Triple Burner Meridian
The san jiao: three functional regions that coordinate fluids and warming.
Pathway
The Triple Burner meridian begins at the ulnar side of the ring finger at TB-1 Guanchong. It runs between the radius and ulna up the dorsum of the forearm, through the elbow, and up the lateral shoulder. It enters the supraclavicular fossa and internally connects with the pericardium, then passes through the diaphragm and the three burners.
A branch ascends the neck, circles the ear, and ends at the outer canthus at TB-23 Sizhukong.
Role in TCM theory
- The three burners (三焦) — The san jiao is not a single organ but a functional division of the body into upper, middle, and lower regions, each with its own fluid and warming role.
- Coordinating fluids — The tradition describes the triple burner as the "official of waterways", integrating fluid movement across the three regions.
- Fire pair with the Pericardium — Triple burner and pericardium share the Fire element and are described as interior–exterior partners.
- A channel of the ear and side of the head — Its branch around the ear explains its traditional association with ear, temple, and jaw discomfort.
Common acupoints on the Triple Burner meridian
| Point | Name | Location | Traditional use |
|---|---|---|---|
| TB-4 | Yangchi (陽池) | On the dorsum of the wrist, in the depression at the level of the wrist crease, ulnar to the extensor tendons | The yuan-source point; traditionally used for wrist and fluid patterns |
| TB-5 | Waiguan (外關) | Two cun above the dorsal wrist crease, between the radius and ulna | The luo-connecting point and one of the eight confluent points; traditionally used for the side of the head and neck |
| TB-17 | Yifeng (翳風) | In the depression behind the earlobe, between the mastoid process and the mandible | Classically associated with the ear and jaw |
Point locations follow the WHO Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature (1991). Gentle acupressure is generally considered low-risk; needling must only be performed by a licensed practitioner.
The 9–11 pm window
9–11 pm is the triple burner's peak. The classical advice is to dim the lights, stop heavy work, and prepare for sleep.
How this is viewed today
TB-5 is often studied alongside GB-20 in trials for neck pain and headache patterns. Evidence is limited and typically short-term. Press points near the ear gently.
Sources & further reading
- Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經), c. 2nd century BCE.
- Nanjing (難經), c. 1st–2nd century CE.
- World Health Organization, Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature, 2nd ed., 1991.
- Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Acupuncture: What You Need To Know.
Related: Pericardium meridian · Gallbladder meridian · Body clock · all twelve meridians