Tianyou Point (TE-16 / Heavenly Window)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Tianyou (TE-16 / Heavenly Window). Learn its benefits for headache, dizziness, sudden deafness, and stiff neck – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache (migraine, occipital headache), dizziness, sudden deafness, stiff painful neck, tinnitus, postauricular pain, eye pain, and sore throat.
Precise Location
On the lateral neck, level with the angle of the mandible, in the depression at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Location Method
Sit upright or recline with the head supported. At the level of the mandibular angle, in the depression at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle – firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. ③ Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom. Press and knead Tianyou with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat neck pain, migraine, and tinnitus. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and unblocks the collaterals, opens the orifices and sharpens hearing, dispels wind and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Stiff painful neck and neck pain: Combine with Waiguan (TE-5). Tinnitus and sudden deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Yifeng (TE-17), and Zhongzhu (TE-3). Headache and migraine: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Shuaigu (GB-8). Dizziness: Combine with Baihui (GV-20) and Taichong (LR-3). Sore throat: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Shaoshang (LU-11).
Efficacy & Actions
The Lingshu · Jingmai states: "When qi of the Sanjiao Meridian counterflows, it causes headache and deafness." The Jiayi Jing records: "Tianyou treats wind headache, postauricular pain, and tinnitus." Located on the lateral neck, this point serves as a gateway for Sanjiao Meridian qi to ascend to the head and face. It clears heat and unblocks the collaterals, opens the orifices and sharpens hearing, and dispels wind and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, neck, and ear disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Tian" means heaven or upper; "You" means window. Located on the lateral neck, this point is the window through which meridian qi communicates with the head and face – hence the name Tianyou (Heavenly Window).
