Tianliao TE15: Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Indications

Nomenclature:

Tian: heaven         liao: foramen
“Heaven” here means “upper”. Tianliao is in a foramen above the shoulder blade.
Point: TE15
Chinese Name: 天髎
Name: Tianliao
English Name/Meaning: Heavenly Crevice
Pinyin: tiān liáo
Han Geul 한글: cheol lyo 천료
Romaji: ten ryō
Vietnamese: Thiên liêu

Location:

Midway between Jianjing (GB21) and Quyuan (SI13) on the superior angle of the scapula.

Functions:

• Dispels wind and damp in channel.
• Invigorates Qi, Blood and relieves pain.

Indications of Tianliao:

Pain in the shoulder and elbow, stiffness of the neck, arthritis of shoulder joint, shoulder impairment, Rotator cuff, frozen shoulder.

Method:

Oblique insertion directed according to the clinical manifestations, 0.5 to 1 cun.

Remarks:

• Meeting point of TE and Yangwei vessel.
• Good for rotator cuff problems.
• Use moxa for frozen shoulder.

Precautions:

Perpendicular insertion, especially in thin patients, carries a substantial risk of inducing a pneumothorax.