Small Intestine Meridian
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SI-16
Window of Heaven
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Neck — Lateral
Location
In the lateral aspect of the neck, on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, lever with the Adam's apple.
Main Actions
- Calms the Mind
- Subdues Rebellious Qi
- Expels Interior Wind
- Benefits ears
Indications
Deafness
Tinnitus
Ear pain
Headaches
Cheek pain
Depression
Wind-stroke
Heat on face
Loss of voice
Manic behavior
Hallucinations
Clenching of teeth
Commentary
As the Window of Heaven point of the Small Intestine Channel, Tianchuang SI-16's main function is to calms the Mind by regulating the Qi ascending and descending to and from the heat. Therefore, it is able to treat symptoms like manic behavior, manic depression or hallucination of 'Ghost'.
This Mind Calming feature is quite similar to Yanggu SI-5 of the same Channel. The Small Intestine's main function is to separate the clear Fluids from the turbid, therefore both points are able to discriminate between issues and help patients to make the right decision from several. Tianchuang SI-16 has even stronger effect due to its being one of the Window of Heavens.
On top of that, Tianchuan SI-16 can also subdue Rebellious Qi so as to treat cheek pain and feeling of Heat in the face.
It can expel Interior Wind with typical symptoms like lose of voice due to Wind-stroke, clenched teeth and headache.
Finally, it benefits ears and treats deafness, tinnitus and ear pain.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter on Root and Knot: "The Hand Taiyang enters at Tianchuang and Zhizheng."
Su Wen (Basic Questions), Qi Xue Lun (Discussion on Qi Points): "Tianchuang, two points. This point belongs to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine channel... indicated for hemorrhoids, neck pain, shoulder pain radiating to the nape, inability to look back, deafness, cheek swelling, throat pain, sudden loss of voice, clenched teeth, and wind-stroke."
Tong Ren (Bronze Figure): "Moxa three cones, needle three fen."
How to Locate
From the Adam's apple, draw a line to the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Tianchuang SI-16 is located directly at its posterior border.
Caution
Located in the lateral neck region with proximity to the carotid artery, internal and external jugular veins, and the greater auricular nerve. Needle carefully with perpendicular shallow insertion. Avoid deep needling. Rotate the patient's head to the opposite side to locate the point, but return the head to neutral position before needling to avoid vessel displacement. This point is near major vascular structures - palpate carefully before insertion.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. The point is more visible and palpable by rotating the patient’s head in the opposite direction. But for actual needling, it is better to rotate the patient’s head back to its normal position.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness radiating toward the ear or throat. Some patients may feel warmth spreading along the lateral neck. Deqi sensation should be moderate - avoid excessive manipulation due to proximity to vascular structures.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Window of Heaven
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