Acupuncture
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
EX-CA6
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Needling contraindicated
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
N/A (Moxibustion only) cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
This is a group of three points on the lower abdomen. They form an equilateral triangle with Shenque REN-8 (the umbilicus) as the apex.
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi
Indications
Commentary
Sanjiaojiu EX-CA are modern TCM points. They are mainly used to regulate Qi in the Lower Burner so as to stop diarrhoea.
Classical Sources
《针灸学》: "以患者两口角之间的长度为一边，做等边三角形，将顶角置于患者脐心，底边呈水平线，两角处是穴。" (Use the distance between the patient's two mouth corners as one side to form an equilateral triangle, place the apex at the center of the patient's umbilicus, with the base horizontal, and the two bottom angles are the points.)
《神应经》recorded this point as "疝气穴" (Hernia Point), while《集成》referred to it as "脐旁穴" (Beside the Navel Point), indicating its historical use for hernia and abdominal disorders.
How to Locate
This is a group of three points on the lower abdomen. They form an equilateral triangle with Shenque REN-8 (the umbilicus) as the apex. The sides are equal to the length of the patient's smile. These points are located at the three points of the triangle.
Caution
This point is located over the abdominal cavity and peritoneum - needling is absolutely contraindicated to prevent injury to intestines and other abdominal organs. Use moxibustion only. Avoid moxibustion if there is local skin damage, infection, or inflammation. Use with caution during pregnancy. For incarcerated hernia, this point should be used as adjunctive therapy alongside proper surgical consultation - do not rely solely on moxibustion treatment. Apply moxa on the side opposite to the affected area when treating unilateral conditions like hernia.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
N/A (Moxibustion only) cun
Needling Directions
Moxibustion only, no needling.
Expected Deqi Sensation
N/A - This point is treated by moxibustion only. Needling is contraindicated due to proximity to abdominal organs.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 5-7 cones (moxa cones); 15-20 minutes (stick moxa)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians