Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-15
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Shoulder, Back — Upper (Thoracic)
Location
Midway between Jianjing GB-21 and Quyuan SI-13, on top of the superior angle of the scapula.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Tianliao TB-15 is mostly used to open Channel by removing Obstructions. It is an important local point to ease pain and stiffness in shoulder, arm, neck and clavicle area.
Furthermore, it opens the chest and regulate Qi there. It also clears Heat that are caused by Stagnated Qi in the chest. Typical symptoms are feeling of chest oppression and heat as well as any febrile diseases.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First documented this point as belonging to the Hand Shaoyang San Jiao channel and noted its meeting with the Gallbladder channel and Yang Wei vessel.
Name meaning: 'Tian' (天) means heaven or celestial, referring to the upper location of the point. 'Liao' (髎) means bone-hole or crevice. The name describes the point's location in a depression near the superior angle of the scapula, where Qi from the San Jiao channel disperses and descends.
How to Locate
First identify the lower border of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) and the tip of the acromion which is the lateral extension of the scapular spine. Draw an imaginary line between these two points and locate Tianliao TB-15 at the midpoint
Caution
This point is located over the lung apex region. Perpendicular deep insertion, especially in thin patients, carries a substantial risk of inducing pneumothorax. Always angle the needle toward the spine of the scapula and use shallow to moderate depth (0.5-1 cun). Exercise extra caution in patients with thin body frames or lung conditions.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely towards the neck or shoulder. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local aching or distending sensation around the scapula region. The deqi sensation may radiate toward the shoulder, upper arm, or neck. Needling should be directed toward the spine of the scapula to avoid deep penetration.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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