Triple Burner Channel

Zhongzhu TB-3

Chinese: 中渚

Pinyin: Zhōng Zhǔ

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. 

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.

Main actions

  1. Clears Heat in the head
  2. Benefits the ear
  3. Removes Obstructions from the Channel
  4. Regulates the Lessor Yang
  5. Subdues Liver Yang rising
  6. Eliminates Qi Stagnation

Indications

Malaria Red eyes Eye pain Red face Tinnitus Deafness Ear pain Headaches Dizziness Depression Swollen arm Mood swings Face itching Fingers stiffness headache on temple Hypochondrial pain Alternation of hot and cold feeling

Needling

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

Commentary for Zhongzhu TB-3

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.