Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-8
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Forearm
Location
Between the radius and the ulna, 4 cun above Yangchi TB-4, which is on the dorsal wrist joint space.
Main Actions
- Removes obstructions from the Channel
- Benefits the throat
Indications
Commentary
As the meeting point of the three Yang Channel of the arm, Sanyangluo TB-8 is widely used to open these Channels by removing the Obstruction. Therefore, it is able to ease pain, stiffness or contractions in the arm, shoulder, elbow, neck, occiput or fingers. It also relaxes the sinews and tendons of the arm.
Furthermore, it benefits the throat and voice.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter on Cold and Heat Diseases: "For skin cold and heat where one cannot tolerate lying on mats, hair is scorched and withered, nose is dry and cracked, and there is no sweating – take the Luo of the Three Yang to tonify Hand Taiyin."
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (A-B Classic of Acupuncture): "Sanyangluo is located on the upper arm at the great crossing of vessels, one cun above Zhigou."
Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (Bronze Figure Classic): "Treats sudden deafness, dental caries, and sudden voice loss with inability to speak."
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture): "Treats sudden muteness, deafness, drowsiness, and the four limbs not wanting to move."
How to Locate
First identify Yangchi TB-4. Move the wrist in a relaxed way so that the joint space is more visible. TB-4 is located laterally to the joint space midpoint, in the depression between the tendons of the extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi muscle, which continues to the litter finger. Sanyangluo TB-8 is located 4 cun above Yangchi TB-4, in a depression between the ulna and radius.
Caution
When performing the penetrating needle technique toward PC-4 (Ximen), insert carefully between the radius and ulna to avoid the interosseous membrane and vessels. The posterior interosseous artery and vein run through this area. Avoid over-strong stimulation in debilitated patients.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely up to 1.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness radiating toward the elbow with perpendicular insertion. When needled obliquely through to PC-4 (Ximen), sensation of distension and numbness may extend to the fingertips or elbow.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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