Small Intestine meridian
SI-16 (Tiānchuāng, 天窗) — Heavenly Window
- Meridian
- Small Intestine (SI)
- Anatomical view
- lateral
- Point classification
- Window of Heaven point of the Small Intestine channel.
- Depth reference
- 0.5–0.8 cun shallow perpendicular insertion
- Moxibustion
- Applicable with professional caution
- Reference aliases
- SI16; Tianchuang; 天窗; Heavenly Window
Anatomical location
On the side of the neck, posterior to sternocleidomastoid and level with the superior border of the thyroid cartilage.
Traditional actions
Benefits the throat and ears; regulates qi in the neck; clears sensory obstruction.
Recorded indications
Primary: Sore throat; sudden voice change; ear symptoms; neck stiffness.
Secondary: Headache; jaw swelling; reduced shoulder movement.
How to read this reference
AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.
Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region SI16, p. 95
- WHO Benchmarks for the Practice of Acupuncture Section 4.2.3, p. 7
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference SI-16: Command Functions, Actions, Indications, Needling and moxa
- Safety in Clinical Practice p. 12: SI16 as a vulnerable neck point
Frequently asked questions
Where is SI-16 located?
On the side of the neck, posterior to sternocleidomastoid and level with the superior border of the thyroid cartilage.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for SI-16?
Benefits the throat and ears; regulates qi in the neck; clears sensory obstruction. The dataset lists these primary indications: Sore throat; sudden voice change; ear symptoms; neck stiffness. Secondary indications are recorded as: Headache; jaw swelling; reduced shoulder movement.
Is SI-16 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify SI-16 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.