Sundance Acupuncture

Herb & Acupuncture Database

(This is my own personal database of teachers, teachings and notes that I use in my practice. I’ve decided to share it freely with anyone who would like to reference it.)

SP-2 Dadu - Great Capital

More Spirit Names: Great Metropolis, Big Capital, Great Pool, Intellectual Energy Point

English:	Great Metropolis
Also Known As:	Big Metropolis Great Capital Big City

Location

On the medial aspect of the big toe, slightly anterior to the metatarsophalangeal joint at the border of the light and dark skin.
On the medial side of the great toe, distal and inferior to the first metatarsal-digital joint, in the depression of the junction of the red and white skin.

Needling

Straight insertion, 0.5 to1 cun.
Puncture perpendicularly 0.1 to 0.3 cun.
Moxibustion id applicable
Oblique inferior insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun.

Command Functions

Ying-Spring point
Fire point
Tonification point
Mother point

Actions

Strengthens the Spleen
Promotes digestion
Clears Heat
Regulates the Spleen
Resolves Dampness
Resolves Damp-Heat
Harmonizes the Middle Jiao

Indications

Fever
Abdominal distention
Diarrhea
Stomach ache
Edema of the limbs
Apoplectic coma
Sudden swelling of the four limbs
Heaviness of the body with pain of the bones
Oppression of the chest
Agitation when hungry and dizziness when full
Sudden turmoil disorder
Agitation
Insomnia
Heart pain
Febrile disease that does not disperse
Injury by Cold leading to hands and feet counterflow Cold
Visual dizziness

Gastric pain
Constipation
Febrile diseases with anhidrosis
Restlessness with insomnia
Sensation of heaviness of the body with swelling of the extremities
Sensation of fullness and tightness in the chest
Vomiting
Epigastric pain
Poor digestion
Belching
Borborygmus
Lumbar pain with inability to turn
Disorders of the big toe
Heat sensation in the soles of the feet
Joint pain
Nervousness
Vertigo
Pain and swelling of the ankle

Combinations

SP-3 Taibai LIV-2 Xingjian	UB-6 Chengguang	LU-8 Jingqu
Disorders of the big toe	Vomiting	Febrile disease with anhidrosis
SP-3 Taibai	KI-11 Henggu
Pain of the Heart and epigastrium	Stagnation of Qi Lumbar pain with inability to stand

Contraindications

According to some sources, moxibustion is forbidden during pregnancy.

Notes

This point is primarily use to clear Heat, especially at the beginning stage of a febrile disease.
This point is good for intellectual energy, and has shown to strengthen mathematical abilities in children by stimulating the brain.
It relates to the thymus.
This point is not used much in China.
French research says this point gets rid of mucus in the Spleen and is good for hemophilia.

Five Elements Spirit Perspective

Spirit of the Point	Great Capital is translated as Great Metropolis. It is a Fire point and brings warmth to the Earth, like soil the sun has warmed so that growth can happen, and it revitalizes the spirit. A capital is a busy place of exchange, much like the Spleen working at our center all the time, and Fire can bring light-heartedness to an Earth that has become too serious. It warms a person up if they are cold and inert, and it also calms heat: it warms and it cools. It opens a person to a particular nourishment and warmth that others offer. Like putting lava in the soil, it sparks the earth and brings deep joy; it is the joy of the harvest, embodying the fullness of oneself, for Earth can only give when it feels full inside. It is a place of richness and power, a center where things are concentrated: the big city. Earth may have good quality and every trace element it needs, but it still needs the sun's warmth for anything to grow, as the spring sun warms cold, wet, inert earth and brings it to life; people who lack Fire lack the passion to grow.
Worsley	Worsley gives it among his first aid points, for sprains and fractures. Not to be needled from the 1st month of pregnancy onward Location: On the inner edge of the big toe, a little distal to the base of its proximal phalanx. Needle depth: 3 fen Moxa: 3-5 cones
When to Consider	When a person is cold and inert and needs warming up When the limbs are heavy and cold and there is general fatigue and lethargy When Earth has become too serious and self-absorbed When someone is stuck in a rut, or else agitated and flustered When the person is unable to stay in bed, however ill they may be When the spirit needs revitalizing For mental lethargy, over-thinking and clogged thoughts, or when concentration and memorization need help When the person has trouble being in this world or getting into the city; when they are shy and can't get out and about
Notes	Fire point and Tonification point of the Spleen Warms and cools Gives mental energy

From Class

Metropolis (du) points: SP-2, KI-19, LV-6: For those who feel unredeemable: SP-2 Dadu lifts yang from 'hell'; KI-19 Yindu regulates Chong and Ren; LV-6 Zhongdu analgesic, for heavy bleeding. (Yuen)

For educational reference only; not a substitute for care from a qualified practitioner.