SI16 Celestial Window

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

SI16 (Tianchuang, “Celestial Window”) is the Window of Heaven point of the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located on the lateral aspect of the neck, in a depression on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, posterior to Futu (LI18) and level with the laryngeal prominence. It benefits the throat and ears, calms the spirit, activates the channel and alleviates pain.

Location

On the lateral aspect of the neck, in a depression on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, posterior to Futu (LI18) and level with the laryngeal prominence.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly posterior insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution should be exercised to avoid the carotid artery and jugular vein anteriorly, and the vertebral artery medially.

TCM functions

Benefits the throat and ears, calms the spirit, activates the channel and alleviates pain..

Indications

Headache, urticaria, scrofula with neck pain, manic psychosis with ghostly speech, sudden loss of voice after wind-stroke, deafness, ear pain, tinnitus like cicadas, cheek swelling and pain, tooth lockjaw, inability to turn the head, shoulder and scapular pain radiating to the neck..

Window of Heaven

Clinical notes

Tianchuang is a significant 'Window of Heaven' point for conditions affecting the head and sense organs, especially when there is a blockage of Qi. Its classical indications strongly support its use for sudden deafness, tinnitus, and throat issues, as well as for severe psycho-emotional disorders like mania. The repeated emphasis on its use for sudden loss of voice following a stroke, often with heavy moxibustion, highlights its role in restoring communication between the head and the rest of the body.

On the Small Intestine Channel channel

SI16 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI16 located?

SI16 (Tianchuang) is located on the lateral aspect of the neck, in a depression on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, posterior to Futu (LI18) and level with the laryngeal prominence.

What is SI16 used for?

SI16 benefits the throat and ears, calms the spirit, activates the channel and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include headache, urticaria, scrofula with neck pain, manic psychosis with ghostly speech, sudden loss of voice after wind-stroke, deafness, ear pain, tinnitus like cicadas, cheek swelling and pain, tooth lockjaw, inability to turn the head, shoulder and scapular pain radiating to the neck.

How is SI16 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly posterior insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Caution should be exercised to avoid the carotid artery and jugular vein anteriorly, and the vertebral artery medially.

Which meridian is SI16 on?

SI16 is a point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian (Shǒu Tài Yáng Xiǎo Cháng Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.