Zhigou (TE6)
Zhigou (TE6), “Branch Ditch”, is a point on the San Jiao (Triple Burner) meridian. It is point 6 of the 23 on the channel. Jing-River of the Triple Energizer: moves Qi, frees the bowel and eases hypochondriac pain.
Location
On the posterior aspect of the forearm, at the midpoint of the interosseous space, 3 cun above the dorsal wrist crease.
Functions according to tradition
Jing-River of the Triple Energizer: moves Qi, frees the bowel and eases hypochondriac pain. A chief point for constipation.
Traditional indications
- Constipation
- Hypochondriac pain
- Shingles
- Fever
- Shoulder pain
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
What its classification means
Fourth of the transport points: the Qi “moves” with greater volume. It is traditionally related to cough, dyspnea and changes in the voice.
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.
- GB22 Yuanye (Gallbladder): Hypochondriac pain, Shoulder pain
- HT2 Qingling (Heart): Hypochondriac pain, Shoulder pain
- LI4 Hegu (Large Intestine): Constipation, Fever
- DU14 Dazhui (Du Mai (Governing Vessel)): Fever
- GB23 Zhejin (Gallbladder): Hypochondriac pain
- GB35 Yangjiao (Gallbladder): Hypochondriac pain
Point profile
- Code
- TE6
- Pinyin name
- Zhī Gōu
- Characters
- 支沟
- Translation
- Branch Ditch
- Meridian
- San Jiao (Triple Burner)
- Element
- Fire
- Classification
- Jing-River
- Topics
- Constipation, Flank, Fever
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.
