Small Intestine 16 (SI 16) Tian Chuang — Heavenly Window

This point, on the neck, is a Window of Heaven point that benefits the throat, voice and ears.

Small Intestine 16 (SI 16) Tian Chuang 天窗 — Heavenly Window

Location

On the lateral neck, posterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple).

Anatomy

Posterior border of sternocleidomastoid; the ascending cervical artery; the cutaneous cervical nerve and great auricular nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Benefits the throat and the voice
  • Benefits the ears
  • Calms the spirit

Indications

Sore throat, sudden loss of voice, tinnitus and deafness, stiff neck, and mental-emotional disorders.

Needling

0.5-1.0 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With SJ-17 and SI-19 for ear disorders.

Classical Text References

A Window of Heaven point of the Small Intestine.

Cautions & Contraindications

Avoid the carotid vessels anteriorly.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Traditional Chinese Medicine Improves Nutritional Status in Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in improving nutritional status among Chinese maintenance hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis of - Frontiers in nutrition, 2026.