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Tian Zong SI 11 - "Heavenly gathering of the ancestors"

11/8/2015

2 Comments

 
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The acupuncture point Tian Zong SI 11 is both essential and pivotal in my acupuncture practice. It is located on the back at the region roughly centre of the shoulder blade & always I feel for the acupuncture point noting any ‘puffiness’ present or pressure pain upon palpation that is noted by the patient.

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)


2 Comments
pickwick
3/6/2016 02:26:45 am

Interesting article! Just curious, what would happen if you palpate or massage/rub it with a ball or a pointy object as a procecure, what are the benefits?
Thanks.

Reply
Giancarlo link
4/7/2016 08:43:11 pm

Hi,

I wouldn't recommend the ball or pointy object idea... gentle massage would be fine..

As to effects induced by massaging the area, it is really hard to say. As when I palpate this area and treat with acupuncture I am taking into account the patients medical history and family history & other palpatory findings to reach a working diagnosis of sorts. Then utilizing distal acupuncture points to release said proximal palpatory findings thus confirming or altering the original diagnosis.

Once that's done I would needle i.e. Tian Zong (4 or 5 needles surrounding the area). It can take quite a few treatments for the puffiness to dissipate.

Massage is great, at the least you'll increase blood flow to the local area and release tension at the infraspinatus.

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