Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

Location

On the midaxillary line, with the arm abducted approximately 3

cun inferior to the apex of the axilla, in the 4th intercostal space

(according to some authors, in the 5th intercostal space).

How to find

With the patient’s arm slightly abducted, locate the apex of the

axilla. Locate G.B.-223 cun inferior to it in the 4th intercostal

space. For orientation:In men, the nipple is located in the 4th

intercostal space; in women, in a supine position, its location may

vary. Therefore, in women, the manubriosternal synchondrosis

(➞3.5) is a more reliable reference point for the costal region.

Note: The intercostal space curves in a superior direction towards

lateral.

Also located on the level of or in the 4th intercostal space,

but more medially, are ➞ Ren-17/KID-23/ST-17/P-1/SP-

18/G.B.-23(on the midline/2 cun lateral to the midline/in the

centre of the nipple or 4 cun lateral to the midline/1 cun lateral

to the nipple or 5 cun lateral to the midline/6 cun lateral to the

midline/1 cun anterior to G.B.-22).

Needling

0.5–1 cun obliquely or transversely (subcutaneously) along the

intercostal space. Caution: Pneumothorax.

Actions/Indications

● Regulates the Qi in the Upper Burner

● Opens the luo-connecting vessels of the axilla

G.B.-22 Armpit Abyss YUANYE

4th intercostal space

1cun P-1

Ren-17

Level of

the nipple 4th intercostal space

Midaxillary line

4th intercostal space G.B.-22

5th intercostal space

6th intercostal space

G.B.-23

Apex of the

axilla

3 cun

1 cun

18

18

15

24

22

16

19

17

SP-20

25

22

19

17

12

LIV-14

G.B.-24

16

8

7

6

5

4

Sternocostal

angle

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