Triple Burner Channel

Tianyou TB-16

Chinese: 天牖

Pinyin: Tiān Yǒu

Location

Posterior and inferior to the mastoid process, on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with Tianrong SI-17 and Tianzhu BL-10. 

How to locate

Rotate the head against resistance towards the side to be needled. 

Tianyou TB-16 is located on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with the mandibular angle. 

Main actions

Regulates Qi ascending and descending to the head

Indications

Scrofula Sneezing Headaches Dizziness Tearfulness Bloody nose Swollen face Blurred vision Sudden deafness Loss of sense of smell

Needling

Vertically 0.5–1 cun.

Caution: Carotid artery. 

Commentary for Tianyou TB-16

As a Window of Heaven point, Tianyou TB-16 regulates the Qi ascending and descending to the head. 

First of all, it is able to subdue Rebellious Qi. In this case, excessive Liver Yang rises and causes typical symptoms such as headache, dizziness, swollen face or scrofula. 

On the other hand, it stimulates the ascending of Qi to the head. When insufficient Qi goes to the head, sense orifices suffer and causes symptoms such as sudden deafness, blurred vision, excessive lacrimation, sneezing, nosebleed or loss of sense of smell.