Spleen Meridian
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SP-20
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, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi and opens the chest
- Subdues Rebellious Qi
Indications
Thirst
Coughing
Chest fullness
Copious sputum
Breathlessness
Chest distension
Digestive difficulties
Lateral costal region fullness
Commentary
Zhourong SP-20 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 distension and fullness in the chest or the lateral costal area as well as difficult ingestion.
It also subdues Rebellious Qi in the chest, characterized by coughing with phlegm or pus and breathlessness.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists SP-20 for treatment of cough, counterflow Qi, and fullness of the chest and hypochondrium.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Describes the point for chest distension, cough, and Qi counterflow conditions.
How to Locate
The nipples usually falls into the 4th intercostal space, which is the same level at Tianxi SP-18. Identify the 2nd intercostal space by counting 2 space up, or 1 spaces down from the clavicle. Zhourong SP-20 is on the 2rd intercostal space and 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
Located over the pleural cavity - avoid deep or perpendicular needling to prevent pneumothorax. Only oblique or transverse insertion along the intercostal space is safe. The 2nd intercostal space provides relatively little buffer between the skin and pleural cavity.
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, parallel to the intercostal space or with or against the channel pathway. Caution: Pneumothorax
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness in the intercostal region. Sensation may spread along the intercostal space. Due to superficial needling requirements, deqi may be mild.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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