The first point of the Spleen channel and one of the most powerful points for stopping bleeding. Yinbai (SP-1) anchors the Blood (Xue), calms the Shen, and revives consciousness — small in location, enormous in effect.
Contraindications
Yinbai SP-1 is a small, peripheral point and generally very safe. Keep the needle shallow — no more than 0.1 to 0.2 Cun — as there is minimal tissue depth at the toe tip.
Name & story
The name 隐白 Yinbai means "Hidden White" — 隐 (yǐn) means hidden or concealed, and 白 (bái) means white. White is the colour of metal and of the lungs, but here it evokes the pale, hidden quality of the point tucked away at the very corner of the big toenail. It is a quiet, almost invisible spot — and yet it holds a remarkable power. Like something precious concealed in a small place, Yinbai quietly holds the Blood in its proper channels, keeping it from escaping, and steadies the mind when it is troubled.
Point family & character
Yinbai SP-1 belongs to the Spleen Meridian (SP) and is the very first point on that channel — the beginning of the whole Spleen pathway. In classical character it is the Jing-Well point of the channel, the most dynamic and acute point of the meridian. It is also listed among Sun Si-miao's Ghost points, reflecting its deep connection to the spirit and mental disturbances. As the Jing-Well point, it is especially indicated for sudden, acute presentations.
Five-element dynamics
The Spleen belongs to the Earth element, and Earth's great responsibility in Chinese medicine is to hold things in place — to contain, transform and nourish. The Spleen's relationship with Blood (Xue) is central: it is the Spleen that governs the blood, keeps it moving within the vessels, and prevents it from leaking out. When the Spleen weakens, it can no longer hold the Blood — and bleeding follows. As the Jing-Well point, the most energetically intense point on the channel, Yinbai SP-1 is like the first spark of the Spleen's power. It rouses and regulates the Spleen with urgency, making it the principal point when the Spleen's blood-holding function has suddenly failed.
Location
Find the big toe and look at the inner (medial) corner of the toenail. The point sits at the junction of two imaginary lines: one drawn along the medial border of the nail, and one along the base of the nail — approximately 0.1 Cun from the corner of the nail.
Anatomy & fascia
The point is located at the corner of the big toenail, on the dorsal aspect of the foot.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly or obliquely, directed proximally (toward the body). Alternatively, the point may be pricked to bleed — a classic technique for acute conditions and to clear Heat.
Safe depth
0.1 to 0.2 Cun, or prick to bleed.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxibustion is a particularly valued technique at this point — warming Moxa is classically used here to stop uterine bleeding and menorrhagia, even though bleeding might suggest the presence of Heat. The Spleen responds warmly to Moxa, and the warming action strengthens the Spleen's ability to hold the Blood. Acupressure or firm fingernail pressure at the point is also used as a first-aid measure for fainting.
Functions
Stops bleeding and holds Blood (Xue) in the vessels. Regulates the Spleen. Unbinds the chest and benefits the lateral costal region. Calms the Heart and settles the Shen. Restores consciousness.
Indications
Bleeding disorders of all kinds: uterine bleeding and menorrhagia (the classical indication), blood in the urine, blood in the stool, vomiting blood, nosebleed, and nosebleed accompanying febrile disease. Digestive and Spleen disorders: abdominal distension, sudden swelling of the four limbs, sudden diarrhoea, vomiting, no desire to eat or drink, difficult ingestion. Chest symptoms: fullness of the chest, heat in the chest, dyspnoea, sighing. Fever without sweating, cold feet, cold sensation in the lower leg. Loss of consciousness.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
Yinbai SP-1 carries a quiet but firm power over the mind — which is why the old masters listed it among Sun Si-miao's Ghost points. When the Shen is disturbed — when a person is restless and agitated, weighed down by sadness, prone to excessive dreaming, or sliding into the clouded states of mania-depression — this small point on the big toe can bring them back to themselves. It calms the Heart, steadies the spirit, and in extreme cases even restores consciousness after collapse. There is something almost poetic in it: the very first point of the Spleen channel, rooted at the tip of the toe, reaches all the way up to calm and anchor the mind.
Point combinations
For uterine bleeding and menorrhagia: Moxa on SP-1 is the classical approach, often used alone or with other Spleen-strengthening points. For fullness and distension in the chest: with other Jing-Well points, as indicated by the Classic of Difficulties. For loss of consciousness and mental disturbance: as one of Sun Si-miao's Ghost points, it may be combined with other Ghost points in severe Shen disorders. For acute abdominal fullness and digestive collapse: as the Jing-Well point, it is called upon when Spleen disorders present suddenly and acutely.
Clinical spotlight
Yinbai SP-1 is the premier point for stopping bleeding in Chinese medicine — particularly uterine bleeding and heavy periods. The classical texts are clear: the Spleen governs the Blood and holds it in the vessels, and when that function fails, haemorrhage follows. As the Supplement to the Thousand Ducat Formulas puts it, "the Spleen gathers the blood; when the Spleen is deficient it is unable to unite the blood." What makes this point remarkable is that Moxibustion — a warming technique — is the preferred method even in bleeding conditions, because the root problem is Spleen weakness, not Heat. Equally striking is its place among the Ghost points: a point on the toe that calms mania, clears the mind, and restores consciousness. Its dual power — over Blood (Xue) and over the Shen — makes it one of the most character-rich points in the entire system.
The golden tip
If you feel faint or dizzy, firm pressure or a fingernail pinch at the inner corner of the big toenail is a traditional first-aid measure. For those who experience heavy periods or tend toward bleeding, a TCM practitioner may teach you to apply gentle Moxa warming at this point — though this should be learned with guidance first. Even simple daily pressure here, for a minute or two, can help calm an unsettled mind or ease a heaviness in the chest.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.