Zhongzhu SJ-3 location
SJ-3

Zhongzhu SJ-3

Central Islet · 中渚 · Zhōng Zhǔ
Triple Burner Meridian
Wood-Mu Stream-Shu Point

Needle Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)

Body Area

Hand — Dorsum

Location

When the hand is placed with the palm facing downward, Zhongzhu TB-3 is on the hand dorsum between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, in the depression proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints, at the junction between the heads and shaft of the two metacarpal bones.

Previous on channel

Yemen SJ-2

Next on channel

Yangchi SJ-4

Main Actions

  • Clears Heat in the head
  • Benefits the ear
  • Removes Obstructions from the Channel
  • Regulates the Lessor Yang
  • Subdues Liver Yang rising
  • Eliminates Qi Stagnation

Commentary

Zhongzhu TB-3 is similar to Yemen TB-2, as both of them are able to clear Heat from the head, benefit the ears, remove Obstruction from the Channels and treat the Lessor Yang symptoms according to the Six Stage Theory. 

However TB-3 has one more function that it subdues Liver Yang rising. It is particularly useful in treating dizziness or headache on the temple. 

Furthermore, some practitioners claims that it is also able to stimulate Qi movement so as to remove Qi Stagnation. It is especially effective in eliminating Liver Qi Stagnation. Therefore, it is indicated for symptoms such as hypochondrial pain, depression or mood swings. It is often used together with Baihui DU-20. 

Classical Sources

Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "For mania with mutual pulling, headache, tinnitus, eye pain, Zhongzhu masters it; for swelling outside the throat, elbow and arm pain, hands like paralyzed, five fingers with spasms unable to flex or extend, head dizziness, jaw and forehead pain, Zhongzhu masters it."

Wai Tai Mi Yao (Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library): "Masters febrile disease without sweating, headache, tinnitus, eye pain, alternating chills and fever, swelling outside the throat."

How to Locate

First of all, it is recommended to make a loose fist. Then palpate from the metacarpophalangeal joints along the groove between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones towards proximal. TB-3 is located at the widest or deepest point of the groove.

Caution

This point lies between the metacarpal bones where dorsal hand veins and ulnar nerve branches are present. Use moderate stimulation. Needle insertion should be perpendicular or slightly angled toward the wrist. For musculoskeletal conditions, moving the affected area during needle manipulation enhances therapeutic effect.

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)

Depth Category

Medium

Standard Depth

0.3–0.5 cun

Needling Directions

0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely in a proximal direction.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Local distension and soreness at the point, often extending to the fingertips or radiating up to the forearm. Some patients experience an electric or numb sensation reaching the fingers.

Moxibustion

Recommended

Duration: 5–10 minutes

Cupping

Contraindicated

Bloodletting

Questionable

Gua Sha

Questionable

Five Element & Transporting Classification

Five Phase

Wood-Mu

Transporting Type

Stream-Shu Point

Mother-Child Role

Mother (Tonifying)

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