The Sanjiao is one of the six Fu organs. "Fu" refers to a hollow container, and the stomach is a hollow container, as is the intestine. The Sanjiao is a large cavity that includes all the zangfu organs. Below, we will explain in detail the diagram of the circulation of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao meridian.
Diagram of the Circulation of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian
It originates at the distal end of the ulnar side of the little finger at the Houchong point, ascends along the ulnar side of the little finger to the outer side of the back of the wrist (Yangchi point), ascends along the outer side of the upper limb between the ulna and radius, passes through the elbow tip, ascends along the outer side of the upper arm to the shoulder (Jianliao point), and then enters the depression below the acromion, spreading to the Zhongzhong point and dispersing to connect with the Pericardium. It passes through the diaphragm and sequentially belongs to the upper, middle, and lower Jiaos.
Branches of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian
Branch from the Zhongzhong point: branches off from the Zhongzhong point, ascends and exits the depression below the acromion, reaches the posterior part of the neck, and intersects with the Dazhui point. It then ascends to the occiput, passes through the posterior aspect of the ear (Yifeng point), and ascends directly to the upper corner of the ear, then bends downward through the cheek to the lower eyelid.
Branch to the ear: branches off from the posterior aspect of the ear at the Yifeng point, enters the ear, exits in front of the Hegu point, intersects with the previous branch in the cheek area, and reaches the outer canthus (Tongziliao point), where it connects with the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder meridian.
Function of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian
The Sanjiao is the largest Fu organ in the human body and is responsible for regulating the body's qi. In other words, it is the main channel for regulating the qi. The Sanjiao meridian is primarily responsible for regulating endocrine imbalances, emotional disturbances, and stagnant qi. For women, it is a very important meridian, especially during menopause. Regular massage of the Sanjiao meridian can also have health and beauty benefits. It can help relieve emotional stagnation and unstable emotions.
Main Acupoints of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian
Guan Chong: Located about 0.1 cun beside the nail corner on the ulnar side of the little finger. It has the functions of clearing heat, opening orifices, and relieving throat congestion.
Ye Men: In the depression in front of the metacarpophalangeal joint between the fourth and fifth fingers when making a fist. It has the functions of clearing the head, benefiting the Sanjiao.
Zhong Zhu: In the depression between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones on the back of the hand, 1 cun behind the Ye Men point. It has the functions of opening orifices, brightening the eyes, and clearing heat and promoting circulation.
Yang Chi: In the depression on the ulnar side of the extensor digitorum tendons on the back of the wrist. It has the functions of dispelling wind and heat, and promoting circulation and relieving meridian blockage.
Wai Guan: 2 cun above the transverse crease on the back of the wrist, between the radius and ulna. It has the functions of promoting circulation, relieving wind, and resolving exterior syndromes.
Zhi Gou: 3 cun above the transverse crease on the back of the wrist, between the radius and ulna. It has the functions of opening orifices, promoting circulation, resolving stasis, and regulating the viscera.
Hui Zong: About 1 cun on the ulnar side of the Zhi Gou point, at the ulnar edge of the radius and ulna. It has the functions of clearing heat, resolving stagnation, and promoting circulation of qi along the meridians.
San Yang Luo: 4 cun above the transverse crease on the back of the wrist, between the radius and ulna. It has the functions of promoting circulation along the meridians, calming and relieving pain.
Si Du: 5 cun below the ulnar styloid process, between the radius and ulna. It has the functions of clearing the throat, opening the ear orifices.
Tian Jing: Above the ulnar styloid process, in the depression when the elbow is flexed. It has the functions of dispelling wind and heat, promoting circulation, and calming the mind.
Qing Leng Yuan: 1 cun above the Tian Jing point when the elbow is flexed. It has the functions of dispelling wind and cold, promoting circulation, and relieving pain.
Xiao Le: On the line connecting the ulnar styloid process and the Jianliao point, 3 cun above the Qing Leng Yuan point. It has the functions of regulating the meridians, promoting circulation, and clearing heat.
Nao Hui: On the line connecting the Jianliao point and the ulnar styloid process, 3 cun below the Jianliao point, on the posterior border of the deltoid muscle. It has the functions of clearing stomach heat, promoting circulation of meridians, and benefiting the joints.
Jian Liao: Below and behind the shoulder peak, slightly hollowed when the upper arm is abducted, about one cun posterior to the Jian Yu point. It has the functions of promoting circulation along the meridians, dispelling wind, and resolving dampness.
Tian Liao: At the midpoint of the line connecting the shoulder well and the Qu Yuan point, at the upper corner of the scapula. It has the functions of dispelling wind and dampness, and promoting circulation along the meridians.
Tian Yu: Below and behind the nipple, posterior to the pectoralis major muscle, level with the Tian Zhu point. It has the function of dispelling wind headache.
Yi Feng: Behind the earlobe, between the angle of the jaw and the mastoid process. It has the functions of dispersing wind and heat, and opening orifices.
Chi Mai: In the center of the mastoid process, where the Chi Mai and Jiao Sun points intersect along the ear rim, at the junction of the lower one-third and upper two-thirds. It has the functions of clearing heat and toxins, and relieving pain.
Lu Xi: At the junction of the lower one-third and upper two-thirds of the line connecting the Yifeng point and the Jiao Sun point along the ear rim. It has the functions of dispersing wind, opening orifices, and calming the mind.
Jiao Sun: At the vertex of the ear, at the hairline. It has the functions of clearing the head, brightening the eyes, and dispersing wind and promoting circulation.
Er Men: Strongly press the upper part of the external auditory meatus, in the depression behind the posterior border of the condylar process of the mandible, with the mouth open. It has the functions of promoting circulation along the meridians, opening orifices, and calming the mind.
He Liao: Above the anterior part of the tragus, in front of the frontotemporal hairline, at the posterior border of the superficial temporal artery. It has the function of dispelling wind and promoting circulation.
Si Zhu Kong: In the depression at the eyebrow end. It has the functions of dispersing wind, relieving pain, clearing the head and brightening the eyes, and calming the liver and extinguishing wind.
Main Diseases Treated by the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian
Diseases of the head, ear, eyes, throat, chest and sides, as well as febrile diseases, such as migraines, costal pain, tinnitus, deafness, eye pain, throat pain, and pathological changes along the course of the meridian.
Health Preservation Time for the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian
The qi and blood of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao meridian are most vigorous during the Hai period, from 21:00 to 23:00. During this time, massaging the Sanjiao meridian or stretching can help stimulate the original acupoints of the Sanjiao meridian and regulate the Sanjiao. In addition, for those with heart and kidney diseases, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and deficiency of yang qi, it is advisable to take medication during this time to prevent midnight emergencies. It is also recommended to drink less water before bed, as people prone to edema should avoid excessive water intake before sleep. This period is also the best time to fall asleep.
