Triple Burner Meridian (Sān Jiāo, 三焦) is a primary channel in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, associated with the Fire phase, Yang in polarity, interiorly-exteriorly paired with the Pericardium. The Triple Burner is not a physical organ but a functional division of the torso, governing the movement and transformation of Qi, Blood, and Fluids throughout the body.
| Chinese | 三焦 |
| Pinyin | Sān Jiāo |
| Group | primary |
| Element | Fire |
| Yin / Yang | Yang |
| Organ | Triple Burner |
| Paired organ | Pericardium |
| Organ clock | 21:00-23:00 |
| Number of points | 23 |
The Triple Burner primary channel originates at the ulnar side of the ring finger (TB1), ascends between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, along the dorsal aspect of the wrist and forearm, between the radius and ulna. It continues over the olecranon, along the lateral aspect of the upper arm to the shoulder, where it crosses to the posterior aspect of the shoulder, meeting DU14. From there, it ascends to the supraclavicular fossa, disperses in the chest, and descends to connect with the Pericardium and then the Triple Burner organs. A branch ascends from the chest to the neck, behind the ear, to the corner of the hairline, and then descends to the cheek, terminating below the eye. Another branch separates behind the ear, enters the ear, emerges in front of the ear, crosses the cheek, and terminates at the outer canthus (GB1).
The Triple Burner is not a physical organ but a functional division of the torso, governing the movement and transformation of Qi, Blood, and Fluids throughout the body. It acts as the official in charge of irrigation, facilitating the passage of water and fluids, and is responsible for the distribution of Yuan Qi to all organs. It also coordinates the functions of the Zang-Fu organs.
Disorders of the Triple Burner channel often manifest as issues along its pathway, including pain and stiffness in the ring finger, wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, and neck. Other symptoms can include deafness, tinnitus, earache, swelling of the cheek, eye pain, and various febrile diseases. Internal imbalances may present as fluid retention, edema, urinary difficulties, or digestive issues due to impaired Qi and fluid transformation.
The Triple Burner primary channel originates at the ulnar side of the ring finger (TB1), ascends between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, along the dorsal aspect of the wrist and forearm, between the radius and ulna. It continues over the olecranon, along the lateral aspect of the upper arm to the shoulder, where it crosses to the posterior aspect of the shoulder, meeting DU14. From there, it ascends to the supraclavicular fossa, disperses in the chest, and descends to connect with the Pericardium and then the Triple Burner organs. A branch ascends from the chest to the neck, behind the ear, to the corner of the hairline, and then descends to the cheek, terminating below the eye. Another branch separates behind the ear, enters the ear, emerges in front of the ear, crosses the cheek, and terminates at the outer canthus (GB1).
The Triple Burner is not a physical organ but a functional division of the torso, governing the movement and transformation of Qi, Blood, and Fluids throughout the body. It acts as the official in charge of irrigation, facilitating the passage of water and fluids, and is responsible for the distribution of Yuan Qi to all organs. It also coordinates the functions of the Zang-Fu organs.
The Triple Burner Meridian has 23 acupuncture points, from TB1 to TB23.