Shidou SP17 : Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Indications
Nomenclature:
Shi: food Dou: sinus
Shidou is inferolateral to the nipple and in its deep region there is a sinus in which milk is stored. This point is used to promote absorption of food and for tonification.
Point: SP-17
Chinese Name: 食窦
English Name/Meaning: Food Cavity
Pinyin: shí dòu
Han Geul 한글: sik du 식두
Romaji: shoku tō
Vietnamese: Thực đậu
Location:
In the 5th intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline (in male patients, 2 cun lateral to the nipple).
Functions of shidou:
- Regulates the Qi.
- Harmonises the Stomach and eliminates stagnation.
- Drains Dampness.
Indications:
- Digestive disorders: fullness and pain in the chest and hypochondriac region.
- Intercostal neuralgia.
Method:
Transverse-oblique insertion along the intercostal space, 0.5 to 1 cun.
Remarks:
Good for intercostal neuralgia.
Precautions:
Perpendicular insertion, especially in thin patients, carries a substantial risk of inducing a pneumothorax.