Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

Location

In the 4th intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline

or 2 cun lateral to the midclavicular line.

How to find

In men, the nipple is generally located on the level of the 4th

intercostal space, while in women, when in a supine position, it

is not always at this level. Follow the course of the 4th inter-

costal space in a lateral direction and locate SP-182 cun lateral

to the nipple (note that the intercostal space laterally curves

upward). In women, either the clavicle or the manubriosternal

synchondrosis are good reference points for locating the 4th

intercostal space (➞3.5). SP-18can be located by following the

course of the intercostal space in a lateral direction while meas-

uring 6 cun laterally from the anterior midline or 2 cun laterally

from the nipple.

Also located on the level of the 4th intercostal space are ➞Ren-17

(anterior midline), ➞KID-23(2 cun lateral to the anterior mid-

line), ➞ST-17(nipple), ➞P-1(1 cun lateral to the nipple) and

➞G.B.-23(1 cun anterior to G.B.-22).

Needling

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

to the intercostal space or with or against the channel pathway.

Caution: Pneumothorax.

Actions/Indications:

● Unbinds the chest

● Descends the Qi

● Benefits the breasts

SP-18 Heavenly Stream TIANXI

KID-24

KID-23

KID-22

Ren-17

4th intercostal space

ST-16

ICR 2

3rd intercostal space

4th intercostal space

4. ICR

1cun P-1

4th intercostal space G.B.-22

G.B.-23

1 cun

4th intercostal space

6 cun

SP-18

KID-27

18

18

15

24

26

(^2218)
16
12
19
17
SP-20
14
Ren-22
25
22
19
20
17
12
LIV-14
G.B.-24
16
8 7 6 5 4 3
Sterno-
costal
angle
Ren-17
Level of
the nipple 4th intercostal space
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