
If we observe the Chinese character used to depict ‘Tian’ in the acupuncture point Tian Zong SI 11, we find that it is drawn as a man who has hands extended reaching to the heavens above. The character the acupuncturists of times past used to depict ‘Zong’ shows the roof of a building from which the ‘ancestors’ or spirits of deceased family members emanate. Thus, Tian Zong SI 11 is roughly translated as ‘Heavenly gathering of the ancestors’.
It is interesting to note the connection (as highlighted in Kiiko Matsumoto’s Clinical strategies) between the Character ‘Zong’ & the concept of (Zong Qi = ancestral Qi). Tian Zong SI 11 seems to be the only acupuncture point on the body with this direct connection & thus is of paramount importance.
In regards to the clinical application of Tian Zong SI 11 I utilise this acupuncture point in direct alignment with the KMS ‘style’ of acupuncture. Thus, as stated previously through palpation and relating the findings to medical history if the region of SI 11 is ‘puffy’ or painful on palpation it requires attention. I find that the Tian Zong region tends to become painful or puffy (hence reflective) in cases of cardiac presentations, gallbladder issues & breast issues i.e. cancer, lumps or cysts.
It is interesting to note that cardiac pathologies, gallbladder & breast cancer tend to relate quite strongly to the concept of ‘ancestors’ and genetic predisposition. This may relate to why these pathologies tend to have a relationship to palpatory abnormalities at the region of the ‘Heavenly gathering of the ancestors’ & thus a relationship to our Zong Qi or ancestral Qi.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Warm Regards,
Giancarlo Nerini - Acupuncturist (Melbourne & Safety Beach)