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SP-18 Tianxi (天谿) — Heavenly Stream
Depth
00.5–0.8 cun3.0
Transverse insertion
Precautions
Deep perpendicular insertion carries a high risk of pneumothorax. Caution: pneumothorax.
Location (classical)
On the lateral aspect of the chest, in the fourth intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
How to find it (practical)
Supine, locate the point in the fourth intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline, 2 cun lateral to Ru Zhong (ST-17).
Anatomy
Pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. Innervated by the 4th intercostal nerve.
Needling
0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely (subcutaneously), parallel to the intercostal space.
Etymology
Tian (天), heaven, upper, divine; Xi (溪), stream. Tian Xi refers to lactation.
CLASSICAL SOURCEJia Yi Jing
Clinical Relations
Adjacent Points on the Meridian