Small Intestine Meridian
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SI-17
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
Posterior to the angle of mandible, in the depression on the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Main Actions
- Subdues Rebellious Qi
- Resolves Dampness
- Clears Toxic Heat
- Benefits the ears
Indications
Commentary
Tianrong SI-17 subdues Rebellious Qi, so as to ease breathlessness, wheezing, coughing and vomiting.
It resolves Dampness as well, with typical symptoms like goitre, scrofula of neck, swelling and pain of the neck.
It also treat mumps and tonsillitis due to Toxic-Heat.
Finally, it benefits the ears. Thus it can be stimulated to treat tinnitus and deafness.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "For throat painful obstruction (Hou Bi), [use] Wangu GB-12, Tianrong SI-17, Qishe ST-11, Tianding LI-17, Chize LU-5, Hegu LI-4, Shangyang LI-1, Yangxi LI-5, Zhongzhu SJ-3, Qiangu SI-2, Shangqiu SP-5, Rangu KI-2, and Yangjiao GB-35 all govern it."
Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "Tianrong, Tinghui, Tinggong, and Zhongzhu govern deafness with cicada-like tinnitus."
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): SI-17 is listed among the Window of Heaven points that regulate the flow of qi between the head and body, treating conditions where qi rebels upward or becomes blocked in the neck region.
How to Locate
The border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle becomes more pronounced by rotating the patient’s head in the opposite direction. Tianrong SI-17 is located halfway between the angle of the mandible and the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Caution
Located near the internal carotid artery and both internal and external jugular veins. Palpate carefully before needling and avoid the carotid vessels. Needle slowly and anterior to the carotid pulse. Having the patient turn their head away while applying resistance to the chin can help identify the sternocleidomastoid muscle border. Deep needling is contraindicated due to vascular proximity.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Internal carotid artery, internal and external jugular veins
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distention and soreness that may extend toward the root of the tongue or radiate into the throat region. A local sensation of heaviness or pressure in the lateral neck is common.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Window of Heaven
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