Tian Zong: TCM Acupoint Guide

Name

Tian Zong (Tianzong)

Location

On the scapula, in the center of the infraspinous fossa, in the depression one-third of the distance from the midpoint of the inferior border of the scapular spine to the inferior angle of the scapula.

Needling

• Straight insertion or slanted in different directions, 0.5 to 1.5 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness.
• Perpendicular or oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.5 cun.
• Puncture perpendicularly or obliquely, 0.5 to 1 cun.
• Moxibustion is applicable.

Actions

• Activates the channel
• Alleviates pain
• Moves qi
• Unbinds the chest and lateral costal region
• Benefits the breasts

Indications

• Heaviness and pain of the shoulder
• Scapular pain
• Pain and inability to raise the elbow and arm
• Fullness of the chest and lateral costal region
• Breast abscess
• Pain of the lateroposterior aspect of the elbow and arm
• Severe, painful hiccups
• Mastitis
• Rheumatic neuralgia of the shoulder joint
• Headache
• Opisthotonis
• Elbow pain
• Swelling of the cheek and submandibular region
• Cough
• Pain and swelling of the breast
• Insufficient lactation
• Asthma
• Pain of the shoulder, upper arm and shoulder blade
• Neuralgia of the scapula and shoulder
• The arm cannot be raised or flexed backward
• Spasms of the neck muscles

Combinations

Notes

An important point for pain of the scapular region. This point is nearly always painful on palpation in Bi syndrome of the shoulder. It is best to needle this point with the patient sitting up. This is the strongest spiritual point on the channel: it brings clarity and wisdom, and stimulating it helps to release toxins.