ST-18 Breast Root RUGEN - Acupuncture Points

Location
( ST-18 Breast Root RUGEN - Acupuncture Points ) In the 5th intercostal space, on the mamillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
How to find
The mamillary line, a vertical line used for reference, is located 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline (➞3.5). In men, the nipple is generally located on the level of the 4th intercostal space, and ST-18 is located in the intercostal space directly below. The point is often located at the lower border of the pectoralis major muscle; in women, it is often found at the root of the breast. Location help in women: Find the 5th intercostal space by palpating downward from the clavicle or from the manubriosternal synchondrosis (second rib) (➞3.5). Then follow the course of the intercostal space laterally to the mamillary line and there locate ST-18. Note the ascending course of the intercostal spaces!
Located on the same level are ➞ Ren-16 (anterior midline), ➞ KID-22 (2 cun lateral to the anterior midline) and ➞ SP-17 (6 cun lateral to the midline).
Needling
0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely (subcutaneously), parallel to the course of the intercostal space or with or against the channel pathway. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Actions/Indications
● Benefits the breasts, moves the Blood
● Unbinds the chest
● Regulates the Lung Qi
Special features
Important local point

Tags: Breast Root, RUGEN, ST, ST-18

Category: Acupuncture Points