Atlas of Acupuncture

4.4 The Spleen Channel System – Foot taiyin(zu tai yin jing luo)

Location

In the 5th intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline

(in male patients, 2 cun lateral to the nipple).

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. Locate SP-17in the 5th intercostal

space, 2 cun lateral to the mamillary line (note that the inter-

costal space laterally curves upward). Both the clavicle and the

manubriosternal synchondrosis are good reference points for

locating the 5th intercostal space. SP-17can be located by fol-

lowing the course of the intercostal space in a lateral direction

and measuring 2 cun lateral to the mamillary line.

Also located on the level of the 5th intercostal space are ➞Ren-16

(anterior midline), ➞KID-22(2 cun lateral to the anterior mid-

line) and ➞ST-18(4 cun lateral to the anterior midline).

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

● Regulates the Qi

● Harmonises the Stomach and eliminates stagnation

● Drains Dampness

Food Cavity SHIDOU SP-17

SP-17

6 cun

4th intercostal space

5th intercostal space

Midline

Sternocostal

angle Ren-16

KID-24

KID-23

KID-22

Ren-17

5th intercostal space

ST-18

Sternocostal

angle

Ch04.4-F10028.qxd 2/23/08 7:09 PM Page 197