Channel Pathways
The Triple Burner Meridian consists of multiple channel systems, each with its own pathway and clinical significance.
Pathway Description
The external pathway:
- The Triple Burner Primary Channel starts at Guanchong TB-1 at the corner nail of the ring finger, which connects to a branch of Pericardium Primary Channel at Laogong P-8 of the palm.
- It ascends along the ulnar side of the ring finger and then the dorsum of the hand between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones.
- It then continues ascending the posterior aspect of the forearm between the Large and Small Intestine Channels and also between the radius and ulna.
- Passing Tianjing ST-10 at the olecranon of the ulna, it runs up further along the postero-lateral aspect of the upper arm to the shoulder.
- After traversing the shoulder, it crosses Bingfeng SI-12 in the center of the suprascapular fossa and connects with other Yang Primary Channels at Dazhui DU-14, which is below the 7th spinous process (C7).
- It then flows to the anterior aspect of the body, crosses Jianjing GB-21 and enters the supraclavicular fossa at Quepen ST-12.
The internal pathway:
- From Quepeng ST-12, the Primary Channel goes internally.
- It spreads between Shanzhong REN-17 and the breast, passes the Pericardium and penetrates the diaphragm.
- It finally enters the abdomen through Zhongwan REN-12 and connects with the Upper, Middle and Lower Burner.
- According to some books, the Primary Channel continues descending to Weiyang BL-39 at the popliteal fossa. It is said to be the lower Sea-He point of the Triple Burner.
Branches:
- An internal branch separates from Shanzhong REN-17, back to ST-12 of the supraclavicular fossa, where it emerges externally again. It then ascends the neck to Tianyou TB-16 at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and Yifeng TB-17 behind the ear lob.
- From there, the main external sub-branch runs up further behind the ear and arrives at Jiaosun TB-20 above the ear apex. It crosses Gall Bladder Channel internally at Xuanli GB-6, Xuanlu GB-5 and Hanyan GB-4. It then descends the cheek to the lower jaw and ascends again, arriving at Quanliao SI-18 on the lower border of zygoma. It terminates at the infraorbital region.
- From TB-17, another subbranch enters the ear and emerge again through tragus. It passes Tinggong SI-19, Ermen TB-21, Erheliao TB-22 and arrives at Shangguan GB-3. It then crosses the previous sub-branch on the cheek and terminate at Sizhukong TB-23 at the outer canthus of the eye.