Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-4
Yuan-Source Point
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Wrist, Hand — Dorsum
Location
At the junction of the ulna carpal bones of the wrist dorsum, in the depression lateral to the tendon of extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi muscle.
Main Actions
- Removes obstruction from the Channel
- Regulate Body Fluids in Lower Burner
- Tonifies Original-Yuan Qi
- Tonifies Penetrating and Directing Vessels
Indications
Commentary
Like many point in the arms, Yangchi TB-4 relaxes tendons and is indicated for Painful Obstruction Syndrome around the arm and shoulder by removing obstructions from the Channel. The typical symptoms are pain in the wrists, neck, arms and shoulders. The patients may also suffer from arm or wrist weakness, redness and swelling. It is useful in easing occipital headache as well.
It also benefits the ears and it is indicated for symptoms such as tinnitus, deafness and ear pain.
Furthermore, this point can stimulate the Lower Burner so as to promote Body Fluid transportation and excretion, especially when used together with Jinggu BL-64. Typical manifestations are edema or swelling of legs as well as urinary difficulties. The 'Pool' in its name implies this function.
Yangchi TB-4 also treat Lesser Yang Stage symptoms according to the Six Stage Theory. The typical manifestations are fever, malaria and alternation of cold and hot feeling.
According to Japanese acupuncture books, Yangchi TB-4 is the Source-Yuan point of the Triple Burner Channel and it tonifies the Original-Yuan Qi. The Original-Yuan Qi originates between the Kidneys and get spreads around the body through Triple Burner system which works as the intermediary. Therefore it can be used to treat chronic Kidney Deficiency and the patients' general energy is weak. The typical symptoms are general fatigue, poor appetite, weak knees or back pain.
It also connects to Penetrating and Directing Vessel through Original Qi. Both Vessels are key in menstruation functions.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》(Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing): Lists Yangchi among the points of the Hand Shaoyang San Jiao channel and describes its location at the wrist.
《针灸大成》(Zhenjiu Dacheng): "At the center of the dorsal wrist, in a depression when feeling straight down from the base of the finger. This is where the Hand Shaoyang San Jiao channel passes as its Yuan-Source point." Indicates it treats thirst, dry mouth, vexation, malaria with alternating chills and fever, wrist injury, inability to grasp objects, and shoulder-arm pain with inability to raise the arm.
《灵枢·经脉》(Ling Shu - Jing Mai): Describes the San Jiao channel pathway passing through this area of the wrist, connecting to its functions in the Three Burners.
How to Locate
Move the wrist in a relaxed way so that the joint space is more visible. Yangchi 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.
Caution
Some classical sources caution against needling during the third month of pregnancy. When performing through-needling to PC-7 Daling, do not break the skin on the palmar side and avoid moving the hand to prevent needle bending. The wrist area contains tendons that should be respected during needling - insert in the depression between tendons rather than through them.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun vertically or slightly obliquely in a proximal direction or transversely deep to the tendons towards the radial aspect of the wrist.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distention and soreness at the wrist joint, possibly radiating throughout the wrist area. When needled transversely toward the radial side, sensation may extend across the wrist beneath the extensor tendons.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Yuan-Source Point
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