Spleen 18 (SP 18) Tian Xi — Heavenly Stream

This point, on the lateral chest, benefits the breast, promotes lactation and unbinds the chest.

Spleen 18 (SP 18) Tian Xi 天谿 — Heavenly Stream

Location

On the lateral chest, in the fourth intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline (lateral to the nipple).

Anatomy

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

Actions & Functions

  • Benefits the breast and promotes lactation
  • Unbinds the chest and regulates qi

Indications

Insufficient lactation, mastitis and breast pain, cough, and fullness of the chest.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, oblique or transverse insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With SI-1 and ST-18 for insufficient lactation and breast disorders.

Classical Text References

Classically used for disorders of the breast.

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.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.