SP-17 - Food Hole

食窦 - Shí dòu

Point Region: Upper abdomen

SP

Spleen Meridian

足太阴脾经 - Zú Tàiyīn Píjīng

SP-17 Shidou, meaning 'Food Cavity,' is a point that benefits the chest and relieves fullness. Located on the chest, it is a key point for addressing a wide range of issues that are caused by 'stagnation' or excess heat in the upper body. Its name, 'Food Cavity,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the body's entire system.

Think of Shidou as a point that helps to 'clear the cavity' of your chest. It's invaluable for addressing issues like a feeling of fullness in the chest, a restless spirit, and a feeling of being 'overwhelmed.' By benefiting the chest and relieving fullness, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By benefiting the chest and relieving fullness, SP-17 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a calm and unburdened body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the chest, in the 5th intercostal space, lateral to the nipple line.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the level of your nipple
  2. Move to the side from your nipple toward your armpit
  3. Count down to the 5th space between ribs
  4. The point is in this rib space lateral to your nipple
Location illustration for On the chest, in the 5th intercostal space, lateral to the nipple line.

Primary Functions

Digestive System

  • Improves appetite and food intake
  • Treats anorexia and poor appetite
  • Strengthens digestive qi
  • Improves nutrient absorption
  • Treats nausea and food aversion

Respiratory System

  • Treats chest tightness and oppression
  • Improves breathing and lung capacity
  • Reduces intercostal neuralgia
  • Treats asthma from weak spleen qi

Circulatory System

  • Improves circulation in chest and ribs
  • Treats chest pain and heart palpitations
  • Supports cardiovascular function

Musculoskeletal System

  • Treats rib and intercostal pain
  • Reduces chest muscle tension
  • Improves thoracic mobility

Emotional & Mental

  • Reduces anxiety and emotional tension
  • Treats depression from weak constitution
  • Promotes emotional openness

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Chest pain
  • Chest fullness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Intercostal pain
  • Chest tightness
  • Rib pain

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

SP-17 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

  • Recent chest surgery
  • Severe respiratory conditions
  • Chest wall injuries