Atlas of Acupuncture

4.10 The Triple Burner Channel System – Hand shaoyang(shou shao yang jing luo)

Location

2 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist joint space (‘dorsal wrist

crease’), between the radius and the ulna.

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

more easily palpable. T.B.-5is located 2 cun proximal to the

midpoint of the joint space, in the depression midway between

the radius and the ulna. Or quick method:With the palpating

finger, slide with slight pressure from the dorsal aspect of the

wrist joint in a proximal direction between the radius and the

ulna, until the finger is brought to rest at T.B.-5by the increas-

ing skin bulge building up in front of it.

➞P-6is located opposite T.B.-5,on the anterior aspect of the

forearm.

Needling

Vertically or obliquely 0.5–1.5 cun. Caution: Movement of the

hand/arm during needle retention may cause bending of the needle.

Actions/Indications

● Expels Wind and benefits the head and ears, clears Heat,

opens and regulates the yang wei mai

● Opens the channel and alleviates pain

Special features

Luo-connecting point, opening (master) point of the yang wei

mai. Major point for expelling Wind-Heat, analgesic point for

the upper extremity.

Outer Pass WAIGUAN T.B.-5

T.B.-4

2 cun

Ulna Radius Joint space

T.B.-5

10 cun

Joint space

T.B.-4

T.B.-5

Finger gliding T.B.-5

proximally with

thickening of

crease in skin

P-7 P-6

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