Indications

Pain on the medial side of the upper arm, chest and hypochondriac fullness, chest and back pain, cough, palpitations, heart pain, and chest tightness.

Precise Location

In the anterior arm region, 2 cun below the anterior axillary fold, between the long and short heads of the biceps brachii muscle.

Location Method

Sit upright or lie supine with the arm extended and palm facing up. Measure 3 finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) downward from the anterior axillary fold – the point is in the depression between the two heads of the biceps brachii, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.

Massage Method

① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Cupping: Apply retained cupping with a fire cup. Press and knead Tianquan with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat cough and palpitations. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the chest and regulates qi, activates blood and unblocks the collaterals, and calms the heart and settles the spirit.

Compatibility

Heart pain and palpitations: Combine with Tongli (HT-5). Chest and hypochondriac fullness and chest tightness: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17) and Neiguan (PC-6). Pain on the medial side of the upper arm: Combine with Jianyu (LI-15) and Binao (LI-14). Cough: Combine with Feishu (BL-13) and Tiantu (RN-22).

Efficacy & Actions

This point belongs to the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian. It soothes the chest and regulates qi, activates blood and unblocks the collaterals, and calms the heart and settles the spirit. It is a commonly used key point for treating heart, chest, and upper limb disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Tian" means heaven or upper; "Quan" means spring. Located in the anterior upper arm, this point is where Pericardium Meridian qi gushes like a spring – hence the name Tianquan (Heavenly Spring). It is also known as "Tianwen."