SP-18 - Heavenly Stream

天溪 - Tiān xī

Point Region: Chest

SP

Spleen Meridian

足太阴脾经 - Zú Tàiyīn Píjīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the front of the chest, in the fourth space between the ribs, 6 cun out from the midline.

Distances are in cun, a unit that scales with each person's body. As a guide, the width of your thumb at its joint is 1 cun, and your four fingers held together, measured across the middle joints, are 3 cun.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the fourth rib space (in men, level with the nipples)
  2. Go two thumb-widths outside the nipple line (the nipple line is 4 cun from the midline)
  3. The point is in the rib space there
SP-18 (Heavenly Stream) acupressure point location: On the front of the chest, in the fourth space between the ribs, 6 cun out from the midline.

How to Apply Pressure

Because SP-18 sits on the chest near breast tissue, use only a light fingertip hold and never press inward between the ribs. Skip it during an acute breast infection or after breast surgery, and check with your care team about breast concerns or cancer.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Cough
  • Insufficient lactation
  • Breast problems
  • Respiratory problems
  • Chest tightness

Related Health Concerns

Cold and Flu Onset

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Acute breast infections
  • Breast cancer
  • Recent breast surgery
  • Severe mastitis

Take care:

  • Avoid during acute breast inflammation
  • Consult healthcare provider for breast concerns