Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

Location

On the dorsum of the wrist (above the wrist joint space, ‘dorsal

wrist crease’), in the gap between the tendons of the extensor

digitorum (on the ulnar aspect) and the extensor digiti minimi

muscles (on the radial aspect).

How to find

As the location of the dorsal wrist crease varies, the wrist joint

space should be used for orientation instead (➞3.3.3). By mov-

ing the patient’s wrist in a relaxed way, the joint space becomes

well defined. T.B.-4is located slightly laterally to the midpoint

of the joint space, in the depression between the tendons of the

extensor digiti minimi muscle (continuing to the little finger) on

its radial aspect and the tendon of the extensor digitorum muscle

on its ulnar aspect. The tendons of the extensor digitorum mus-

cle will become more pronounced by moving the three middle

fingers.

Located on the same level but radial to the tendons of the exten-

sor digitorum muscle is ➞Ex-UE-3(zhongquan).

Needling

0.3–0.5 cun vertically or slightly obliquely in a proximal direc-

tion or transversely (subcutaneously) deep to the tendons

towards the radial aspect of the wrist.

Actions/Indications

● Clears Heat, opens the channel, relaxes the tendons. In Japan-

ese acupuncture tradition, T.B.-4, in its function as yuan-

source point, is used for deficiency syndromes.

Special features

Yuan-source point

T.B.-4 Yang Pool YANGCHI

Moving the

fingers for better

presentation of

the tendons

Tendon of the

extensor digiti

minimi

Wrist joint space

Tendons of

the extensor

digitorum T.B.-4

Ex-UE-3

(zhongquan)

L.I.-3

L.I.-4

Ex-UE-7

Ex-UE-7

T.B.-4

T.B.-2

S.I.-2

T.B.-3

S.I.-3

S.I.-4

S.I.-5

S.I.-6

Ex-UE-8

L.I.-5

T.B.-5

Ex-UE-9(baxie)

Wrist joint space

Tendons of

the extensor

digitorum T.B.-4

Ex-UE-3

(zhongquan)

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