What is the location of the SJ-16 acupoint?

The SJ-16 acupoint, also known as Tian You, is accurately located at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, specifically 1 cun inferior to the GB-12 point. This positioning is significant in acupuncture practice, as it helps practitioners locate the point in relation to anatomical landmarks that are easy to identify on a patient.

The SCM is a prominent muscle in the neck that can be palpated easily, making the identification of SJ-16 straightforward when locating it 1 cun inferior to the GB-12 point, which is positioned at the mastoid process, just behind the earlobe. The alignment of SJ-16 in relation to these anatomical landmarks is critical for effective treatment, as needling inaccuracies could lead to diminished therapeutic effects or complications.

Other potential locations for acupoints like behind the earlobe, directly level with the apex of the ear, or 1/2 cun anterior to the upper border of the root of the ear are significant in different contexts but do not correspond to the precise location of SJ-16. Accurately identifying SJ-16 ensures proper acupuncture practice and aligns with traditional Chinese medicine principles.