Atlas of Acupuncture

3.5 Anterior and Lateral Aspect of the Thorax and Abdomen

3.5 Anterior and Lateral Aspect

of the Thorax and Abdomen

Clavicle (
Figs 3.82, 3.86)

The clavicle forms the connection between the shoulder girdle

and the thorax. It separates the major and minor supraclavicular

fossae with 
ST-11, ST-12and jingbi(Ex-HN) from the

ribcage. Located on the lower border of the clavicle are 
ST-13

(at its midpoint) and 
KID-27(2 cun lateral to the midline).

Suprasternal fossa (
Fig. 3.82)

The suprasternal fossa forms a depression superior to the ster-

num between the sternoclavicular joints. It is the location of


 Ren-22.

Ribs (
Figs 3.83, 3.86)

For anatomical orientation of the ribs, the midsection of the

clavicle is a good starting point. The first rib lies directly below

the clavicle, forming a narrow bow. It articulates with the

manubrium just inferior to the sternoclavicular joint.

Please note the following when palpating the ribs and inter-

costal spaces (ICS) and locating the respective acupuncture

points:

 From their articulation with the sternum, the ribs run initially

horizontally or in a gentle curve in an inferior direction, while

at the lateral aspect of the thorax, they assume a superior

direction towards the posterior aspect of the body.

 Inferior to the 4th/5th intercostal spaces, the medial sections

of the ribs merge with the costal cartilage, so that the inter-

costal spaces do not extend very far medially. Therefore it is

necessary to palpate somewhat more laterally.

Ren-21

Sternocostal

angle

4th ICS Ren-17

ST-18

Manubrio-

sternal

synchondrosis

ST-12

Ren-22 ST-11

Cavicle

Minor supraclavicular fossa

Suprasternal Major supraclavicular fossa

fossa

Fig. 3.83

Fig. 3.82

Ex-HN (jingbi)

1 cun

Fig. 3.84A

ST-13

Fig. 3.84B

Suprasternal fossa

Ren-22

KID-27

KID-26 1st rib

Fig. 3.84C

Fig. 3.84D