Kidney Meridian
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KI-25
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Chest
Location
In the 2nd intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Subdues Rebellious Qi of the Lungs and Stomach
Indications
Commentary
For all the Kidney Channel points in the various intercostal spaces of the chest (from Bulang KID-22 to Shufu KID-27), they share similar actions of descending Rebellious Lung or Stomach Qi.
Therefore, they are indicated for symptoms such as wheezing, dyspnoea or coughing by harmonizing the Qi Excess in the upper part of the body and Qi Deficiency in the lower part. This Qi imbalance happens because the Kidney is not strong enough to receive Lung Qi.
Therefore, Shencang KID-25 is mostly used to subdues Rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi. It also strengthens Kidney's ability to receive Lung Qi.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): The point Shencang first appears in classical literature as part of the Kidney channel's chest trajectory. The name reflects its role as a place where 'shen' (spirit/mind) is stored and protected.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists the primary indications as cough, asthma, chest pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite, establishing its role in treating both respiratory and digestive disorders related to rebellious Qi.
Name Interpretation: 'Shen' (神) refers to spirit or mind, associated with the Heart but also with the heavenly aspect of Qi. 'Cang' (藏) means to store or conceal. The point is located near the Heart, the organ that 'houses the Shen,' hence its name as the 'Spirit Storehouse.'
How to Locate
First identify the 2nd intercostal space by counting 2 spaces down from the clavicle. Shencang KID-25 is on this space and also 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Zigong REN-19 is at the level of the 2nd intercostal space but on the anterior midline.
Caution
PNEUMOTHORAX RISK: This point lies directly over the lung tissue. Deep or perpendicular needling can puncture the pleura and cause pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Always needle obliquely or transversely along the intercostal space, never deeply or perpendicularly. The underlying intercostal vessels and nerves are also at risk. Use proper technique with shallow insertion only. Avoid in patients with emphysema or other conditions that increase pneumothorax risk.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely along the course of the intercostal space or with or against the channel pathway. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading along the intercostal space. Some patients may feel the sensation radiating toward the sternum or laterally along the ribs. Due to the shallow needling depth required, deqi may be subtle.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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