SP 4 Acupuncture Point (Spleen 4) — Gōng Sūn (公孙) — Grandfather Grandson

SP 4 (Spleen 4; Gōng Sūn, “Grandfather Grandson”) is the Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen channel and the opening point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) — the “Sea of Blood” that governs menstruation, the uterus and reproductive function. Paired with PC 6 it forms one of the most important point combinations in fertility acupuncture, IVF support and the management of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. SP 4 also tonifies the Spleen, transforms Damp and descends rebellious Qi for gastric and digestive complaints.

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Common point combinations
8. Treatment at my clinic
9. Frequently asked questions

1. Overview

SP 4 — Gōng Sūn (公孙) — is an acupuncture point on the Spleen meridian. Its English name, Grandfather Grandson, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

Distal and inferior to the base of the 1st metatarsal bone, at the junction of red and white skin.

3. Actions

1. Opens and regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
2. Tonifies the Spleen and resolves Dampness
3. Regulates the Stomach and descends rebellious Qi
4. Calms the Heart and Mind

4. Indications

1. Opening point of the Chong Mai — all Chong Mai disorders
2. Gynaecological disorders — irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea, uterine bleeding
3. Digestive disorders — vomiting, nausea and gastric pain
4. Heart pain and palpitations via the Chong Mai

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5–0.8 cun.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.

6. Clinical notes

SP 4 is the Luo-Connecting point of the Spleen and opening point of the Chong Mai. Paired with PC 6 to open the Chong Mai, this combination is one of the most important in fertility practice — the Chong Mai is the Sea of Blood governing menstruation and the uterus. The SP 4 + PC 6 combination is also widely used for morning sickness and nausea during IVF.

7. Common point combinations

1. SP 4 + PC 6 — the classical pairing of the Master and Couple points to open the Chong Mai. One of the most important combinations in fertility acupuncture, IVF embryo transfer support and morning sickness.
2. SP 4 + SP 6 + LV 3 — for irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea, particularly with Liver Qi stagnation and Blood deficiency.
3. SP 4 + ST 36 + CV 12 — the digestive triad for gastric pain, nausea, bloating and chronic Damp accumulation.
4. SP 4 + HT 7 — via the Chong Mai connection to the Heart, used for anxiety with palpitations and chest discomfort in fertility patients.

8. Treatment at my clinic

I use SP 4 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Fertility, Irregular menstrual cycle, Morning sickness and IVF cycle support. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.

9. Frequently asked questions about SP 4

What is the SP 4 acupuncture point used for?

SP 4 (Gōng Sūn) is used for fertility, menstrual disorders, IVF cycle support, morning sickness, nausea and digestive complaints. As the opening point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), it has particular affinity for the uterus, menstruation and the reproductive system, and is one of the most important points in modern fertility acupuncture practice.

Where is SP 4 located?

SP 4 is located on the medial aspect of the foot, distal and inferior to the base of the first metatarsal bone, at the junction of red and white skin (where the darker skin of the sole meets the lighter skin of the upper foot). The point is most easily palpated by running a finger along the medial border of the foot until you reach the bony prominence at the base of the big toe joint.

Can SP 4 help with fertility?

Yes — SP 4 is one of the most important acupuncture points for fertility. Because it opens the Chong Mai, the “Sea of Blood” that governs the uterus and menstruation, it has direct influence over the reproductive system. It is commonly used in IVF cycles, particularly around embryo transfer, paired with PC 6 to regulate the Chong Mai.

Can SP 4 help morning sickness?

Yes. SP 4 paired with PC 6 is one of the most evidence-supported acupuncture combinations for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Both points descend rebellious Stomach Qi, and via the Chong Mai they address the root cause of pregnancy nausea in TCM terms. The combination is also widely used for chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Is SP 4 safe in pregnancy?

SP 4 is safe in pregnancy when needled by a qualified practitioner with pregnancy training, and is widely used for morning sickness, anxiety and digestive complaints during the antenatal period. Acupuncture during pregnancy must be performed only by a fully qualified practitioner.