Spleen meridian

SP-17 (Shídòu, 食窦) — Food Cavity

Meridian
Spleen (SP)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Spleen-channel point in the fifth intercostal space.
Depth reference
0.3–0.5 cun transverse or oblique along the intercostal space
Moxibustion
Applicable with caution
Reference aliases
SP17; Shidou; 食窦; Food Cavity

Anatomical location

On the anterior chest, in the fifth intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Traditional actions

Promotes digestion and disperses retained food or fluid in the middle burner.

Recorded indications

Primary: Chest fullness; cough; shortness of breath; discomfort below the breast.

Secondary: Abdominal distension; sudden thirst.

How to read this reference

AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.

Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region SP17, p. 78
  2. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2 Lung and pleura, p. 25
  3. American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference SP-17: Actions, Indications, Needling, moxa and pneumothorax caution

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP-17 located?

On the anterior chest, in the fifth intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for SP-17?

Promotes digestion and disperses retained food or fluid in the middle burner. The dataset lists these primary indications: Chest fullness; cough; shortness of breath; discomfort below the breast. Secondary indications are recorded as: Abdominal distension; sudden thirst.

Is SP-17 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify SP-17 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.