A quiet but important point on the chest wall. Xiongxiang (SP-19) sits among the upper Spleen channel points in the lateral rib region, where its chief gift is opening and unbinding the chest — releasing fullness, pain and the feeling that something is stuck in the thorax.
Name & story
The name 胸乡 Xiongxiang means "Chest Region" or "Chest Township" — 胸 (xiong) is simply the chest, and 乡 (xiang) is a countryside, a home district, a place where things belong. The name tells you exactly where the point lives and what it governs: it is, in a sense, the local keeper of the chest, quietly tending the Qi that flows through this part of the thorax. There is something almost pastoral in that image — a small village official who makes sure everything in the region moves freely and without congestion.
Point family & character
Xiongxiang (SP-19) belongs to the Spleen Meridian (SP). It is a local point on the lateral chest wall, lying along the stretch of the Spleen channel that travels through the lateral costal region — passing through Shidou SP-17, Tianxi SP-18, Xiongxiang SP-19, Zhourong SP-20 and on to Dabao SP-21. It carries no special classical category (not a He-Sea, Xi Cleft, or Yuan Source), but serves as a significant local point for the chest.
Five-element dynamics
The Spleen Meridian (SP) belongs to the Earth element, and by its nature Earth governs the Middle Burner and the smooth transformation and transportation of everything the body takes in. Yet as the channel travels upward through the chest wall, it also influences the Upper Burner — the domain of the Lungs and Heart. When Qi in the chest becomes congested or blocked, whether from emotional constraint, Cold or simply stagnant flow, the lateral costal region tightens and hurts. Xiongxiang (SP-19), sitting right in that region, helps to release and move Qi locally, restoring the free passage that the channel needs.
Location
Xiongxiang (SP-19) is found on the lateral side of the chest, in the third intercostal space, 6 Cun lateral to the midline. A useful landmark: the intercostal spaces are most reliably counted downward from the second intercostal space, which lies just below the sternal angle. The point sits one intercostal space above Tianxi SP-18 (which is in the fourth intercostal space) and one below Zhourong SP-20.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the lateral wall of the chest, in the third intercostal space, between the ribs.
Needling
The needle is inserted transverse-obliquely, directed along the intercostal space — never straight in toward the chest cavity.
The golden tip
If you feel tightness, fullness or aching in the side of the chest or along the ribs, you can gently press into the third intercostal space on the lateral chest wall — the point is about 6 Cun out from the midline. Apply firm, gentle circular pressure for a minute or two. Because this area is close to the ribs and chest, keep pressure moderate and avoid digging too hard. Slow, deep breathing while pressing can help the chest open further.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.