Where is the exact location of the Tianzong acupoint, and what are its functions?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the Tianzong acupoint is located in the scapular region of the human body, approximately in the center of the scapula. The Tianzong acupoint functions to regulate local blood and qi circulation, relieve swelling by promoting qi flow, relax muscles and tendons, widen the chest, and dispel wind to relieve exterior symptoms. It is advisable to ensure adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue in daily life, which helps maintain muscular strength and joint flexibility in the shoulder and back areas.
Under normal circumstances, the Tianzong point (SI11) is located in the scapular region of the human body, approximately in the center of the scapula. The Tianzong point has functions including regulating local blood circulation, promoting qi flow and reducing swelling, relaxing muscles and tendons, regulating qi to relieve chest tightness, and dispersing wind to alleviate superficial conditions. Detailed explanations are as follows:
I. Location
Specifically, the Tianzong point lies in the depression at the junction of the upper one-third and lower two-thirds of the line connecting the midpoint of the scapular spine with the inferior angle of the scapula. When locating this point, the patient may sit upright or lean forward in a prone position. It is located on the line between the inferior border of the scapular spine and the inferior angle of the scapula; pressing this area will produce a distinct soreness and distention sensation, indicating the location of the Tianzong point.
II. Functions
1. Regulating Local Blood Circulation
The Tianzong point effectively regulates the circulation of qi and blood in the scapular region and surrounding areas. Stimulating this point enhances local blood circulation and distribution, prevents blood stasis, and helps prevent scapular diseases caused by poor circulation. Additionally, it contributes to maintaining overall qi and blood balance throughout the upper body.
2. Promoting Qi Flow and Reducing Swelling
The Tianzong point promotes blood circulation, harmonizes the relationship between qi and blood, and thus achieves the effect of promoting qi flow and reducing swelling. It can be used to treat facial swelling and pain caused by qi and blood stagnation.
3. Relaxing Muscles and Unblocking Meridians
The Tianzong point can unblock meridians in the scapular region and relax muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint. It is highly effective in preventing and treating scapular pain and periarthritis of the shoulder caused by blocked meridians.
4. Regulating Qi and Relieving Chest Tightness
The Tianzong point is located in the chest and back area, close to the heart and lungs. Massaging or acupuncture at this point can regulate the flow of qi in the chest, alleviate symptoms such as fullness in the chest and ribs, coughing, and asthma, and also improve cardiopulmonary function, making breathing smoother.
5. Dispelling Wind and Alleviating Superficial Conditions
The Tianzong point is a gathering place for clear yang energy in the chest. Massaging or acupuncture at this point has the effect of dispersing wind and treating superficial conditions. It can invigorate yang energy, enhance immunity, and help prevent and treat colds caused by seasonal and weather changes.
In daily life, it is important to ensure adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue, which helps maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility in the shoulders and back.
