TB10 Celestial Well

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

TB10 (Tiānjǐng, “Celestial Well”) is the He-Sea (Earth) point of the Triple Burner Meridian. TB10 is located on the posterior aspect of the arm, 1 cun superior to the olecranon, in the depression when the elbow is flexed. It transforms phlegm and dissipates nodules, calms the spirit, clears heat.

Location

TB10 is located on the posterior aspect of the arm, 1 cun superior to the olecranon, in the depression when the elbow is flexed.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. Caution for ulnar nerve.

⚠ Major vessel/nerve nearby — palpate first; avoid deep insertion (near the ulnar nerve).

TCM functions

Transforms phlegm and dissipates nodules, calms the spirit, clears heat.

Indications

Migraine, neck pain, scrofula, goiter, epilepsy, febrile diseases.

He-Sea (Earth)Five-Shu

Clinical notes

As the He-Sea (Earth) point of the San Jiao, TB10 is renowned for transforming phlegm and dissipating nodules, making it crucial for conditions like scrofula, goiter, and various lumps. It also calms the spirit, addressing irritability and insomnia, and clears heat from the San Jiao, particularly in the upper and middle jiao. It is empirically used with LI11 for clearing heat and resolving phlegm.

On the Triple Burner channel

TB10 is one of 23 points on the Triple Burner Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is TB10 located?

TB10 is located on the posterior aspect of the arm, 1 cun superior to the olecranon, in the depression when the elbow is flexed.

What is TB10 used for?

TB10 transforms phlegm and dissipates nodules, calms the spirit, clears heat. Common clinical indications include migraine, neck pain, scrofula, goiter, epilepsy, febrile diseases.

How is TB10 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. Caution for ulnar nerve. Caution: ⚠ Major vessel/nerve nearby — palpate first; avoid deep insertion (near the ulnar nerve).

Which meridian is TB10 on?

TB10 is a point on the Triple Burner Meridian (Sān Jiāo).

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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.