Tianzhu – Heavenly Pillar – Bladder 10
Neck problems are endemic in these days of extensive computer and mobile phone usage, activities which cause us to look down, increasing the force upon the neck. One of the best points for treating the neck lies at the first cervical vertebra, the atlas. In Greek mythology Atlas was the Titan who was punished by Zeus for making war on Olympus. He was condemned to stand at the western edge of the world, holding up the heavens on his shoulders. Hence his name was given to the first cervical vertebra which holds up the head.
This western myth finds a surprising parallel in the point Tianzhu – Heavenly Pillar which lies in the neck on the outer edge of the atlas vertebra and on the lateral border of the trapezius muscle. The cervical spine and the two trapezius muscles can be viewed as the pillars that hold up the head.
Tianzhu is an effective point in treating neck pain, particularly the upper neck. Much upper cervical pain derives from the atlas being misaligned or lacking freedom of movement. This can produce difficulty turning the head, headaches, dizziness or blurred vision, all of which can be treated by this point.
But Heavenly Pillar is far more than a quick fix until you see your chiropractor. The tian in the point name means heaven and alerts us to the fact that this is one of the Windows of Heaven, sometimes known as the Windows of the Sky. These points are used to bring harmony between the upper body (heaven) and lower body (earth) and are also used to treat conditions of the orifices (windows) of the head. This window has a particular effect upon the eyes, treating pain and redness of the eyes and chronic tearing. It is also useful for nasal congestion, difficulty smelling, and swelling of the throat with difficulty speaking.
Five Element practitioners also make use of these Windows of Heaven points in ways that address the deeper psycho-emotional aspects of their clients. The positive qualities or gifts of the Element to which a point relates can be called forth from the point and supported in the client. In this case, Tianzhu evokes the qualities of Water which include will, courage, endurance, trust and reassurance.
When a person feels unable to hold himself up, feels unsupported to move forward in life, or feels that his legs are too weak to support his body, this point is called for. If a person’s movement through life is impeded by chronic fear, if he feels frightened by what lies in the future, or has grown anxious from an overload of work, Tianzhu can bring reassurance that things will be ok. It helps the person to access the true will that arises from zhi, the spirit of Water. This can clear the brain, bring a fresh view and an openness to the future. It allows the person to stand tall, hold his head up high, and look forward with confidence. At its depth, Heavenly Pillar restores trust in the knowledge that true nature is our ultimate support.
Location of Bladder 10
At the top of the neck, on the outer border of the trapezius muscle, 0.5 cun below the occipital hollow and 1.3 cun lateral to the midline. Treat both sides at the same time, applying gentle pressure directed slightly towards the spine.
This is an extract from The Way of the Five Elements by John Kirkwood (Singing Dragon 2016)