TB16 Celestial Window, or Window of Heaven

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

TB16 (Tiānchàng, “Celestial Window, or Window of Heaven”) is the Window of Heaven point of the Triple Burner Meridian. It is located on the lateral aspect of the neck, in the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), posterior and superior to Futu (LI18), approximately level with the laryngeal prominence. It benefits the ears and throat, calms the spirit, activates the channel and alleviates pain.

Location

On the lateral aspect of the neck, in the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), posterior and superior to Futu (LI18), approximately level with the laryngeal prominence.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique 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 ears and throat, calms the spirit, activates the channel and alleviates pain..

Indications

Deafness, tinnitus, ear pain, cheek swelling, neck pain, stiffness of the neck preventing turning the head, shoulder and scapular pain referring to the neck, toothache with lockjaw, goiter, hemorrhoids, mania and ghost-talk, sudden loss of voice, post-stroke aphasia, headache, hives..

Window of Heaven

Clinical notes

As a 'Window of Heaven' point, Tianchang is classically indicated for conditions where Qi is disordered between the head and the body. It is particularly noted for sudden and severe disorders of the sense organs, such as sudden deafness, and the voice, such as post-stroke aphasia. Its ability to treat both local neck and shoulder pain and distal issues like mania highlights its role in regulating the ascent and descent of Qi.

On the Triple Burner channel

TB16 is one of 23 points on the Triple Burner Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is TB16 located?

TB16 (Tiānchàng) is located on the lateral aspect of the neck, in the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), posterior and superior to Futu (LI18), approximately level with the laryngeal prominence.

What is TB16 used for?

TB16 benefits the ears and throat, calms the spirit, activates the channel and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include deafness, tinnitus, ear pain, cheek swelling, neck pain, stiffness of the neck preventing turning the head, shoulder and scapular pain referring to the neck, toothache with lockjaw, goiter, hemorrhoids, mania and ghost-talk, sudden loss of voice, post-stroke aphasia, headache, hives.

How is TB16 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly oblique 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 TB16 on?

TB16 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.