You’ve heard about the yin-yang concept, right? Let’s be honest—yin often gets a bad rap. It’s usually painted as the “dark,” ”passive,“ or even ”sad” side of the balance, something to be wary of or overcome. This misunderstood energy, however, is actually a powerhouse for vitality and emotional regulation.
One of the most famous acupoints, located on your ankle, Three Yin Intersection (San Yin Jiao, SP6), perfectly embodies this truth. This point invites you to rethink everything you thought you knew about yin—and discover how embracing it can transform your health in surprising, empowering ways. Ready to flip the script on yin and tap into a deeper source of wellness? Let’s dive in!
Why Ancient Practitioners Revered San Yin Jiao
First documented in the classic acupuncture text “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“The A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”), San Yin Jiao earned a name for itself due to its ability to influence three key organ systems. As a meeting point of the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney meridians, it can impact digestion, hormonal balance, blood flow, and emotional regulation all at once. In practice, it’s a go-to for common complaints like poor appetite, bloating, and loose stools—classic signs of spleen or digestive deficiency.
San Yin Jiao’s superpower is in women’s health. It is used across TCM protocols for everything from irregular periods and menstrual cramps to delayed labor, postpartum recovery, and potentially delaying menopause. According to the TCM theory, women’s constitutions are more strongly influenced by yin, so stimulating this acupoint is a great technique for maintaining youthfulness and vitality.
San Yin Jiao’s connection to the three meridians also grants it a range of calming properties like addressing restlessness and insomnia, especially when these issues stem from overthinking or dream-disturbed sleep. In TCM terms, nighttime is governed by yin. If there’s not enough of it—or if it’s not circulating well—you won’t sleep soundly. San Yin Jiao can help your body regain its natural ability to rest and recharge, free from the stressors that disrupt your sleep.
What Modern Research Says
San Yin Jiao is a favorite in classical texts and one of the most researched acupoints in modern times. The data show that the healing properties mentioned in ancient texts endure.
A meta-analysis covering 19 studies and more than 1,100 participants found that stimulating San Yin Jiao significantly reduced menstrual pain. Acupressure at this point was even more effective than acupuncture in managing symptoms.
Another study examined labor pain and found that San Yin Jiao acupressure helped reduce the intensity of labor pain and the length of the active and second stages of labor.
A review focused on San Yin Jiao’s effect on insomnia. While the data was limited, results showed improved sleep quality and longer durations of deep sleep and REM sleep.
In short, the research echoes the TCM perspective: San Yin Jiao is a powerful regulator of the nervous system, reproductive system, and digestive system alike.
How to Locate and Stimulate San Yin Jiao
To locate San Yin Jiao, place four fingers horizontally above the tip of the bony bump on the inner ankle (medial malleolus). The point is found just behind the edge of the shinbone (tibia). You may feel a little soreness or tension there—that’s a good sign you’ve found the right spot.
How to Stimulate San Yin Jiao
These accessible techniques will allow you to benefit from San Yin Jiao:
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patches: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precaution: Do Not Use If Pregnant
San Yin Jiao should never be used during pregnancy unless under medical supervision. Avoid stimulating this point if you have an injury in the area. If you’re using herbal patches, go for those made from natural ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
One Point, Multiple Benefits
San Yin Jiao’s reputation is built on centuries of clinical use. Whether you’re looking to ease the symptoms of menopause, get restful sleep, or improve digestion, this point offers a holistic way to restore balance between the foundational energies of yin and Yang. And while it’s often referred to as a “women’s health point,” it benefits everyone because we all rely on the smooth interaction between the liver, spleen, and kidney. If you’re new to acupressure, San Yin Jiao is a great place to start. Give it consistent attention, and your body might thank you in more ways than one.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 8 June 2025
