LI3 Third Space

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

LI3 (Sān Jiān, “Third Space”) is the Shu-Stream point of the Large Intestine Meridian. It is located on the dorsum of the hand, in the depression on the radial side of the index finger, proximal to the head of the second metacarpal bone. This is just posterior to the metacarpophalangeal joint. It clears heat, benefits the throat and teeth, dispels wind, and opens the channel.

Location

On the dorsum of the hand, in the depression on the radial side of the index finger, proximal to the head of the second metacarpal bone. This is just posterior to the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun, or oblique insertion toward the metacarpal bone.

TCM functions

Clears heat, benefits the throat and teeth, dispels wind, and opens the channel..

Indications

Toothache, especially caries, toothache with aversion to cold, eye pain, throat obstruction, difficulty eating, tongue thrusting, stiff neck, excessive saliva, sudden fright, asthma, body heat, chills and fever, chest fullness, intestinal rumbling, shoulder and back pain, floating wind and pain, hand and arm pain, finger contracture, red and swollen fingers..

Shu-StreamWood Point

Clinical notes

San Jian is a key distal point for clearing heat and alleviating pain, particularly in the head and face. Its classical indications strongly support its use for toothache, eye pain, and throat conditions. As the Shu-Stream and Wood point of the channel, it is also indicated for heaviness of the body and joint pain, reflected in its use for shoulder, back, and finger issues.

On the Large Intestine channel

LI3 is one of 20 points on the Large Intestine Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is LI3 located?

LI3 (Sān Jiān) is located on the dorsum of the hand, in the depression on the radial side of the index finger, proximal to the head of the second metacarpal bone. This is just posterior to the metacarpophalangeal joint.

What is LI3 used for?

LI3 clears heat, benefits the throat and teeth, dispels wind, and opens the channel. Common clinical indications include toothache, especially caries, toothache with aversion to cold, eye pain, throat obstruction, difficulty eating, tongue thrusting, stiff neck, excessive saliva, sudden fright, asthma, body heat, chills and fever, chest fullness, intestinal rumbling, shoulder and back pain, floating wind and pain, hand and arm pain, finger contracture, red and swollen fingers.

How is LI3 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun, or oblique insertion toward the metacarpal bone.

Which meridian is LI3 on?

LI3 is a point on the Large Intestine Meridian (Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.