SP19 Xiongxiang

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

SP19 (Xiongxiang, “Xiongxiang”) is an acupuncture point on the Spleen Channel Meridian. It is located on the anterior chest, in the third intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to SP18 (Zhourong) and 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline. The point is located with the patient in a supine position. It expands the chest, unbinds the chest and hypochondrium, and alleviates pain.

Location

On the anterior chest, in the third intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to SP18 (Zhourong) and 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline. The point is located with the patient in a supine position.

Needling

Oblique or transverse insertion 0.5-0.8 cun, along the intercostal space. Perpendicular insertion is contraindicated due to the risk of pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Expands the chest, unbinds the chest and hypochondrium, and alleviates pain..

Indications

Chest and hypochondriac fullness, pain in the chest that radiates to the back, inability to lie down, difficulty turning or rolling over..

Clinical notes

Xiongxiang is a local point primarily used for conditions of stagnation and pain in the chest and ribs. Its key indication from classical sources is a feeling of fullness and pain in the chest and hypochondrium that is so severe it prevents the patient from lying down or turning from side to side. This makes it a useful point for pleurisy, intercostal neuralgia, and other conditions with sharp, localized chest pain that is worse with movement or respiration.

On the Spleen Channel channel

SP19 is one of 21 points on the Spleen Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

SP13SP14SP15SP16SP17SP18SP20SP21

Frequently asked questions

Where is SP19 located?

SP19 (Xiongxiang) is located on the anterior chest, in the third intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to SP18 (Zhourong) and 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline. The point is located with the patient in a supine position.

What is SP19 used for?

SP19 expands the chest, unbinds the chest and hypochondrium, and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include chest and hypochondriac fullness, pain in the chest that radiates to the back, inability to lie down, difficulty turning or rolling over.

How is SP19 needled?

Oblique or transverse insertion 0.5-0.8 cun, along the intercostal space. Perpendicular insertion is contraindicated due to the 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 SP19 on?

SP19 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.