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

SI-11 Tianzong, meaning 'Heavenly Gathering,' is a major point for scapular and breast disorders. Located on the back, it is a key point for addressing a wide range of issues that are caused by stagnation or excess heat in the upper back. Its name, 'Heavenly Gathering,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the body's entire system.

Think of Tianzong as a point that helps to 'gather the heavens' of your body. It's invaluable for addressing issues like a restless spirit, a feeling of 'heat' in the body, and a lack of vitality. By regulating the body's internal energy, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By regulating the body's internal energy, SI-11 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a calm and unburdened body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: Located by drawing a line from the midpoint of the scapular spine to the inferior angle.

How to Locate:

  1. Find your shoulder blade
  2. Locate the spine of your shoulder blade (horizontal ridge)
  3. Find the bottom tip of your shoulder blade
  4. The point is halfway between these two landmarks
Location illustration for Located by drawing a line from the midpoint of the scapular spine to the inferior angle.

Primary Functions

Musculoskeletal System

  • Relieves shoulder blade pain and tension
  • Treats upper back pain and stiffness
  • Reduces shoulder and arm pain
  • Improves shoulder blade mobility
  • Strengthens back and shoulder muscles
  • Treats thoracic spine disorders

Respiratory System

  • Relieves chest congestion
  • Improves breathing function
  • Treats asthma and bronchitis
  • Reduces chest tightness
  • Promotes lung qi circulation

Nervous System

  • Alleviates intercostal neuralgia
  • Reduces thoracic nerve pain
  • Calms the nervous system
  • Treats anxiety and stress

Emotional & Mental

  • Promotes emotional release
  • Reduces feelings of burden
  • Enhances mental clarity
  • Calms excessive worry

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

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

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Combined Applications:

SI-11 + GB-21
Relieves upper back and shoulder tension, especially in stress-related muscular tightness
SI-11 + SI-12
Enhances scapular mobility and treats chronic shoulder pain

SI-11 Protocols

Scapular Tension & Emotional Release (4 minutes)

  1. Sit or lie down with shoulder accessible
  2. Locate SI-11 (on the scapula, in the center of the infraspinatus muscle)
  3. Apply firm pressure with fingertips or knuckles for 30 seconds
  4. Massage in circular motions for 1 minute to release upper back tension
  5. Repeat pressure while breathing deeply and softening the chest

Important Precautions

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