TB15 (Tiānliáo, “Celestial Foramen”) is an acupuncture point on the Triple Burner Meridian. It is located on the superior aspect of the scapula, in the depression located superior to the scapular spine, approximately midway between the acromion and the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1). It the classical text is not explicit about TCM functions. Based on the indications, it appears to address pain and stiffness in the shoulder and neck, and potentially clears heat.
On the superior aspect of the scapula, in the depression located superior to the scapular spine, approximately midway between the acromion and the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1).
Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.5 to 1 cun. Oblique insertion is often directed medially towards the spine or laterally along the supraspinous fossa. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.
The classical text is not explicit about TCM functions. Based on the indications, it appears to address pain and stiffness in the shoulder and neck, and potentially clears heat.
Pain and heaviness in the shoulder and arm, inability to raise the arm, pain in the nape of the neck.
Tianliao is a key local point for treating disorders of the shoulder, scapula, and neck. Its location in the supraspinatus fossa makes it effective for rotator cuff issues, particularly those involving pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Its connection to the Gallbladder channel and Yang Wei Mai broadens its use for pain that radiates along these pathways.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之一·神照集 · 手少陽三焦經圖穴十七 · 手少陽三焦經所發二十三穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
天髎二穴，在肩缺盆中，毖骨之間陷者中。 善針者取缺盆上突起肉上針之。 若誤針陷處，傷人五臟氣，令人咳逆喘According to this text, TB15 lies in the depression between the bones in the supraclavicular region of the shoulder; skilled needlers insert the needle on the raised flesh above it, and it warns that wrongly needling the hollow injures the qi of the five zang organs and causes coughing with counterflow and panting.
《醫學綱目·刺灸》 Yīxué Gāngmù · Cìjiǔ — Outline of Medicine: Needling and Moxibustion, Lou Ying, 1565 · 卷之八·陰陽臟腑部 · 穴法下 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
天髎二穴，在肩缺盆中上毖骨之際陷中央，手少陽陽維之會。 針入八分，可灸三壯According to this text, TB15 lies in the shoulder above the supraclavicular fossa, in the middle of the depression at the edge of the bone, a meeting point of the hand shaoyang and yangwei; it is needled 0.8 cun and may receive 3 moxa cones.
《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 ↗
天髎二穴，主頸項急，肩肘痛，寒熱The text records that TB15 was used for a tense neck, pain of the shoulder and elbow, and chills and fever.
TB15 is one of 23 points on the Triple Burner Meridian. Nearby points:
TB15 (Tiānliáo) is located on the superior aspect of the scapula, in the depression located superior to the scapular spine, approximately midway between the acromion and the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1).
TB15 the classical text is not explicit about TCM functions. Based on the indications, it appears to address pain and stiffness in the shoulder and neck, and potentially clears heat. Common clinical indications include pain and heaviness in the shoulder and arm, inability to raise the arm, pain in the nape of the neck.
Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.5 to 1 cun. Oblique insertion is often directed medially towards the spine or laterally along the supraspinous fossa. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.
TB15 is a point on the Triple Burner Meridian (Sān Jiāo).