Lingxu Point (KI-24 / Spirit Mound)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Lingxu (KI-24 / Spirit Mound). Learn its benefits for cough, asthma, chest pain, mastitis, intercostal neuralgia, and insomnia – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Cough, wheezing, chest pain, acute mastitis, intercostal neuralgia, pleurisy, insomnia, chest tightness, and restlessness.
Precise Location
On the chest, in the 3rd intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Move one intercostal space 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 one intercostal space to the 3rd 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 Lingxu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat chest and hypochondriac pain, wheezing, and insomnia. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing, unblocks the collaterals and calms the spirit.
Compatibility
Insomnia and forgetfulness: Combine with Shenmen (HT-7) and Shencang (KI-25). Cough and wheezing: Combine with Feishu (BL-13), Tiantu (RN-22), and Tanzhong (RN-17). Acute mastitis: Combine with Rugen (ST-18), Tanzhong (RN-17), and Jianjing (GB-21). Chest pain and intercostal neuralgia: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17), Zhigou (TE-6), and Yanglingquan (GB-34).
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, unblocks the collaterals and calms the spirit. It is a commonly used key point for treating chest, lung, and mental disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Ling” means spirit or divine; “Xu” means mound or ruins. Located on the chest, this point is where Kidney Meridian qi gathers like a spirit mound – hence the name Lingxu (Spirit Mound).
