Spleen Meridian
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SP-19
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Chest
Location
In the 3rd intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi and opens the chest
- Subdues Rebellious Qi
Indications
Commentary
Xiongxiang SP-19 is not a major point of the Spleen Channel. Its main function is to open the chest by regulating and invigorating Qi. Typical manifestations are body stiffness and fullness in the chest and the lateral costal area, which then radiates to the back.
It also subdues Rebellious Qi in the chest, characterized by coughing and breathlessness.
Classical Sources
The classical texts describe Xiongxiang SP-19 as a point on the Foot-Taiyin Spleen channel located in the 3rd intercostal space. Its name meaning "Chest Village" (胸鄉) refers to its location in the chest region where Spleen Qi disperses outward. The Qi at this point is described as dampness-Qi that expands and spreads to areas distant from the main Spleen channel, like traveling to a village far from the city.
Classical indications focus on chest fullness, pain in the chest and hypochondriac regions, and conditions where Qi stagnates in the thorax causing distension and discomfort that may radiate to the back.
How to Locate
The nipples usually falls into the 4th intercostal space, which is the same level at Tianxi SP-18. Identify the 3rd intercostal space by counting 1 space up, or 2 spaces down from the clavicle. Xiongxiang SP-19 is on the 3rd intercostal space and 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline (or 2 cun lateral to the mammillary line).
Caution
PNEUMOTHORAX RISK: This point is located over the lung and carries a substantial risk of pneumothorax if needled perpendicularly or too deeply. Perpendicular insertion is not advisable. Always use oblique or transverse needling along the intercostal space. Avoid deep insertion - shallow needling (0.3-0.5 cun) is recommended. Consider the patient's body build when determining needle depth; thin patients require extra caution.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely, parallel to the intercostal space, or with or against the channel pathway. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness in the intercostal area. Sensation may spread along the intercostal space or toward the chest and hypochondrium. Due to shallow needling requirements, deqi may be mild.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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