TB 15 — Tiān Liáo (天髎) — Heavenly Crevice
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1. Overview
TB 15 — Tiān Liáo (天髎) — is an acupuncture point on the Triple Burner meridian (San Jiao). Its English name, Heavenly Crevice, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used in acupuncture practice as part of channel-balancing prescriptions for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use TB 15 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Midway between the lateral extremity of the acromion and GV-14 Dazhui, and 1 cun posterior to GB-21 Jianjing (the highest point on the trapezius muscle).
3. Actions
- Dispels Wind-Damp
- Activates the channel
- Alleviates pain
- Unbinds the chest
- Regulates Qi
4. Indications
- Inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon
- Pain or soreness in the region of the scapula and back of the neck
- Fever
- Heat and fullness of the chest
- Heat in the body with absence of sweating
- Chills and fever
- Pain and weakness of the arm
- Absence of perspiration
- Pain of the shoulder and arm
5. Needling
Straight insertion towards the spine of the scapula 0.5 to 1 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
TB 15 Tiān Liáo (Heavenly Crevice) is classified as: Meeting point of the Yang Wei and Gall Bladder channels. These classifications inform how the point is used in clinical practice. The point is typically combined with other channel points to form a balanced prescription based on the patient’s individual TCM diagnosis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use TB 15 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
