TB23 Silk Bamboo Hollow

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

TB23 (Sīzhúkōng, “Silk Bamboo Hollow”) is an acupuncture point on the Triple Burner Meridian. It is located in the depression at the lateral extremity of the eyebrow. It expels wind, brightens the eyes, alleviates pain, and stops convulsions.

Location

In the depression at the lateral extremity of the eyebrow.

Needling

Transverse insertion, subcutaneously, 0.5-1.0 cun, directed posteriorly along the eyebrow or towards Taiyang (EX-HN5).

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TCM functions

Expels wind, brightens the eyes, alleviates pain, and stops convulsions..

Indications

Headache, dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, dim vision, aversion to wind and cold, red and painful eyes, twitching eyelids, upward-staring eyes, inability to recognize people, epilepsy, wind epilepsy, convulsions, drooling, vomiting of froth, toothache, madness, inverted eyelashes, tetanus with eyes rolled up, infantile epilepsy with upward-staring eyes..

Clinical notes

As the terminal point of the Triple Burner meridian, Sizhukong is a primary local point for disorders of the eyes and lateral head. It is frequently used for temporal headaches, migraines, and a wide range of eye conditions, from simple pain and redness to more complex issues like optic atrophy or facial paralysis affecting the eye. Its classical indications for wind-epilepsy and convulsions highlight its function in extinguishing internal wind affecting the head.

On the Triple Burner channel

TB23 is one of 23 points on the Triple Burner Meridian. Nearby points:

TB15TB16TB17TB18TB19TB20TB21TB22

Frequently asked questions

Where is TB23 located?

TB23 (Sīzhúkōng) is located in the depression at the lateral extremity of the eyebrow.

What is TB23 used for?

TB23 expels wind, brightens the eyes, alleviates pain, and stops convulsions. Common clinical indications include headache, dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, dim vision, aversion to wind and cold, red and painful eyes, twitching eyelids, upward-staring eyes, inability to recognize people, epilepsy, wind epilepsy, convulsions, drooling, vomiting of froth, toothache, madness, inverted eyelashes, tetanus with eyes rolled up, infantile epilepsy with upward-staring eyes.

How is TB23 needled?

Transverse insertion, subcutaneously, 0.5-1.0 cun, directed posteriorly along the eyebrow or towards Taiyang (EX-HN5). Caution: The classical texts unanimously and strongly prohibit moxibustion on this point, warning that it can cause the eyes to shrink or result in blindness.

Which meridian is TB23 on?

TB23 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.