Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

Location

In the 5th intercostal space, on the mamillary line, 4 cun lateral

to the anterior midline.

How to find

The mamillary line, a vertical line used for reference, is located

4 cun lateral to the anterior midline (➞3.5). In men, the nipple is

generally located on the level of the 4th intercostal space, and

ST-18is located in the intercostal space directly below. The point

is often located at the lower border of the pectoralis major mus-

cle; in women, it is often found at the root of the breast. Location

help in women: Find the 5th intercostal space by palpating down-

ward from the clavicle or from the manubriosternal synchondro-

sis (second rib) (➞3.5). Then follow the course of the intercostal

space laterally to the mamillary line and there locate ST-18. Note

the ascending course of the intercostal spaces!

Located on the same level are ➞Ren-16(anterior midline),

➞KID-22(2 cun lateral to the anterior midline) and ➞SP-17

(6 cun lateral to the midline).

Needling

0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely (subcutaneously), parallel

to the course of the intercostal space or with or against the chan-

nel pathway. Caution: Pneumothorax.

Actions/Indications

● Benefits the breasts, moves the Blood

● Unbinds the chest

● Regulates the Lung Qi

Special features

Important local point

ST-18 Breast Root RUGEN

ST-18

2 cun

Sternocostal

angle

18

18

15

(^1624)
19
17
SP-20
25
22
19
17
LIV-14
G.B.-24
8
7
6
5
Sternocostal
angle
Sterno-
costal
angle
Ren-16
KID-24
KID-23
KID-22
Ren-17
5th intercostal space
SP-17
6 cun
5th intercostal
space
Ch04.3-F10028.qxd 2/22/08 8:42 PM Page 146