Tianxi SP18 : Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Indications
Nomenclature:
Tian: heaven Xi: valley
Tian here means “upper”. Tianxi is in the stream-like intercostal space.
Point: SP-18
Chinese Name: 天溪
Name: Tianxi
English Name/Meaning: Heavenly Stream
Pinyin: tiān xī
Han Geul 한글: cheon gye 천계
Romaji: ten kei
Vietnamese: Thiên khê
Location:
In the 4th intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline or 2 cun lateral to the midclavicular line.
Functions of Tianxi:
- Regulates and descends qi.
- Benefits the breast and promotes lactation.
- Unbinds the chest.
Indications:
Fullness and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, cough, hiccup, mastitis, insufficient lactation.
Method:
Transverse-oblique insertion along the intercostal space, 0.5 to 1 cun.
Remarks:
Good for breast disorders.
Precautions:
Perpendicular insertion, especially in thin patients, carries a substantial risk of inducing a pneumothorax.