Dabao SP21 : Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Indications
Nomenclature:
Da: large Bao: containing
Dabao pertains to the major collateral of the spleen meridian. The spleen (earth) lies in the center and is related to all the zang-fu organs.
Point: SP-21
Chinese Name: 大包
Name: Dabao
English Name/Meaning: Great Wrapping
Pinyin: dà bāo
Han Geul 한글: dae po 대포
Romaji: tai hō
Vietnamese: Đại bao
Location:
On the midaxillary line, in the 6th intercostal space.
Note: According to some texts, this point is located in the 7th intercostal space.
Functions of dabao:
- Regulates Qi and Blood, governs and wraps all the luo-connecting vessels of the body.
- Unbinds the chest.
Indications:
Pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, asthma, general aching and weakness.
Method:
Transverse-oblique insertion along the intercostal space, 0.5 to 1 cun.
Remarks:
- Major luo-connecting point of the spleen.
- Exit point.
Precautions:
Perpendicular insertion, especially in thin patients, carries a substantial risk of inducing a pneumothorax.