SI 11, known as Celestial Ancestor or Tianzong, is a significant point on the Small Intestine meridian located on the upper back near the scapula. It plays a key role in releasing muscular tension, facilitating breathing, and unblocking stagnant qi in the chest and shoulder area.
Main uses of SI 11 include:
- Releasing upper back and shoulder blade tension
- Supporting lung and chest function
- Relieving emotional stress stored in the back body
Alternate names: Tianzong (SI 11), Small Intestine 11.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure Point Name | Celestial Ancestor – SI 11 (Tianzong) |
| Body Area | Upper Back |
| Exact Location | Medial to the scapula, in the center of the infraspinous fossa |
| Common Uses | Shoulder stiffness, chest tightness, upper back pain |
| Stimulation Technique | Thumb or knuckle pressure for 1–2 minutes |
| Contraindications | Avoid if scapular area is bruised or recently injured |
Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions
SI 11 is widely used for musculoskeletal and energetic blockages affecting the shoulder girdle, thoracic cavity, and upper back fascia. It is often selected to address:
- Shoulder blade and scapular tension
- Thoracic outlet restriction
- Respiratory limitation due to stress
- Emotional pressure in the chest or upper back
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this point is thought to help “open the chest” and promote the free movement of qi between the Heart, Lung, and Small Intestine meridians.
Location
To locate SI 11:
- Have the individual place their hand on the opposite shoulder.
- This naturally opens the scapular region.
- The point is found roughly in the center of the infraspinous fossa, which is the shallow depression below the spine of the scapula.
You may also draw a vertical line from the center of the scapula to the midpoint between the top and bottom edges – SI 11 lies just medial to this central axis.
Looking for an easier way to use this point in your wellness routine?
This pressure point is simple to locate and even easier to apply when guided step-by-step. It’s featured in over 70 evidence-based pressure point protocols inside our Pressure Points Guide app. Whether you’re looking to release tension in the upper back, breathe more freely, or reduce stress, the app guides you through every session with visuals and audio. Click here to download our app.
How to Stimulate It
- Method: Use your thumb or middle knuckle for deeper access.
- Pressure Level: Moderate to firm, depending on individual tolerance.
- Duration: 1 to 2 minutes with steady pressure or slow, circular movements.
- Posture: Best accessed while seated with the arm relaxed or slightly crossed over.
- Frequency: Daily for chronic tightness or postural fatigue.
- Pairing suggestions: Combine with SI 3 or LI 15 to enhance upper back and shoulder release.
Benefits and Common Uses
The Celestial Ancestor pressure point can yield significant benefits across multiple systems:
- Physical: Relieves muscle tension, postural discomfort, and localized pain
- Respiratory: Facilitates deep breathing and chest expansion
- Emotional: Calms the heart and clears stagnation from emotional holding patterns
- Energetic: Helps circulate qi across the Small Intestine and Heart meridians
In modern practice, it’s frequently targeted for patients with shoulder girdle tightness, especially those with sedentary work habits or emotional stress manifesting somatically.
Physiological Functions & Mechanisms
SI 11 lies within a dense muscular zone involving the infraspinatus and rhomboid muscles. Mechanically, its stimulation affects:
- Myofascial release across the scapular region
- Neuromuscular modulation via the dorsal scapular nerve
- Enhanced lymphatic drainage from the thoracic cavity
Energetically, this point connects the Small Intestine channel (associated with discernment and sorting) to the Heart (emotional clarity), aiding psycho-emotional processing.
Practitioner Insight
In sessions focused on heart-opening or emotional clearing, I often find SI 11 profoundly effective. It’s where clients unknowingly carry tension from both physical overuse and unexpressed emotions. Applied with breathwork, it can soften not just the upper back, but the emotional burden layered there.
Safety & Contraindications
- Avoid deep pressure if there’s acute inflammation, injury, or bruising in the scapular region.
- Use lighter techniques in elderly or frail individuals.
- Not recommended for use over open wounds or during active shoulder inflammation.
Explore our acupressure safety guide for general precautions and visit our acupressure category hub for more therapeutic resources.
As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.
Related Points & Techniques
Complementary Points:
Adjunct Techniques:
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Chest-expansion stretches
- Moxibustion over the upper back (with professional supervision)
- Tapping or gua sha for myofascial release
More sessions with Celestial Ancestor (SI 11) in our Pressure Points Guide App
Scientific Perspective
Though clinical research on SI 11 is limited, studies in trigger point therapy and scapular myofascial pain syndromes support the value of this region in managing shoulder and upper back dysfunction. Anatomical reviews confirm the proximity to muscular trigger zones and thoracic sympathetic structures, which are commonly implicated in chronic pain and respiratory restriction.