Triple Energizer meridian
TE-16 (Tiānyǒu, 天牖) — Celestial Window
- Meridian
- Triple Energizer (TE)
- Anatomical view
- lateral
- Point classification
- Regular point of the Triple Energizer channel on the lateral neck.
- Depth reference
- 0.5–1.0 cun only where anatomy permits; keep the technique shallow and controlled near major vessels
- Moxibustion
- Direct scarring moxibustion should be avoided; other moxa use was not established in checked sources
- Reference aliases
- TE16; Tianyou; 天牖; Celestial Window
Anatomical location
On the lateral neck at the level of the mandibular angle, in the depression behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Traditional actions
Clears sensory obstruction; benefits the head and ears; relaxes the neck.
Recorded indications
Primary: Headache; stiff neck; eye pain; tinnitus or reduced hearing.
Secondary: Scrofulous nodules in traditional use.
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 TE16, p. 165
- Clean Needle Technique Manual, 7th Edition Appendix C, SJ16–SJ23, pp. 240–242
- Safety in Clinical Practice Vulnerable points over great vessels, TE16, p. 12
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference San Jiao 16; functions, indications and needling
Frequently asked questions
Where is TE-16 located?
On the lateral neck at the level of the mandibular angle, in the depression behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for TE-16?
Clears sensory obstruction; benefits the head and ears; relaxes the neck. The dataset lists these primary indications: Headache; stiff neck; eye pain; tinnitus or reduced hearing. Secondary indications are recorded as: Scrofulous nodules in traditional use.
Is TE-16 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify TE-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.