Tianxi Point (SP-18 / Heavenly Stream)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Tianxi (SP-18 / Heavenly Stream). Learn its benefits for chest pain, cough, and hypochondriac pain, plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Chest pain, cough, and chest and hypochondriac distension with pain.
Precise Location
On the chest, in the 4th intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Lie supine – 3 finger-widths laterally from the nipple, at the same intercostal space as the nipple.
Location Method
Lie supine. First locate the nipple (at the 4th intercostal space), then measure 3 finger-widths (approximately 4 cun) laterally from the nipple at the same level – that is the point.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Tianxi with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat chest and hypochondriac distension with pain. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the chest and regulates qi, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, disperses lung qi and stops cough.
Compatibility
Chest and hypochondriac distension with pain: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian. It soothes the chest and regulates qi, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and disperses lung qi and stops cough. It is a commonly used point for treating chest and respiratory system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Tian" means heaven or upper; "Xi" means stream or depression. Located on the chest, where Spleen Meridian qi flows like a stream – hence the name Tianxi (Heavenly Stream).
