ACUPUNCTURE
Tong Tian: TCM Acupoint Guide
Name
Tong Tian (Tongtian)
Location
On the top of the head, 4 cun directly above the anterior hairline and 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. Note: the distance between the glabella, M-HN-3 Yintang, and the lower border of the occipital protuberance, DU-16 Fengfu, is measured as 14 cun; this point lies 1.5 cun lateral to that line. It can also be located 1 cun anterior and 1.5 cun lateral to DU-20 Baihui.
Needling
- Transverse insertion toward the front or back of the head, 0.5 to 1 cun. Sensation: local distention.
- Puncture subcutaneously, 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
- Transverse insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Actions
- Subdues Wind
- Clears the nose
- Benefits and regulates the nose
- Brightens the eyes
- Stops convulsions
- Opens the Orifices
- Eliminates Wind from the upper body
- Clears the head
Indications
- Severe headache
- Facial paralysis
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Vertex headache
- Convulsions
- Rhinitis
- Loss of consciousness
- Migraine
- Giddiness
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal polyps
- Nasal sores
- Goiter
- Dyspnea
- Hemiplegia
- Pain and heaviness of the vertex
- Torticollis
- Cervical adenopathy
- Epistaxis
- Furuncle of the nose
- Rhinorrhea with abundant mucous
- Coma
- Deviated mouth
- Suffocation
- Heavy head
- Nasal obstruction
- Anosmia
- Nasal discharge
- Swollen face
- Stiff neck
- Collapse on sudden standing
- Hysteria
- Sinusitis
Combinations
| Points | Indications |
|---|---|
| DU-23 Shangxing | Nasal obstruction and discharge |
| GB-15 Toulinqi | Nasal congestion |
| UB-6 Chengguang | Deviation of the mouth with profuse, clear nasal discharge |
| DU-15 Yamen, UB-59 Fuyang | Heaviness of the head |
| GB-19 Naokong, DU-17 Naohu | Pain and heaviness of the head |
| UB-8 Luoque | Collapse on sudden standing |
| DU-23 Shangxing, M-HN-3 Yintang, LI-4 Hegu | Rhinitis |
| M-HN-9 Taiyang, GB-20 Fengchi, LI-4 Hegu | Headache |
Contraindications
According to several modern texts, this point is contraindicated to moxibustion.
Notes
An important local point that expels both Exterior and Interior Wind from the head, and an important point on the head to treat all diseases of the nose.
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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