TB3 Central Islet

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

TB3 (Zhōngzhǔ, “Central Islet”) is the Shu-Stream Point point of the Triple Burner Meridian. It is located on the dorsum of the hand, in the depression just proximal to the 4th and 5th metacarpophalangeal joints, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones. It clears heat, benefits the ears and eyes, opens the channel and alleviates pain, soothes the sinews and invigorates the Luo-connecting vessels.

Location

On the dorsum of the hand, in the depression just proximal to the 4th and 5th metacarpophalangeal joints, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion towards the palm, 0.5 to 1 cun deep.

TCM functions

Clears heat, benefits the ears and eyes, opens the channel and alleviates pain, soothes the sinews and invigorates the Luo-connecting vessels..

Indications

Headache, dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, sore throat, pain in the outer canthus of the eye, eye redness, blurred vision, eye film, elbow and arm pain, arm soreness, inability to raise the arm, inability to flex or extend the five fingers, inability to grasp, pain of the five fingers, twitching of the five fingers, malaria, fever and chills, madness, fright, eye pain, pain in the jaw, forehead and skull..

Shu-Stream PointWood Point

Clinical notes

As the Shu-Stream and Wood point of the San Jiao channel, Zhongzhu is a primary point for conditions affecting the ears, such as tinnitus and deafness, by clearing channel obstruction and heat. Its ability to move Qi and blood along the channel makes it highly effective for pain and motor impairment of the hand, fingers, wrist, and arm. It is also a key distal point for temporal headaches and pain around the eyes, reflecting the pathway of the San Jiao channel.

On the Triple Burner channel

TB3 is one of 23 points on the Triple Burner Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is TB3 located?

TB3 (Zhōngzhǔ) is located on the dorsum of the hand, in the depression just proximal to the 4th and 5th metacarpophalangeal joints, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones.

What is TB3 used for?

TB3 clears heat, benefits the ears and eyes, opens the channel and alleviates pain, soothes the sinews and invigorates the Luo-connecting vessels. Common clinical indications include headache, dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, sore throat, pain in the outer canthus of the eye, eye redness, blurred vision, eye film, elbow and arm pain, arm soreness, inability to raise the arm, inability to flex or extend the five fingers, inability to grasp, pain of the five fingers, twitching of the five fingers, malaria, fever and chills, madness, fright, eye pain, pain in the jaw, forehead and skull.

How is TB3 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion towards the palm, 0.5 to 1 cun deep.

Which meridian is TB3 on?

TB3 is a point on the Triple Burner Meridian (Sān Jiāo).

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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.