SI11 (Tianzong, “Celestial Gathering”) is an acupuncture point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located on the scapula, in the depression in the center of the infraspinous fossa, located approximately one-third of the distance from the midpoint of the inferior border of the scapular spine to the inferior angle of the scapula. It activates the channel, alleviates pain, soothes the sinews, and benefits the shoulder and arm.
On the scapula, in the depression in the center of the infraspinous fossa, located approximately one-third of the distance from the midpoint of the inferior border of the scapular spine to the inferior angle of the scapula.
Perpendicular or oblique insertion towards the medial or lateral side, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep insertion is cautioned to avoid pneumothorax.
Activates the channel, alleviates pain, soothes the sinews, and benefits the shoulder and arm.
Shoulder and arm pain, shoulder heaviness, shoulder blade pain, elbow pain, inability to raise the arm, cheek and jaw swelling.
Tianzong is a primary local point for a wide range of shoulder and scapular disorders, especially pain located in the infraspinous region. It is frequently used for rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, and general shoulder and arm pain that restricts movement. The classical texts consistently emphasize its effectiveness for heaviness and aching in the shoulder and arm, making it indispensable for treating local channel obstruction.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸大成》 Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng — Great Compendium of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1601 · 卷八 · Source: Wikisource ↗
天宗 秉風後，大骨下陷中。 銅人灸三壯，針五分，留六呼。 主肩臂痠痛， 肘外後廉痛，頰頷腫According to this text, SI11 lies behind Bingfeng (SI12), in the depression below the large bone; the Tongren gives 3 moxa cones, needling 0.5 cun with retention for six breaths. It was used for aching pain of the shoulder and arm, pain on the outer posterior side of the elbow, and swelling of the cheek and jaw.
《千金翼方》 Qiānjīn Yìfāng — Supplement to the Thousand Gold Prescriptions, c. 682 · 卷26 · Source: Wikisource ↗
天宗在秉風后大骨下陷中According to this text, SI11 is located behind Bingfeng (SI12), in the depression below the large bone.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷六 · 經絡（四） · 手太陽小腸經穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
天宗 在秉風后，大骨下陷中。 刺五分，留六呼，灸三壯。 主治肩臂痠疼，肘外後廉痛，頰頷腫According to this text, SI11 lies behind Bingfeng (SI12), in the depression below the large bone; needle 0.5 cun, retain for six breaths, moxibustion 3 cones. It was used for aching pain of the shoulder and arm, pain on the outer posterior side of the elbow, and swelling of the cheek and jaw.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 肩凡二十八穴第十三 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
天宗二穴，主肩痹，頰、頷、齒根腫痛，肘臂外後廉痛The text records that SI11 was used for shoulder bi (painful obstruction), swelling and pain of the cheek, jaw and tooth roots, and pain on the outer posterior side of the elbow and arm.
SI11 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:
SI11 (Tianzong) is located on the scapula, in the depression in the center of the infraspinous fossa, located approximately one-third of the distance from the midpoint of the inferior border of the scapular spine to the inferior angle of the scapula.
SI11 activates the channel, alleviates pain, soothes the sinews, and benefits the shoulder and arm. Common clinical indications include shoulder and arm pain, shoulder heaviness, shoulder blade pain, elbow pain, inability to raise the arm, cheek and jaw swelling.
Perpendicular or oblique insertion towards the medial or lateral side, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep insertion is cautioned to avoid pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall.
SI11 is a point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian (Shǒu Tài Yáng Xiǎo Cháng Jīng).