What are the location, functions, and benefits of the Xuehai point?

　　Xuehai (Blood Sea) is one of the acupoints in the human body, located on the medial side of the thigh, approximately six cun above the medial superior border of the patella. Its functions and benefits generally include regulating menstruation and relieving pain, improving skin conditions, alleviating pain, calming the mind to aid sleep, and regulating digestion. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　1. Regulating Menstruation and Relieving Pain: Xuehai is closely related to blood and can regulate female menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea, as well as alleviate abdominal pain. Regular massage of Xuehai can promote uterine contraction and relaxation, improve uterine blood circulation, thereby relieving menstrual discomfort.

　　2. Improving Skin Conditions: Xuehai promotes the transport of nutrients in the blood, enhances the skin's self-repair capability, and helps eliminate toxins from the body.

　　3. Alleviating Pain: Xuehai has analgesic effects, capable of reducing bodily pain sensations. Massaging or acupuncture at this point can relax muscles around the knee joint,减轻 knee pain caused by prolonged standing or exercise. By promoting local blood circulation and accelerating inflammation absorption, it helps relieve pain.

　　4. Calming the Mind and Aiding Sleep: Xuehai has a calming effect, regulating the nervous system, relieving tension, shortening sleep onset time, thus improving sleep quality.

　　5. Regulating Digestion: Xuehai can stimulate gastrointestinal motility and secretion, promote the secretion of digestive fluids, and relieve gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal distension, diarrhea, and constipation.

　　It is recommended to stimulate Xuehai under the guidance of a physician; self-administration is not advised. When massaging or stimulating acupoints, techniques should be gentle without excessive force. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended.