Spleen 17 (SP 17) Shi Dou — Food Hole

This point, on the lateral chest, unbinds the chest, regulates qi and relieves fullness of the chest and costal region.

Spleen 17 (SP 17) Shi Dou 食竇 — Food Hole

Location

On the lateral chest, in the fifth intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Anatomy

In the fifth intercostal space, on the serratus anterior; the thoraco-epigastric vein and lateral thoracic artery; the lateral cutaneous branch of the fifth intercostal nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Unbinds the chest and regulates qi
  • Promotes digestion and resolves fullness

Indications

Fullness and pain of the chest and costal region, abdominal distension, borborygmus, and difficulty swallowing.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, oblique or transverse insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With REN-17 for chest fullness.

Classical Text References

Used for fullness of the chest and costal region.

Cautions & Contraindications

Deep perpendicular insertion risks pneumothorax; needle obliquely or transversely.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

Check Also

PubMed research

Acupuncture Identified as a Key Neuromuscular Intervention for Post-Stroke Swallowing Difficulties

Research summary (Acupuncture): Neuromuscular-related interventions for post-stroke dysphagia: a comprehensive narrative review. - Frontiers in neuroscience, 2026.