Spleen 21 is the perfect acupuncture/acupressure point for this time of the year. Called dabao 大包 in Chinese, and translated to Great Enveloping or Great Embrace in English, it is the final point on the Spleen meridian. This meridian is responsible for processing food for digestion, promotes thought for wisdom, and turns Late Summer’s humidity into a harvest.
We think of Spleen 21 particularly when one is feeling weak, notices pain all over the body, and feels fullness in the chest.
Locating Spleen 21
You can find this point by reaching your hand over to the opposite side of your rib cage. Then let your hands tuck under your forearms about midway down the forearm between the armpit and the elbow. More precisely, you can count your ribs down to the space between the 6th and 7th rib. Start by finding the 2nd rib, which for most people is at the height of the armpit (you’ll have to raise your arm). From there, press gently into the sides of your chest and count downwards. However, just feeling around in this area will let you know when you are close. Spleen 21 is often very tender or achy on most people!
In both classical Chinese texts and modern anatomical research, this area is cited to be dense with connective tissue and fascia that connects to the limbs, internal organs, and the postural muscles of the abdomen. The tissue network channels emerging from this point “represent the distribution of nourishment to all parts of creation” and as we empower this point and meridian, it becomes more possible to recognize that “enduring [the] fullness [of life] comes from embracing the whole as one, and as one’s self.” (Jarrett, 2008)
At home, give Spleen 21 a bit of attention and gratitude with a gentle intentional massage.
Directions
After finding Spleen 21, let your fingers feel the tense musculature holding your ribs and chest upright. Give this point a massage of thanks for bringing you to this day. Use gentle, diffused pressure of several fingertips to “spread” the tension of this part of the body and integrate it into the rest of the chest. Be sure to include the muscles of the mid-back, the lymph nodes of the armpit and breast, and the organs of the abdomen. Use the movement of the breath in your lungs to power the massage from the inside.
