Shenfeng Point (KI-23 / Spirit Seal)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shenfeng (KI-23 / Spirit Seal). Learn its benefits for cough, wheezing, chest fullness, and mastitis – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Cough, wheezing, chest and hypochondriac fullness, vomiting, acute mastitis, pleurisy, chest tightness, and breast pain.
Precise Location
On the chest, in the 4th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Location Method
Bring the four fingers together with the palm facing inward, place them at the edge of the chest – the point is where the middle finger rests. (Standard location: 4th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline, approximately 2 cun lateral to the nipple.)
Massage Method
Bring the four fingers of both hands together, gently press and release Shenfeng with the middle fingers for 1–3 minutes. Therapeutic actions: Descends turbid and ascends clear, soothes the chest and regulates the lung, stops cough and relieves wheezing, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Acute mastitis: Combine with Shaoze (SI-1), Shenfeng (KI-23), and Rugen (ST-18). Disease overview: Breast carbuncle, commonly known as acute mastitis, is common in postpartum women. Causes include liver qi stagnation with stomach heat obstruction, milk stasis, nipple injury during breastfeeding with toxic heat infection, or postpartum blood deficiency with external pathogen invasion leading to damp-heat accumulation and qi-blood stagnation. Massage sequence: First pinch Shaoze on the little finger 20 times, then knead Shenfeng for 2 minutes, finally press Rugen with the middle and ring finger pads with moderate pressure for 3 minutes – continue daily until full recovery. Cough: Combine with Feishu (BL-13), Zhongfu (LU-1), and Shenfeng (KI-23). Chest and hypochondriac fullness: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17), Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zhigou (TE-6), and Shenfeng (KI-23). Wheezing: Combine with Tiantu (RN-22), Tanzhong (RN-17), and Feishu (BL-13).
Efficacy & Actions
The name Shenfeng first appeared in the Zhenjiu Jiayijing. When coughing, pressing Shenfeng can effectively stop the cough. Beyond relieving cough, Shenfeng also alleviates wheezing – whether from running, heavy lifting, or underlying health conditions, regular pressure on this point can help improve the condition. This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It descends turbid and ascends clear, soothes the chest and regulates the lung, stops cough and relieves wheezing, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating chest, lung, and respiratory system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Shen” refers to the spirit or mind; “Feng” means to seal or close. Located on the chest, this point is where the spirit is sealed – hence the name Shenfeng (Spirit Seal).
