Tianliao Point (TE-15 / Heavenly Bone Crevice)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Tianliao (TE-15 / Heavenly Bone Crevice). Learn its benefits for shoulder-arm pain, stiff neck, and chest fullness – the meeting point of Sanjiao and Yang Wei – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Shoulder and arm pain, stiff painful neck, stiff neck (wry neck), chest fullness and restlessness, and shoulder and back pain.
Precise Location
In the scapular region, in the bony crevice at the superior angle of the scapula.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. The point is in the bony crevice at the medial superior angle of the scapula (the upper corner near the spine), above the medial end of the scapular spine – 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. Press and knead Tianliao with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat shoulder and back pain and stiff neck. Therapeutic actions: Dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals, relaxes the sinews and relieves pain, soothes the chest and regulates qi.
Compatibility
Cervical-shoulder syndrome and upper limb immobility: Combine with Bingfeng (SI-12), Tianzong (SI-11), Qinglengyuan (TE-11), and Naohui (TE-13). Shoulder and arm pain: Combine with Jianliao (TE-14), Jianyu (LI-15), and Binao (LI-14). Stiff painful neck and stiff neck: Combine with Houxi (SI-3), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fengchi (GB-20). Chest fullness and restlessness: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17) and Neiguan (PC-6).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and is the meeting point of the Sanjiao Meridian and the Yang Wei Vessel. It dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals, relaxes the sinews and relieves pain, and soothes the chest and regulates qi. It is a commonly used key point for treating shoulder-neck and chest-back disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Tian" means heaven or upper; "Liao" means bone crevice or gap. Located in the bony crevice of the superior angle of the scapula, high up like heaven – hence the name Tianliao (Heavenly Bone Crevice).
