SP18 Celestial Stream

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

SP18 (Tianxi, “Celestial Stream”) is an acupuncture point on the Spleen Channel Meridian. It is located on the lateral chest, in a depression 1.6 cun inferior to Xiongxiang (SP17). This point is located with the patient in a supine position. It is described as being on a vertical line 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It unbinds the chest, regulates and descends Qi, promotes lactation and resolves swelling.

Location

On the lateral chest, in a depression 1.6 cun inferior to Xiongxiang (SP17). This point is located with the patient in a supine position. It is described as being on a vertical line 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Needling

Oblique or transverse insertion 0.5-0.8 cun along the intercostal space. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion to prevent pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Unbinds the chest, regulates and descends Qi, promotes lactation and resolves swelling..

Indications

Cough with upwardly surging Qi, chest pain, chest fullness, wheezing with sounds in the throat, breast swelling, breast abscess, ulcerated breast abscess, breast pain with a sense of fullness in the chest, sudden obstruction in the throat with gurgling sounds.

Clinical notes

Tianxi is a key local point for both respiratory and mammary disorders. Its classical indications for cough with rebellious Qi and chest fullness make it useful for asthma, bronchitis, and intercostal neuralgia. It is particularly noted for treating breast issues, including mastitis, abscesses, and insufficient lactation, by promoting the free flow of Qi and blood in the chest.

On the Spleen Channel channel

SP18 is one of 21 points on the Spleen Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

SP13SP14SP15SP16SP17SP19SP20SP21

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP18 located?

SP18 (Tianxi) is located on the lateral chest, in a depression 1.6 cun inferior to Xiongxiang (SP17). This point is located with the patient in a supine position. It is described as being on a vertical line 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

What is SP18 used for?

SP18 unbinds the chest, regulates and descends Qi, promotes lactation and resolves swelling. Common clinical indications include cough with upwardly surging Qi, chest pain, chest fullness, wheezing with sounds in the throat, breast swelling, breast abscess, ulcerated breast abscess, breast pain with a sense of fullness in the chest, sudden obstruction in the throat with gurgling sounds.

How is SP18 needled?

Oblique or transverse insertion 0.5-0.8 cun along the intercostal space. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion to prevent pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall.

Which meridian is SP18 on?

SP18 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.