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SI-16 Tianchuang (天窗) — Heavenly Window
Depth
00.3–0.5 cun3.0
Perpendicular insertion
Precautions
Avoid the external jugular vein. Deep insertion may perforate the carotid artery or jugular vein.
Location (classical)
On the lateral aspect of the neck, posterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), at the level of the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple).
How to find it (practical)
Seated, locate the point on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, at the level of Lian Quan (CV-23), which is between the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone.
Anatomy
Posterior border of the SCM, levator scapulae. Innervated by the cervical plexus and accessory nerve.
Needling
Perpendicular insertion, 0.3–0.5 cun.
Etymology
Tian (天), heaven, upper; Chuang (窗), opening, window. The point lies on the neck and is indicated for otologic disorders. It treats hearing deficit, analogously to "opening a window."
CLASSICAL SOURCELing Shu
Clinical Relations
Adjacent Points on the Meridian