Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-13
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Upper Arm
Location
On the line joining Jianliao TB-14 and the olecranon, 3 cun below Jianliao TB-14 which is at the lateral extremity of the acromion. Naohui TB-13 is on the posterior border of deltoid muscle.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Removes Phlegm
Indications
Commentary
Naohui ST-13 is not a major point of the Large Intestine Channel. Its main functions is to open the Channel by removing the Obstructions caused by Dampness invasion. Therefore it eases pain and stiffness in arm and shoulder areas.
When the external Dampness accumulates in the body, it turns to Phlegm and cause symptoms such as goitre or scrofula. Naohui ST-13 is able to dissolve Phlegm as well.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists SJ-13 as a meeting point of the San Jiao channel and Yang Wei Mai vessel.
Suwen Qifu Lun (素問·氣府論): Wang Bing's commentary notes this as a meeting point where the Hand Yangming (Large Intestine) and Hand Shaoyang (San Jiao) channel qi converge.
Zhenjiu Juying (針灸聚英): Records SJ-13 as a meeting point of Hand Shaoyang and Yang Wei Mai.
How to Locate
Abduct the patient's arm and locate two depressions inferior to the acromion in the origin of the deltoid muscle. Locate Jianliao TB-14 in the posterior depression, below the dorsal aspect of the lateral extremity of the acromion. Then draw an imaginary line between TB-14 and the olecranon. Naohui TB-13 is on this line, 3 cun distal to TB-14.
Caution
The radial nerve and its muscular branches lie in the deep layer beneath this point. While not classified as dangerous, practitioners should be mindful of nerve structures. Avoid aggressive manipulation if the patient reports sharp electric sensations radiating down the arm.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
1-2 cun vertically or obliquely.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and aching sensation at the upper arm, which may spread toward the shoulder. Some patients may experience a mild electric or tingling sensation radiating distally along the arm.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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