Tianchi acupoint belongs to the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian. Tian means high position and Chi means water gathering place. The acupoint receives Qi from the Foot Shaoyin Meridian and is also close to the mammary gland, which is responsible for milk secretion, hence the name "Tianchi". Let's take a look at the accurate location picture of Tianchi below.
Accurate Location Picture of Tianchi Acupoint
Location: Located in the chest, counting down from the clavicle to the 4th intercostal space, it is 1 cun away from the side of the nipple.
Simplified Location: In supine position, first locate the 4th intercostal space, then take the acupoint 1 cun away from the midpoint of the nipple. For females, the acupoint should be taken 1 cun away from the midline of the clavicle at the 4th intercostal space.
Anatomy of Tianchi Acupoint
Located in the lower part of the pectoralis major, starting from the lower part of the pectoralis minor, and deep inside is the 4th intercostal space, external muscle. It is supplied with thoracoabdominal wall veins, branches of the lateral thoracic artery and vein, and innervated by the anterior branches of the intercostal nerves at the 4th intercostal space.
Functions of Tianchi Acupoint
Classification: Tianchi acupoint is the intersection of the Hand Jueyin and Foot Shaoyang Meridians.
Effects: Broadens the chest, regulates Qi, activates blood circulation and meridians, stops coughing and calms the mind.
Actions: Tianchi belongs to the Pericardium Meridian, located beside the breast in the chest. It is related to the heart and lungs, therefore it has the functions of broadening the chest, stopping cough and transforming phlegm, activating blood circulation and meridians. It is used to treat diseases of the chest and lungs. It also has sedative effects, used for restlessness and palpitations. It can dredge the milk ducts and is used to treat breast abscess.
Application of Tianchi Acupoint in Combination with Other Acupoints
Tianchi acupoint has the functions of clearing heat, relieving irritability, dispelling stasis and promoting milk secretion. It can be combined with Ruizhong and Sanyinjiao acupoints to promote Qi circulation, dispel stasis, activate blood circulation and relieve pain, used for the treatment of breast abscess. It can be combined with Neiguan and Hegu acupoints to broaden the chest, regulate Qi, dispel stasis and relieve pain, used for the treatment of angina pectoris. It can be combined with Weiyang and Jiquan acupoints to clear heat, promote diuresis, dispel stasis and reduce swelling, used for the treatment of axillary swelling. It can be combined with Lieque and Hegu acupoints to transform phlegm, stop coughing, regulate Qi and relieve asthma, used for the treatment of cough, asthma and excessive phlegm.
Appropriate Health Preservation Methods for Tianchi Acupoint
1. Use the palm root to rotate and massage the acupoint in a clockwise direction, then rotate and massage in a counterclockwise direction, with a moderate level of soreness and slight pain. Each time should last for 1-3 minutes, and long-term adherence to massage can effectively prevent and treat breast hyperplasia, mastitis and other breast diseases.
2. Acupuncture: After routine disinfection, use a filiform needle to obliquely or perpendicularly penetrate the acupoint to a depth of 0.5-0.8 cun, until a local sense of soreness and swelling is felt, but avoid deep needling.
3. Moxibustion: Ignite one end of a moxa stick and hold it 2 cm above the acupoint, fumigate it for 5-10 minutes.
