Acupuncture
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EX-UE-3
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Wrist
Location
On the dorsal aspect of the wrist joint space (dorsal wrist crease), radial to the tendon of the extensor digitorum.
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Qi circulation between Upper and Middle Burner
Indications
Chest distention and pain
Hypochondriac pain
Gastric pain
Heart pain
Cough
Asthma
Angina pectoris
Hemoptysis (spitting blood)
Heat sensation in the palm
White opacity of the eye
Abdominal pain
Stomach Qi counterflow
Wrist pain
Stuffy chest
Inability to lie down due to chest fullness
Commentary
Zhongquan EX-UE-3 is not a major Extra point. Its main function is to harmonize the Qi circulation between the Upper and Middle Burner.
Classical Sources
《奇效良方》(Qixiao Liangfang - Effective Formulas): First recorded this point, establishing its location and basic indications.
《针灸大成》(Zhenjiu Dacheng - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "中泉：二穴，在手背腕中，在阳溪、阳池中间陷中是穴。灸二七壮。治心痛及腹中诸气，疼不可忍。" (Zhongquan: Two points, located on the dorsum of the wrist, in the depression between Yangxi and Yangchi. Moxibustion 14 cones. Treats heart pain and various abdominal Qi disorders with unbearable pain.)
百度百科 (Baidu Encyclopedia): Records additional indications including chest fullness preventing lying down, lung distention, white opacity of the eye, heat in the palm, counterflow stomach Qi, and hemoptysis.
How to Locate
The location of the dorsal wrist crease varies, thus the joint space between the proximal row of carpals and the radius/ulna is a more reliable reference. Place the arm and waist in a relaxed position, then locate Zhongquan EX-UE-3 in the joint space, , radial to the tendon of the extensor digitorum.
Caution
Avoid the radial artery's dorsal carpal branch which passes near this point. The deep layer contains branches of the radial nerve, so needle with care to avoid nerve injury. Shallow insertion is recommended to minimize risk of tendon damage.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.3–0.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness at the wrist. Deqi may radiate along the dorsum of the hand or up the forearm. Some patients may experience a mild sensation spreading toward the fingers.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
N/A
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
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