SI-11 - Celestial Gathering

天宗 - Tiān zōng

Point Region: Upper back

SI

Small Intestine Meridian

手太阳小肠经 - Shǒu Tàiyáng Xiǎochángjīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the shoulder blade, in the hollow one third of the way down the line from the midpoint of the bony ridge of the shoulder blade (the spine of the scapula) to its lower tip.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the midpoint of the bony ridge across your shoulder blade and the blade's lower tip (a partner makes this easier)
  2. Go one third of the way down from the ridge toward the tip
  3. The point is in the hollow there
SI-11 (Celestial Gathering) acupressure point location: On the shoulder blade, in the hollow one third of the way down the line from the midpoint of the bony ridge of the shoulder blade (the spine of the scapula) to its lower tip.

How to Apply Pressure

This point is in the middle of the shoulder blade, so it is easiest with someone else's help. Use steady pressure on the muscle, firm but never painful. Skip it with breast inflammation or after breast surgery, and see a doctor for any breast concern.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Insufficient lactation
  • Shoulder pain
  • Scapular pain
  • Breast inflammation
  • Breast problems
  • Upper back pain

Related Health Concerns

Neck and Shoulder Pain

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Traditionally combined with:

SI-11 + GB-21
Shoulder Well
SI-11 + SI-12
Grasping the Wind

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Acute breast infections
  • Breast cancer
  • Recent breast surgery
  • Severe mastitis

Take care:

  • Consult healthcare provider for breast concerns
  • Avoid during acute breast inflammation