SP10 (Xuehai / Sea of Blood) Acupuncture Point Guide
Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
Professional acupuncture supplies and practical clinical resources for qualified practitioners in Ireland and across Europe.
SP10, known as Xuehai (“Sea of Blood”), is located in the medial thigh above the knee. This guide summarises the standard location, traditional functions, common combinations, anatomy and essential safety considerations.
This is a professional reference for appropriately trained practitioners. It is not a self-treatment guide and does not replace accredited anatomical and clinical training.
SP10 Xuehai quick reference
| Point name | SP10 — Xuehai (“Sea of Blood”) |
|---|---|
| Channel | Spleen channel |
| Classification | A major Spleen-channel point traditionally associated with regulation of Blood |
| Region | Medial thigh above the knee |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Core landmark | With the knee flexed, 2 B-cun superior to the superomedial border of the patella, on the bulge of vastus medialis. |
Location of SP10 Xuehai
With the knee flexed, 2 B-cun superior to the superomedial border of the patella, on the bulge of vastus medialis.
Use proportional B-cun measurement together with palpation and individual anatomy. A fixed centimetre measurement is not a substitute for anatomical location.
Traditional functions of SP10
- Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis in traditional theory.
- Cools Blood.
- Regulates menstruation within an individualised traditional diagnosis.
- Benefits the skin where Blood Heat or Blood deficiency is part of the pattern.
These descriptions belong to traditional acupuncture theory. They are not claims that SP10 has been proven to diagnose, prevent or treat disease.
Traditional clinical applications
- Menstrual or gynaecological presentations within professional scope and after appropriate assessment.
- Skin presentations described traditionally as involving Blood Heat or Blood deficiency.
- Medial knee or thigh discomfort where local treatment is appropriate.
Point selection should follow a complete assessment, differential diagnosis, informed consent and an individualised treatment plan.
Common point combinations
- SP10 + SP6: traditionally used to regulate Blood and menstruation.
- SP10 + LI11: considered where Blood Heat is part of the diagnosis.
- SP10 + LV3: used where Blood stasis and constrained Liver Qi coexist.
These are traditional examples rather than fixed prescriptions.
Anatomy and practitioner notes
SP10 overlies vastus medialis. Identify the patellar border and muscle bulge with the knee slightly flexed; the point should not be placed on the femur or patella.
Needling and essential safety
Technique should reflect tissue depth and individual anatomy. Avoid deep medial angulation towards the femoral neurovascular structures and avoid needling through varicosities, inflamed tissue, infection or recent injury.
Use sterile, single-use needles, appropriate skin preparation and a technique suited to the patient’s anatomy, health, medicines and treatment position. Stop and reassess if unexpected sharp, electrical or strongly radiating sensation occurs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is SP10 Xuehai?
With the knee flexed, 2 B-cun superior to the superomedial border of the patella, on the bulge of vastus medialis.
What does Xuehai mean?
Xuehai is commonly translated as “Sea of Blood”. The English rendering helps explain the traditional name but does not replace the anatomical landmark.
Can patients use this guide for self-needling?
No. This resource is written for qualified practitioners and does not replace supervised anatomical and clinical training.
Continue exploring Project Lotus
Visit our Acupuncture Point Guides, or read the SP6 Sanyinjiao Guide and SP9 Yinlingquan Guide.
Practitioners can also browse our professional acupuncture needles and the wider Practitioner Guides library.
Professional disclaimer: This article is provided for qualified acupuncture and healthcare practitioners for general educational purposes. Traditional actions and applications describe established acupuncture theory and are not claims of proven clinical efficacy. It is not medical advice, does not replace accredited training and should not be used as a universal treatment protocol. Practitioners remain responsible for assessment, consent, safe technique, infection control, record keeping, referral and compliance with professional and legal obligations.
Reference standards and safety reading:
World Health Organization. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region.
World Health Organization. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture.
Master Tung’s Acupuncture / eLotus CORE. SP10 Xuehai reference page.
