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Tian You: TCM Acupoint Guide

TIANYOU
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

Tian You (Tianyou)

Location

On the lateral side of the neck, directly below the posterior border of the mastoid process, on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the level of the angle of the mandible, approximately 1 cun inferior to GB-12 Wangu.

Needling

  • Perpendicular insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness.
  • Puncture perpendicularly, 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
  • Moxibustion is applicable.

Command Functions

  • Window of Heaven point

Actions

  • Benefits the head and sense organs
  • Regulates and descends qi

Indications

  • Headache
  • Neck rigidity
  • Facial swelling
  • Blurred vision
  • Sudden deafness
  • Loss of sense of smell
  • Stuffy nose
  • Confused dreaming
  • Stiffness and pain of the neck with inability to turn the head
  • Swelling of the supraclavicular fossa
  • Tinnitus
  • Deafness
  • Sore eyes
  • Excessive dreaming
  • Impaired hearing
  • Dimness of vision
  • Pain of the eyes with inability to see
  • Lacrimation
  • Rhinitis with nosebleed
  • Wind dizziness
  • Head Wind
  • Swelling of the submandibular region
  • Throat Bi
  • Scrofula
  • Breast swelling
  • Malaria
  • Sore throat
  • Constricted throat

Combinations

PointsIndications
SJ-9 SiduSudden deafness
UB-22 Fengmen, UB-60 Kunlun, SJ-1 Guanchong, REN-4 GuanyuanWind dizziness, headache
UB-45 Yixi (needle first), GB-20 FengchiSwelling of the face
DU-26 RenzhongNasal discharge with inability to distinguish the fragrant from the foul
UB-15 XinshuLachrymation
ST-12 Quepen, DU-11 Shendao, UB-11 Dazhu, REN-22 Tiantu, ST-28 Shuidao, LI-16 JuguPain of the shoulder and back
SI-3 HouxiStiffness of the neck with inability to turn the head
GB-12 Wangu, SI-2 QianguTired throat, swelling of the neck with inability to turn the head, swelling of the cheek that radiates to the ear
SI-19 Tinggong, SJ-2 YemenDeafness
SJ-17 Yifeng, LI-4 HeguSore throat

Notes

This point, along with the other Window of Heaven points, is able to regulate and balance the qi between the head and body. It is used for inversion qi, that is, chaotic and rebellious qi rushing to the head.

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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.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

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