SP 18 — Tiān Xī (天溪) — Heavenly Stream
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1. Overview
SP 18 — Tiān Xī (天溪) — is an acupuncture point on the Spleen meridian. Its English name, Heavenly Stream, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used in acupuncture practice as part of channel-balancing prescriptions for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use SP 18 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
In the 4th intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline (level with the nipple in men).
3. Actions
- Regulates Qi in the chest
- Benefits the breast and promotes lactation
4. Indications
- Fullness and pain in the chest
- Cough
- Mastitis and breast abscess
- Insufficient lactation
- Pain and swelling of the breast
5. Needling
Oblique or transverse 0.3 to 0.5 cun. Do not needle perpendicularly — risk of pneumothorax.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
SP 18 is a local point for the chest and breast. Combined with SI 1 Shaoze it supports lactation. Use shallow oblique needling only; deeper perpendicular insertion risks pneumothorax.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use SP 18 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Breastfeeding support, Mastitis. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
