Lately, many people are interested in cupping therapy. Can cupping therapy be applied to the Sanjiao meridian? What should be done if the Sanjiao meridian is blocked? Let's find out below!
Can cupping therapy be applied to the Sanjiao meridian?
Yes, cupping therapy can be applied to the Sanjiao meridian, which is mainly used to treat diseases related to the chest, heart, lungs, and throat.
There is an idiom called "Five Zang and Six Fu", which refers to the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys as the five zang organs, and the stomach, large intestine, small intestine, Sanjiao, bladder, and gallbladder as the six fu organs.
The Sanjiao meridian refers to the upper, middle, and lower parts of the Sanjiao. The organs above the diaphragm are referred to as the upper Sanjiao, the organs below the diaphragm to the navel are referred to as the middle Sanjiao, and the organs below the navel are referred to as the lower Sanjiao.
What should be done if the Sanjiao meridian is blocked?
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Sanjiao meridian is specifically responsible for regulating endocrine imbalance. Symptoms such as facial spots, uneven complexion, dull skin, and acne are all results of endocrine imbalance. The reason for endocrine imbalance is usually due to poor circulation of qi and blood, and the presence of stagnant blood in the body.
What are the specific acupoints on the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao meridian?
Guan Chong, Ye Men, Zhong Zhu, Yang Chi, Wai Guan, Zhi Gou, Hui Zong, San Yang Luo, Si Du, Tian Jing, Qing Leng Yuan, Xiao Lei, Nao Hui, Jian Liao, Tian Liao, Tian You, Yi Feng, Ji Mai, Lu Xi, Jiao Sun, Er Men, Er He Liao, Si Zhu Kong.
Accurate location diagram of the Sanjiao meridian
Path of the meridian:
The Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao meridian starts at the tip of the ring finger (Guan Chong), goes up between the little finger and the ring finger (Ye Men), along the back of the hand (Zhong Zhu, Yang Chi), comes out between the ulna and the radius in the forearm (Wai Guan, Zhi Gou, Hui Zong, San Yang Luo, Si Du), passes through the elbow tip (Tian Jing), along the outer side of the upper arm (Qing Leng Yuan, Xiao Lei), passes through the shoulder (Jian Liao, Tian Liao), joins the back of the foot Shaoyang meridian (Tian You; Hui Bing Feng, Jian Yu, Da Zhui), enters the supraclavicular fossa (clavicular hollow), and spreads to the pericardium, passes through the diaphragm, and extensively connects to the upper, middle, and lower Sanjiao.
Its collateral branches: Ascends from the supraclavicular fossa, exits the clavicular hollow, goes up to the occiput, connects to the posterior to the ear (Tian You, Yi Feng, Lu Xi), goes straight up and exits above the ear (Jiao Sun; Hui Jin Yan, Xuan Li, Shang Guan), bends down to the cheek, reaches below the eyes (Quan Liao). Enters the ear, exits in front of the ear (Er He Liao; Hui Ting Hui), passes in front of the upper ear, connects to the cheek, reaches the outer corner of the eye (Si Zhu Kong; Hui Tong Zi Liao) and connects to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder meridian. In addition, the Sanjiao meridian is connected to the Wei Yang meridian of the Foot Taiyang Bladder meridian.
Specific acupoints on the Sanjiao meridian
1. Guan Chong
Localization: On the ulnar side of the distal phalanx of the ring finger, 0.1 cun from the edge of the fingernail (one cun is equal to the width of the patient's thumb at the interphalangeal joint). Anatomy: It is formed by the arteries and veins of the palmar aspect of the finger; It is innervated by the ulnar nerve. Main indications: Headache, red eyes, deafness, tinnitus, throat obstruction, tongue stiffness, fever, restlessness. Combinations: Combined with Nei Guan and Ren Zhong to treat heatstroke and syncope. Acupuncture method: Shallow needling to 0.1 cun or bloodletting with a three-edged needle; Moxibustion is also applicable. Note: Jing well point of the Sanjiao meridian.
2. Ye Men
Localization: On the back of the hand, between the fourth and fifth fingers, at the junction of the red and white skin. Anatomy: It is formed by the arteries of the dorsum of the hand; It is innervated by the ulnar nerve. Main indications: Headache, red eyes, earache, tinnitus, deafness, throat obstruction, malaria, arm pain. Combinations: Combined with Yu Ji to treat throat pain. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.3-0.5 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable. Note: Ying spring point of the Sanjiao meridian.
