The Stomach 18 Point

The stomach 18 point is located on the fifth intercostal nerve. Attacking this point can adversely affect the heart because the fifth intercostal nerve connects to the cardiac sympathetic nerves in the spinal cord. Thus, stimulation of this point can increase the sympathetic stimulation of the heart. In a susceptible individual this can lead to abnormal heart rhythms or a heart attack. In addition, the left stomach 18 point lies directly over an area of the chest where blunt trauma is associated with sudden cardiac death. This phenomenon is called commotio cordis and is well documented in the medical literature.