SP17 Food Cavity

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

SP17 (Shidou, “Food Cavity”) is an acupuncture point on the Spleen Channel Meridian. It is located on the lateral chest, in the 5th intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to Tianxi (SP18). This point is located 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It is best located with the patient supine and the arm raised. It regulates the diaphragm, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, descends rebellious Qi, and resolves Dampness.

Location

On the lateral chest, in the 5th intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to Tianxi (SP18). This point is located 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It is best located with the patient supine and the arm raised.

Needling

Oblique or transverse insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Regulates the diaphragm, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, descends rebellious Qi, and resolves Dampness..

Indications

Chest and hypochondriac fullness and distention, rumbling sounds in the diaphragm, sensation of water in the diaphragm, pain in the diaphragm, chest and back pain, inability to lie down, difficulty turning side to side, difficulty breathing, cough, vomiting, inability to eat..

Clinical notes

Shidou is a key point on the lateral chest for addressing disorders of the diaphragm and Middle Jiao. Its primary classical indications are for fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, and audible gurgling or 'rumbling thunder' in the diaphragm, suggesting fluid accumulation or Qi stagnation. It is effective for rebellious Qi patterns involving both the digestive and respiratory systems, such as difficulty eating accompanied by chest distention and breathing problems.

On the Spleen Channel channel

SP17 is one of 21 points on the Spleen Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

SP13SP14SP15SP16SP18SP19SP20SP21

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP17 located?

SP17 (Shidou) is located on the lateral chest, in the 5th intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to Tianxi (SP18). This point is located 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It is best located with the patient supine and the arm raised.

What is SP17 used for?

SP17 regulates the diaphragm, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, descends rebellious Qi, and resolves Dampness. Common clinical indications include chest and hypochondriac fullness and distention, rumbling sounds in the diaphragm, sensation of water in the diaphragm, pain in the diaphragm, chest and back pain, inability to lie down, difficulty turning side to side, difficulty breathing, cough, vomiting, inability to eat.

How is SP17 needled?

Oblique or transverse insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall.

Which meridian is SP17 on?

SP17 is a point on the Spleen Channel Meridian (Zú Tài Yīn Pí Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.