ACUPUNCTURE
Tian Liao: TCM Acupoint Guide
TIANLIAO
Name
Tian Liao (Tianliao)
Location
In the supraclavicular fossa, in the depression midway between GB-21 Jianjing and SI-13 Quyuan at the medial end of the suprascapular fossa.
Needling
- Straight insertion towards the spine of the scapula, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Oblique insertion directed according to the clinical manifestations, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Caution: perpendicular insertion, especially in thin patients, carries a substantial risk of inducing a pneumothorax.
- Puncture perpendicularly, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Command Functions
- Meeting point of the Yang Wei and Gall Bladder channels
Actions
- Dispels wind-damp
- Activates the channel
- Alleviates pain
- Unbinds the chest
- Regulates qi
Indications
- Inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon
- Pain or soreness in the region of the scapula and back of the neck
- Fever
- Heat and fullness of the chest
- Heat in the body with absence of sweating
- Chills and fever
- Pain and weakness of the arm
- Absence of perspiration
- Pain of the shoulder and arm
- Stiffness and pain of the neck
- Tension of the nape of the neck
- Pain in the supraclavicular fossa
- Agitation and oppression of the chest
- Oppression of the heart with absence of sweating
- Febrile disease
- Pain in the lower subclavicular area
- Pain in the shoulder and elbow
Notes
This is an important point for shoulder pain.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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