Location

on the neck at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with the laryngeal prominence (adam's apple).

location note; location is easier if the patient turns the head away from the side to be needled.

Needling

perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 0.8 inch

Moxa is OK

Actions

Benefits ears, throat and voice
Regulates Qi and calms the spirit
Activates the channel and alleviates pain
Clears heat

Signs and Symptoms

sore throat, sudden loss of voice, deafness, tinnitus, stiffness/pain of the neck

Commentary:

Tianchuang is one of the Window of Heaven Points, a grouping of 10 points mostly around the neck area that specifically treat symptoms of Rebellious Qi as they relate to the stomach, lungs and head.

The neck area is seen as the pathway between the Heart and the Head. It is considered most important that this pathway be kept clear. While it is the Heart that houses the Mind (or Spirit), it is the Brain that allows us to be aware of our spiritual potential. A blockage in the neck area, then, in addition to physical symptoms, may result in psycho-emotional disorders.

Psycho-emotional disorders are almost always seen as disorders of the Heart and treated with points on the Heart and Pericardium channels.The Small Intestine Channel is directly connected to the Heart Channel and it is through this connection that points on the SI Channel are indicated for these kinds of disorders.

Tianchuang, in fact is mainly indicated for Schizophrenia in modern terms, or in ancient terms, 'seeing ghosts' or demonic possession.

It is also used to treat goitre, headache with heat and swelling in the face, ear problems, and sudden loss of voice.

The ancient texts specifically advise the application of Moxa (50 cones) for loss of speech and hemiplegia.