Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-9
Needle Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Forearm
Location
5 cun distal to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, between the radius and ulna.
Main Actions
- Benefits the throat and ears
Indications
Toothache
Sore throat
Forearm pain
Loss of voice
Blocked throat
Breathlessness
Sudden deafness
Sudden tinnitus
Commentary
Sidu TB-9 is not a major point of the Triple Burner Channel.
Its main function is to benefit the throat and ears especially in the acute conditions. Typical symptoms are sudden loss of voice, obstruction of the throat, sore throat, sudden deafness, sudden tinnitus, etc.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (靈樞 - Spiritual Pivot): First mentions Sidu as a point on the Hand Shaoyang San Jiao channel, establishing its classical indications for throat and ear disorders.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Records Sidu's indications for sudden hoarseness (暴喑), sudden deafness (暴聋), toothache, and forearm pain.
Point Name Interpretation: The name "Four Rivers" (四渎) refers to China's four great rivers (Yangtze, Yellow River, Huai River, and Ji River). The name suggests that Qi and Blood at this point disperse in multiple directions like water flowing through river channels, connecting to the concept that this point influences fluid metabolism throughout the body.
How to Locate
Measure 5 cun distally from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Sidu TB-9 is located on a line connecting the midpoint of the dorsal wrist joint space and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Or: From the wrist joint space, measure 7 cun in a proximal direction and locate Sidu TB-9 in a depression between the extensor digitorum communis muscle and the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle.
Caution
The interosseous artery and vein run in the deeper tissue between the radius and ulna. When needling, ensure proper angle and depth to avoid these vessels. Some practitioners note that in individuals with well-developed forearm musculature, the point may require careful palpation to locate the depression between the bones accurately.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely up to 2 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Deqi sensation typically manifests as local distension and soreness at the point location between the radius and ulna. The sensation may radiate distally toward the wrist or proximally toward the elbow along the San Jiao channel pathway. Some practitioners report a spreading, aching quality that extends through the forearm musculature.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
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