3. Zhong Zhu
Localization: On the back of the hand, behind the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones, at the depression between them. Anatomy: It is formed by the fourth interosseous muscle; Subcutaneously, there are veins of the dorsum of the hand and the fourth metacarpal dorsum arteries; It is innervated by the ulnar nerve. Main indications: Headache, dizziness, red eyes, eye pain, deafness, tinnitus, throat obstruction, shoulder, back, elbow, and arm pain, inability to flex or extend fingers, spinal pain, fever. Combinations: Combined with Jiao Sun to treat tinnitus and deafness; Combined with Tai Bai to treat constipation; Combined with Zhi Gou and Nei Ting to treat throat pain. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.3-0.5 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable. Note: Shu point of the Sanjiao meridian.
4. Yang Chi
Localization: On the back of the wrist, in the depression on the ulnar side of the extensor tendons of the fingers. Anatomy: Subcutaneously, there are veins of the dorsum of the hand and the fourth metacarpal dorsum arteries; It is innervated by the posterior branch of the ulnar nerve and the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm. Main indications: Wrist pain, shoulder and arm pain, deafness, diabetes, dry mouth, throat obstruction. Combinations: Combined with Guan Yuan to treat wrist pain; Combined with Qu Chi, Ju Liao, and Zhong Zhu to treat arm spasms. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.3-0.5 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable. Note: Original point of the Sanjiao meridian.
5. Wai Guan
Localization: On the back of the forearm, on the line connecting Yang Chi with the elbow tip, 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the ulna and the radius. Anatomy: Between the radius and the ulna, between the extensor digitorum and the extensor pollicis longus muscles, on the radial side of the extensor tendons when the elbow is flexed and the palm is facing down; Deeply, there are arteries and veins between the dorsal side of the forearm bones; It is innervated by the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm and the interosseous nerve of the forearm. Main indications: Fever, headache, cheek pain, deafness, tinnitus, eye redness, swelling, rib pain, shoulder, back, and elbow pain, finger pain, hand tremors. Combinations: Combined with Tian Shu to treat shoulder and arm pain; Combined with Da Zhui, Qu Chi to treat fever; Combined with Yang Ling Quan and Jian Yu to treat rib pain. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable. Note: Luo point and Eight Confluent point of the Sanjiao meridian - connects Yang Wei meridian.
6. Zhi Gou
Localization: On the back of the forearm, on the line connecting Yang Chi with the elbow tip, 3 cun above the wrist crease, between the ulna and the radius. Anatomy: Between the radius and the ulna, between the extensor digitorum and the extensor pollicis longus muscles, on the radial side of the extensor tendons when the elbow is flexed and the palm is facing down; Deeply, there are arteries and veins between the dorsal side of the forearm bones; It is innervated by the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm and the interosseous nerve of the forearm. Main indications: Sudden aphonia, deafness, tinnitus, shoulder and back pain, rib pain, vomiting, constipation, fever. Combinations: Combined with Tian Shu, Yang Ling Quan, Jian Liao to treat shoulder and arm pain; Combined with San Yang Luo, Xiao Lei to treat throat pain. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable. Note: Acupoint of the Sanjiao meridian.
