re dealing with bloating, gastric discomfort, or unpredictable bowel movements—diarrhea one day, constipation the next—Tai Bai is often used in treatment protocols.
This point addresses more than gut symptoms. Because of its influence on nutrient absorption and blood circulation, it indirectly supports the entire body. Improved digestion means more effective delivery of nutrients to tissues and better energy levels.
What Research Tells Us
Modern science is exploring the mechanisms that explain the effectiveness of Tai Bai and its range of applications. In one study, researchers examined how acupuncture at Tai Bai impacts brain activity. After comparing real acupuncture with a placebo version, they found that Tai Bai triggered noticeable changes in the brain. It quieted down the visual and sensory processing centers—areas that often go into overdrive under stress—and increased activity in parts linked to emotion and memory. This might be one of the possible explanations why some people experience a better mood or mental clarity after regular acupuncture at this point.
Another study focused on nausea, a common symptom in digestive disorders. Researchers treated one group of patients with anti-nausea medication, and another group with medication and acupressure on Tai Bai and another acupoint on the stomach meridian, Zu San Li (ST36). The group that received the acupressure reported significantly lower nausea levels, pointing to the effectiveness of Tai Bai in managing digestive distress.
How to Locate and Stimulate Tai Bai
You’ll find Tai Bai on the inside edge of your foot. It’s just behind and below the base joint of your big toe, in a small dip where the skin of the sole meets the skin of the top of the foot. Press around gently until you find a tender spot—that’s usually your target.
How to Stimulate the Point
- Firm pressure: Press the point firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each foot.
- Circular massage: Use your index finger or thumb to massage the area in small circles for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patch: Use an herbal patch overnight to stimulate the area continuously.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Avoid this acupoint if you have cuts, bruises, or other injuries around your big toe. If you’re using herbal patches, choose those with gentle, natural ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts on Self-Care
Whether you view your spleen as an emotional powerhouse or your digestive workhorse, it’s deeply integrated into the body’s functions. Tai Bai is a helpful acupoint that offers direct access to the spleen’s energetic network. Take a few minutes to work with this point, and listen closely to how your body responds. Sometimes, the smallest actions lead to the most profound shifts.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 5 June 2025