Sanjian (LI3)
Sanjian (LI3), “Third Space”, is a point on the Large Intestine meridian. It is point 3 of the 20 on the channel. Shu-Stream of the Large Intestine: dispels Wind-Heat, eases toothache and regulates the intestines.
Location
On the dorsum of the hand, in the depression radial and proximal to the second metacarpophalangeal joint.
Functions according to tradition
Shu-Stream of the Large Intestine: dispels Wind-Heat, eases toothache and regulates the intestines.
Traditional indications
- Toothache
- Sore throat
- Red eyes
- Borborygmus
- Hand pain
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
What its classification means
Third of the transport points: the Qi “flows”. It is associated with heaviness of the body and joint pain; in the yin channels it coincides with the Source point.
Precautions
No specific precautions are described beyond the general ones for acupuncture. Needling must always be performed by a trained professional.
Points on other channels with similar indications
They share several traditional indications with this point. Comparing them helps understand why one or the other is chosen.
- GB44 Zuqiaoyin (Gallbladder): Red eyes, Sore throat
- SI18 Quanliao (Small Intestine): Toothache
- ST20 Chengman (Stomach): Borborygmus
- ST44 Neiting (Stomach): Toothache
- ST5 Daying (Stomach): Toothache
- TE2 Yemen (San Jiao (Triple Burner)): Red eyes, Sore throat
Point profile
- Code
- LI3
- Pinyin name
- Sān Jiān
- Characters
- 三间
- Translation
- Third Space
- Meridian
- Large Intestine
- Element
- Metal
- Classification
- Shu-Stream
- Topics
- Face, Pain, Digestion
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