7. Hui Zong
Localization: On the back of the forearm, on the line connecting Yang Chi with the elbow tip, 3 cun above the wrist crease, on the ulnar side of the Zhi Gou. Anatomy: On the radial side of the extensor tendons when the elbow is flexed and the palm is facing down; Deeply, there are arteries and veins between the dorsal side of the forearm bones; It is innervated by the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm and the interosseous nerve of the forearm. Main indications: Deafness, epilepsy, muscle and skin pain in the upper limbs. Combinations: Combined with Ting Hui, Er Men, Ting Gong, Tian You to treat upper limb paralysis, pain, and stiffness. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
8. San Yang Luo
Localization: On the back of the forearm, 4 cun above the wrist crease, between the ulna and the radius. Anatomy: Between the extensor digitorum and the extensor pollicis longus muscles; Deeply, there are arteries and veins between the dorsal side of the forearm bones; It is innervated by the interosseous nerve of the forearm. Main indications: Sudden aphonia, deafness, arm pain, dental pain. Combinations: Combined with Qu Chi, He Gu, Jian Liao to treat upper limb paralysis, pain, and toothache. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
9. Si Du
Localization: On the back of the forearm, on the line connecting Yang Chi with the elbow tip, 5 cun below the elbow tip, between the ulna and the radius. Anatomy: Between the extensor digitorum and the extensor pollicis longus muscles; Deeply, there are arteries and veins between the dorsal side of the forearm bones; It is innervated by the interosseous nerve of the forearm. Main indications: Sudden aphonia, deafness, toothache, shortness of breath, throat obstruction, arm pain. Combinations: Combined with San Yang Luo, Xiao Lei, Jian Liao, Tian Liao to treat arm pain, inability to extend fingers, upper limb paralysis. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
10. Tian Jing
Localization: On the outer side of the elbow, when the elbow is flexed, in the depression 1 cun above the elbow tip. Anatomy: In the olecranon fossa of the distal humerus, there is the triceps brachii tendon; Elbow joint arteries and veins; Innervated by the brachial plexus, deep branches. Main indications: Migraine, neck and shoulder pain, arm pain, deafness, epilepsy. Combinations: Combined with Jian Yu, Tian Shu, Qing Leng Yuan, Xiao Lei to treat cervical shoulder syndrome, upper limb paralysis. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-0.8 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
11. Qing Leng Yuan
Localization: On the outer side of the upper arm, when the elbow is flexed, at the midpoint between Tian Jing and Tian Shu. Anatomy: In the middle of the triceps brachii muscle; Brachial arteries and veins; Innervated by the brachial plexus and the radial nerve. Main indications: Headache, dizziness, red eyes, eye pain, deafness, tinnitus, throat obstruction, shoulder, and back pain. Combinations: Combined with Jian Yu, Tian Shu, Qing Leng Yuan, Xiao Lei to treat shoulder and arm pain, upper limb paralysis, shoulder periarthritis. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
12. Xiao Lei
Localization: On the outer side of the upper arm, when the elbow is flexed, at the midpoint between Qing Leng Yuan and Tian Shu, on the radial side. Anatomy: In the middle of the triceps brachii muscle; Brachial arteries and veins; Innervated by the brachial plexus and the radial nerve. Main indications: Headache, dizziness, red eyes, eye pain, deafness, tinnitus, throat obstruction, shoulder, back, and elbow pain, finger pain. Combinations: Combined with Jian Yu, Tian Shu, Qing Leng Yuan to treat shoulder and arm pain, upper limb paralysis, shoulder periarthritis. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
13. Jian Liao
Localization: On the shoulder, at the posterior and lower border of the acromion. Anatomy: In the middle of the trapezius, deltoid muscles; Branches of the ascending branch of the transverse humeral artery; Innervated by the posterior branch of the spinal nerve. Main indications: Shoulder and arm pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, chest fullness. Combinations: Combined with Jue Gu, Xin Shu, Qing Leng Yuan to treat cervical shoulder syndrome, upper limb paralysis, mental confusion. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
14. Tian Liao
Localization: On the shoulder, when the shoulder is relaxed, at the midpoint between Jian Liao and Tian Shu, at the posterior border of the acromion. Anatomy: In the middle of the trapezius, deltoid muscles; Ascending branch of the transverse humeral artery; Innervated by the posterior branch of the spinal nerve. Main indications: Shoulder and arm pain, scrofula, goiter, chest fullness. Combinations: Combined with Bao Feng, Tian Zong, Qing Leng Yuan, Tian Shu to treat shoulder and arm pain, upper limb paralysis, shoulder periarthritis. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-0.8 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
15. Tian You
