Tianjing Point (TE-10 / Heavenly Well)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Tianjing (TE-10 / Heavenly Well). Learn its benefits for styes, migraine, tonsillitis, and hives – the Sanjiao meridian He-Sea point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Stye (hordeolum), migraine, tonsillitis, urticaria (hives), scrofula, elbow and arm pain, neck-shoulder-arm pain, and red painful eyes.
Precise Location
Located on the Sanjiao Meridian, on the lateral side of the arm, in the depression 1 cun directly above the elbow tip (olecranon) when the elbow is flexed.
Location Method
Sit upright with the hand extended, elbow flexed, forearm vertical with the palm facing inward. Lightly hold the elbow with the other hand – press vertically upward with the middle (or index) fingertip into the depression above the elbow tip.
Massage Method
Bend the middle (or index) finger and press vertically upward into the point above the elbow tip – a sore, distending, and numb sensation will occur. Apply once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes on each side. Therapeutic actions: Moves qi and disperses nodules, calms the spirit and unblocks the collaterals, clears heat and cools blood.
Compatibility
Stye (hordeolum): Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Tianjing (TE-10), Jingming (BL-1), and Tongziliao (GB-1). Disease overview: A stye is an acute suppurative inflammation of the meibomian gland or sebaceous glands around the eyelash follicles caused by staphylococcal infection – characterized by local redness, swelling, pain, induration, and yellow purulent spots. It usually resolves within a few days. Massage sequence: Close the eyes and sit quietly for 2 minutes – massage Hegu and Tianjing during this time; rub hands together until warm, gently cover the eyes with warm palms for 10 seconds; finally pinch Jingming and massage Tongziliao. Migraine: Combine with Sizhukong (TE-23), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Waiguan (TE-5), and Tianjing (TE-10). Scrofula: Combine with Jianjing (GB-21) and Yifeng (TE-17). Elbow and arm pain: Combine with Quchi (LI-11) and Shousanli (LI-10). Urticaria: Combine with Quchi (LI-11) and Xuehai (SP-10).
Efficacy & Actions
In Chinese folklore, it is believed that peeping at others in the restroom causes styes – medically known as hordeolum. Of course, styes are not actually caused by such behavior. However, if you develop a stye, pressing Tianjing can help resolve the problem. Tianjing is a point that clears heat, cools blood, and treats styes. This point belongs to the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and is the He-Sea point where the meridian qi enters (corresponding to the Earth element in the five-element theory). It moves qi and disperses nodules, calms the spirit and unblocks the collaterals, and clears heat and cools blood. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, face, and upper limb disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Tian" means heaven or upper; "Jing" means well. Located in the depression above the elbow tip, where Sanjiao Meridian qi gathers deeply like a well – hence the name Tianjing (Heavenly Well).
