Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-10
Earth-Tu
Sea-He Point
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Elbow
Location
When the elbow is flexed, Tianjing TB-10 is in the depression about 1 cun superior to the olecranon.
Main Actions
- Removes Dampness and Phlegm
- Subdues Rebellious Qi
- Calms the Mind
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Fear
Sadness
Scrofula
Coughing
Chest pain
Palpitations
Manic behavior
Swollen tonsils
Coughing of phlegm
Swollen neck glands
Lateral costal region pain
Commentary
Tianjing TB-10's main function is to resolve Dampness or Phlegm, especially Exterior Damp-Heat, characterized by symptoms such as swelling of glands or tonsils. It also dissipates nodules as the result of Exterior Dampness accumulation.
Furthermore, it subdues Rebellious Qi so as to stop coughing as well as ease pain in the chest and lateral costal region.
In relation to the above function, it also regulates Qi in the chest. It is especially effective in removing Liver Qi Stagnation which can cause mental disorders such as manic behavior, sadness, fright or palpitations.
Finally, it opens the Channel by removing Obstructions. Therefore, it is indicated for pain and stiffness along the Channel, especially on the elbow.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經): "天井，在肘外大骨之后，肘后陷者中。手少阳脉之所入也，为合。" (Tianjing is located behind the large bone on the outer elbow, in the depression posterior to the elbow. It is where the Hand Shaoyang channel enters, being the He-Sea point.)
Zhenjiu Dacheng (針灸大成): Records this point for treating scrofula, goiter, epilepsy, mental disturbances, migraine, pain in the neck and shoulder, and chest oppression with heart pain.
Ling Shu (靈樞): As a He-Sea point, it is indicated where "the qi of the meridian collects and goes deep into the body" and treats rebellious qi.
How to Locate
Flex the elbow to 90°, locate Tianjing TB-10 by palpating a depression about 1 cun above the olecranon.
Caution
Some classical sources indicate caution during pregnancy, particularly after the fourth month. Avoid aggressive stimulation in pregnant patients. The point lies over the olecranon fossa; ensure proper elbow flexion for accurate location.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Up to 1 cun vertically or obliquely in a proximal direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness around the elbow. Deqi may radiate proximally along the posterior upper arm or distally toward the forearm.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Earth-Tu
Transporting Type
Sea-He Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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