Localization: On the shoulder blade, between Tian Jing and San Yang Luo, at the upper angle of the scapula. Anatomy: In the middle of the trapezius, supraspinatus muscles; Branches of the ascending branch of the transverse humeral artery; Innervated by the posterior branch of the spinal nerve. Main indications: Shoulder and arm pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, chest fullness. Combinations: Combined with Jiao Sun, Qu Chi, San Yang Luo, Tian Liao to treat cervical shoulder syndrome, upper limb paralysis. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
16. Yi Feng
Localization: In the neck, when the ear is folded forward, at the depression between the root of the ear and the occiput. Anatomy: In the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle; Branches of the occipital artery, posterior auricular artery, and superficial cervical vein; Innervated by the lesser occipital nerve, the greater auricular nerve, the deep branch of the cervical plexus. Main indications: Dizziness, headache, facial swelling, eye dimness, sudden deafness, neck stiffness. Combinations: Combined with Di Cang, Cheng Jiang, Shui Gou, He Gu to treat trismus. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.8-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
17. Ji Mai
Localization: In the head, between Jiao Sun and Yi Feng, at the upper 1/3 of the line connecting the earlobe and the ear canal. Anatomy: Between the mastoid process and the occipital protuberance, along the line of the ear; Occipital artery branches, posterior auricular artery branches, and occipital vein branches; Innervated by the greater occipital nerve. Main indications: Headache, tinnitus, earache, epilepsy, vomiting, diarrhea. Combinations: Combined with Tai Chong to treat epilepsy, vomiting, diarrhea, carbuncles; Combined with Tian Chong and Nao Kong to treat migraine, cephalalgia. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.2-0.5 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
18. Lu Xi
Localization: In the head, when the ear is folded forward, at the midpoint between Jiao Sun and Yi Feng. Anatomy: In the temporal muscle and the temporal branch of the superficial temporal artery; Innervated by the temporal branch of the facial nerve. Main indications: Headache, dizziness, eye redness, eye pain, deafness, toothache, neck stiffness, cephalalgia. Combinations: Combined with Tai Chong to treat migraine. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun. Moxibustion is not suitable.
19. Jiao Sun
Localization: In the head, when the ear is folded forward, at the depression between the earlobe and the occiput, along the line of the ear. Anatomy: In the mastoid process; Posterior auricular artery and vein, posterior auricular nerve, and occipital artery branches; Innervated by the facial nerve. Main indications: Ear pain, redness, facial paralysis, cheek swelling, scrofula. Combinations: Combined with Di Cang, Cheng Jiang, Shui Gou to treat trismus; Combined with Tian Tong to treat earache. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.3-0.5 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
20. Er Men
Localization: In the face, in front of the tragus, behind the lower border of the zygomatic arch, in the depression. Anatomy: Posterior auricular artery and vein, external maxillary artery, and facial artery branches; Innervated by the auriculotemporal nerve and the facial nerve. Main indications: Deafness, tinnitus, facial paralysis, cheek swelling, scrofula, toothache. Combinations: Combined with Di Cang, Cheng Jiang, Shui Gou, He Gu to treat trismus; Combined with Tai Chong to treat dental caries. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
21. Er He Liao
Localization: In the head, when the ear is folded forward, at the posterior margin of the earlobe, on the line connecting Er Men and Er He Liao. Anatomy: Posterior auricular artery and vein, external maxillary artery, and facial artery branches; Innervated by the auriculotemporal nerve and the facial nerve. Main indications: Occipital pain, facial paralysis, cheek swelling, toothache, neck stiffness, headache. Combinations: Combined with Shui Gou, Cheng Jiang, Sui Gu, He Gu to treat trismus, pain, and stiffness in the head and face. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
22. Si Zhu Kong
Localization: In the face, at the depression at the temple. Anatomy: Temporal muscle; Temporal branch of the superficial temporal artery; Innervated by the zygomaticotemporal nerve, the auriculotemporal nerve, and the facial nerve. Main indications: Headache, dizziness, red eyes, eye pain, deafness, toothache, neck stiffness, dry lips. Combinations: Combined with Di Cang, Cheng Jiang, Shui Gou, He Gu to treat trismus; Combined with Yu Duan to treat upper tooth decay. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
23. Si Zhu Kong
Localization: In the face, at the depression at the temple. Anatomy: Temporal muscle; Temporal branch of the superficial temporal artery; Innervated by the zygomaticotemporal nerve, the auriculotemporal nerve, and the facial nerve. Main indications: Headache, dizziness, red eyes, eye pain, deafness, toothache, neck stiffness, dry lips. Combinations: Combined with Di Cang, Cheng Jiang, Shui Gou, He Gu to treat trismus; Combined with Yu Duan to treat upper tooth decay. Acupuncture method: Direct needling to 0.5-1 cun; Moxibustion is also applicable.
