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KI-24 Spirit Ruins
灵墟 〔靈墟〕 líng xū
Alternate names: 灵墙 líng qiáng, Spirit Wall
Channel: KI, foot lesser yīn (shào yīn) kidney channel
Modern location: An acupoint located on the chest, in the third intercostal space, 2 cùn lateral to the midline.
Classical location: One cùn and six fēn above Spirit Seal (KI-23), two cùn either side of the midline. The point is found in supine posture. From
Local anatomy: The 3rd intercostal artery and vein. The anterior cutaneous branch of the 3rd intercostal nerve; deeper, the 3rd intercostal nerve.
Action: Opens the chest and downbears counterflow; clears heat and disperses swelling.
Modern indications: Cough; panting;
Classical indications: Propping fullness in the chest and rib-side; breathing difficulty; retching and vomiting; no pleasure in eating;
Needle stimulus: Needling: 0.3‒0.5 cùn oblique or perpendicular insertion. Moxa: 5 cones; pole 5‒20 min.
Point name meaning:
- 灵 líng: spirit (similar, but more yīn than 神 shén)
- 墟 xū: ruins; old burial grounds; residence (帝王布??)
Spirit Ruins represents the region where the spirit resides and thus reminds us that the point is near the heart. The character 墟 (xū) is associated with yīn qualities, i.e., mysterious, hidden, or obscure, and 灵 líng indicates the yīn aspect of the spirit. The point name emphasizes the yīn nature of the kidney as well as the point’s location in the cardiac region. See