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Location Guides: |
Window of Heaven point
Confluent point of the Bladder and Kidney Divergent channels (Cecil-Sterman, 2012, Advanced Acupuncture)
One of the "59 piercings" for clearing Heat in Ling Shu Ch. 23
Binding point of the foot Shaoyin Sinews
Trigger point (Travell & Simons, 1998, Trigger Point Manual; Melzack, Stillwell & Fox, 1977)
Meeting of Bladder with Bladder Divergent and Kidney Divergent
On the lateral aspect of the trapezius muscle, 1.3 cun lateral to Yamen Du-15.
Perpendicular insertion 0.5 - 0.8 cun
"The Taiyang usually has much Blood and little Qi" (Su Wen 素問 ch. 24) implying this channel should normally be bled.
"The foot Taiyang is to be pierced 5 fen deep and remain inserted for seven exhalations" (Ling Shu 靈樞 ch. 12).
"It is needled to a depth of two fen, (the needle) is retained for a duration of six exhalations, and it is moxaed with three cones" (Huangfu Mi 皇甫謐, 3rd Century, Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing 針灸甲乙經).
Regulates Qi and pacifies Wind
Benefits the head and sesory orifices
Calms the Shen
Activates the channel and alleviates pain
Superficial Innervation: Dorsal rami of C3 - C5
Dermatome Segment: C4
Deeper Structures: Branches from C1 - T1 supplying posterior cervical muscles
Muscle:
Posterior cervical: upper semispinalis capitis
Pain Referral Pattern:
Across temporal area and forehead, mainly to temple above and lateral to the eye (Travell & Simons, 1998)
Directly superior into the occiput and along the midline of the neck (Melzack et al, 1977)
Indications:
Degenerative diseases of cervical spine
A Window of Heaven point, located just below the medulla oblongata which controls many vital functions and the junction where nerve fibres cross over to the opposite side of the body, striking this point blocks Yang Qi from descending from the head causing knock out with a disconnected feeling and a sensation that no air is getting from the lungs to the rest of body. In some cases it may stop breathing leading to death. Combined with Renying St-9 and Shanzhong Ren-17 for a lethal combination (Montaigue, Dim Mak Locations, Taijiworld.com).
In seizing martial arts (Qin Na) this is a cavity striking point (Da Xue 打穴) which can shock the brain causing unconsciousness or death (Yang, 2004, Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na, 2nd Edition).
Ling Shu Ch. 21, On Cold and Heat Diseases, recommends this point in cases of sudden cramps, epileptic fits, impaired vision and when the feet can no longer support the body. This chapter is the origin of the first five "Window of Heaven" points, although this name was not given until modern times.
Ling Shu Ch. 23, On Heat Diseases, gives a different list of points for the "59 Piercings" to Su Wen Ch. 61 which includes this point.
Ling Shu Ch. 24, On Counterflow Diseases, advises this point treating headache starting from the nape and then hurting in the lower back and spine. It advises using this point and then the rest of the foot Taiyang meridian.
In the Jade Purity Tradition this would be a suitable addition to the third trinity of Ghost Points (Yuen, 2005, 3 Spirits & 7 Souls).
One of the 18 tender spots used in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia (Wang, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medical Approaches for Fibromyalgia, Acupuncture Today, vol.6 no.3, 2005).
Tianzhu, Celestial Pillar, is also the name of one of the asterisms in Chinese astrology that lies within the Purple Forbidden Enclosure near the North Pole. It is the lower of three walls that surround the enclosure and represents the place where the emperor would post orders suggesting this point as a barrier to the brain and where the brain signals to the body.
The Ling Shu ch. 52 describes four Qi "Streets" (街 Jie, "street or market") on the head, chest, abdomen and shins. The Head Qi Street refers to the points located along the Bladder and Gall Bladder channel of the head and are said to have a special connection with the brain.
This point's location at the base of the skull and its indications for dizziness, inability of the legs to support the body and heaviness of the head would make it a suitable candidate for the Bladder Qi Street point relating to the Kidneys. Its name connection to Heaven may also suggest this, as the Kidneys receive the pre-heaven Qi in some spiritual Neidan traditions. Other indications of pain of the shoulder and back and fever with absence of sweating indicate a connection to the Bladder and Taiyang disorders.
In Tibetan medicine:
Moxa point (AMNH, Tibetan Medical Paintings)
In Thai massage:
Acupressure points along the Itha (left) and Pingala (right) sen lines of head where they split from two lines running up the back to three lines running across the centre and sides of the head.
Indicated for headache, hypertension, neck and shoulder pain/injury/arthritis and stress.
(Salguero & Roylance, 2011, Encyclopedia of Thai Massage)
Basic information on location, needle depth, TCM actions, indications and combinations is taken from Deadman et al (2001): A Manual of Acupuncture with additional anatomical information researched by reference to Gray's Anatomy (38th Ed., 1995) unless otherwise referenced. Images were found on acupunctureschoolonline.com and can be traced back to Claudia Focks (2008) Atlas of Acupuncture originally. I cannot claim any credit or rights over them. Other sources should be quoted in the text.
For some of the more unusual terms I have created a glossary here
Steve Woodley Acupuncture & Traditional Medicine
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Eascote, Pinner, Greater London. HA5 1SP
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