Tianchong Point (GB-9 / Heavenly Thoroughfare, also known as Tianqu)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Tianchong (GB-9 / Heavenly Thoroughfare). Learn its benefits for headache, swollen gums, epilepsy, and goiter – the meeting point of Gallbladder and Bladder – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache (migraine, vertex headache), swollen painful gums, epilepsy, goiter, tinnitus, deafness, and restlessness with fright.
Precise Location
On the head, 2 cun directly above the posterior margin of the ear root into the hairline, 0.5 cun posterior to Shuaigu (GB-8).
Location Method
Stand upright with both hands raised, palms facing outward. Bring the index, middle, and ring fingers together and place them flat behind the ear tip – the point is where the ring finger rests when the index finger is at the hairline behind the ear tip.
Massage Method
Bring the four fingers together and gently press on Tianchong – knead once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes on each side (or simultaneously). Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and reduces swelling, dispels wind and calms fright, supplements qi and reinforces yang, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Swollen painful gums: Combine with Daying (ST-5). Disease overview: Pain at the tooth root with swelling of the surrounding gums. Simple gingivitis can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication and massage; if caused by tooth decay, medical attention is recommended. Massage sequence: Massage Tianchong with four fingers together for 3 minutes; then press Daying on both sides of the face with the thumbs 20 times each. Goiter: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Zusanli (ST-36), Qishe (ST-11), Lieque (LU-7), Fengchi (GB-20), and Tianchong (GB-9). Epilepsy: Combine with Shugu (BL-65) and Tianchong (GB-9). Headache: Combine with Muchuang (GB-16), Fengchi (GB-20), and Tianchong (GB-9). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19) and Yifeng (TE-17). Restlessness with fright: Combine with Shenmen (HT-7) and Xinshu (BL-15).
Efficacy & Actions
The name of this point first appeared in the Zhenjiu Jiayijing, and in the Qianjin Yaofang it is called "Tianqu." As an important point on the Gallbladder Meridian, it has analgesic effects. For example, when suffering from headache or swollen painful gums, gently massaging this point helps relieve the pain. This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Gallbladder Meridian and the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It clears heat and reduces swelling, dispels wind and calms fright, supplements qi and reinforces yang, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, and mental disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Tian" means heaven or upper; "Chong" means thoroughfare or passage. Located behind the ear on the head, this point is where Gallbladder Meridian qi rushes upward – hence the name Tianchong (Heavenly Thoroughfare). It is also known as "Tianqu."
