Shencang Point (KI-25 / Spirit Storehouse)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shencang (KI-25 / Spirit Storehouse). Learn its benefits for cough, asthma, chest pain, and myocardial infarction – the Kidney meridian point for soothing the chest – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Cough, wheezing, chest pain, chest tightness, restlessness, and vomiting.
Precise Location
On the chest, in the 2nd intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Move two intercostal spaces upward from the nipple (the nipple is approximately at the 4th intercostal space) – the point is 3 finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) lateral to the anterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. First locate the nipple (approximately at the 4th intercostal space), move up two intercostal spaces to the 2nd intercostal space – the point is 3 finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) lateral to the anterior midline, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Shencang with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat chest pain, wheezing, and cough. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing, and calms the heart and settles the spirit.
Compatibility
Myocardial infarction (heart pain, chest impediment): Combine with Xinshu (BL-15) and Yutang (RN-18). Cough and wheezing: Combine with Feishu (BL-13), Tiantu (RN-22), and Tanzhong (RN-17). Chest pain and tightness: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17) and Neiguan (PC-6). Restlessness and insomnia: Combine with Shenmen (HT-7) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing, and calms the heart and settles the spirit. It is a commonly used key point for treating chest, lung, and heart disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Shen” refers to the spirit or mind; “Cang” means to store or conceal. Located on the chest, this point is where the spirit is stored – hence the name Shencang (Spirit Storehouse).
