(200) SP8 (Earth's Crux)

[HB KIM]

Clinical Indication of SP8 (Diji)

1. Name
"Di" means literally "Earth", "Ji" means Crux or Pivot.  "Earth" implies that SP belongs to Earth element, and Crux or Pivot means that this point is Xi-cleft point.

2. Stomach Ulcer
SP8 is used for gastric ulcer or gastritis due to stress.  For gastric ulcer with stomachache or excessive stomach acid, use SP8 instead of ST36, because ST36 maybe make it worse by stimulating and increasing stomach acid for indigestion.  If you look at the location of ST36, it is almost the opposite side of SP8.  Also for gastritis due to stress, SP channel is used more than ST channel. 

3. Stop pain
It is  a Xi-cleft point for pain.  It is used for pain due to gastric ulcer, gall stone, liver or gall bladder disorders, acute abdominal pain, tenesmus and dysmenorrhea.  ST34 is good for any kind of abdominal pain, while SP8 is mainly used for abdominal pain due to liver and gall bladder disorders.

4. Channel diagnosis
For stomach or intestinal disorders, you may see protuberance or concave.

5. Hands and Feet
SP8 is used for either no sweating or sweating of hands and feet.  No sweating means that hands and feet are too dry and develops fissures.  SP governs four limbs and this point is the Xi-cleft point of SP channel.

6.  Technique
Strong Acupressure is prohibited.  If you press too hard before  needling, point reaction disappears.  Clinically this point is mainly for acupuncture, not moxa. (moxa is applicable according to CAM).  When you needle SP8, needle right behind of tibia.