Triple Heater Meridian Acupuncture Points Study

Locations and Functions Flash Cards

Triple Heater Meridian Acupuncture Points Study - Location and Functions "Flash Cards"

Our site currently has acupuncture point location and function information for the 23 points along the triple heater meridian. You can use the following list of "flash cards" as a study tool by viewing the name, seeing if you remember the point location and/or functions, then clicking on the "location" or "functions" tab to check your answer.

To view all locations and/or all functions at once, use the "show/hide" buttons below.

TH 1

.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail on the ulnar side of the ring finger.
  • Similar to TH 3 which is used more clinically.

TH 2

(.5 cun) proximal to the margin of the web between the ring and the little fingers, in a depression when fist is clenched at the border of the red and white skin.
  • Similar to TH 3 which is used more clinically

TH 3

With fist clenched on dorsum of the hand between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones in a depression proximal to the 4th Metacarpalphalangeal joint.
  • Ear Problems of any etiology such as excess tinnitus, especially those arising from a LV issue such as LV Qi Stagnation or LV Yin Deficiency.
  • Distal point for temporal headaches, shoulder a/or upper back pain, pain a/or inflammation in the throat.
  • Eye diseases with GB 37.

TH 4

On transverse crease of dorsum of wrist in a depression on the ulnar side of the extensor digitorum communis tendon.
  • Dorsal wrist issues such as strains, sprains or subluxations.
  • Wasting & thirsting disorder, regulates water metabolism, alleviates dry mouth a/or thirst.
  • Moxa to tonify the Yang of the body

TH 5

2 cun above TH 4 between the radius and the ulna on the TH 4 - TH 10 line ** Japanese Discrepancy **
  • Beginning exterior conditions, tonify for wind-cold, cold-damp & sedate for wind-heat, fever.
  • Headache from exterior wind as well as migraines and headaches in any area especially with stiffness or pain in the posterior and lateral aspects of the neck.
  • Upper limb disorders including the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand.
  • Shaoyang stage diseases - alternating fever and chills, etc.
  • Luo connecting point of the TH connects to the PC, TH 5 & PC 6 as master points of the Yang Wei and Yin Wei respectively can effect the balance of yin and yang in the body. If right pulse is stronger than the left (more Qi than Blood) disperse TH 5 & tonify PC 6 and vice versa

TH 6

3 cun above TH 4 between the radius and ulna on the radial side of the extensor digitorum muscle on the TH 4 and tip of the olecranon line.
  • Effects the Triple Warmer in the following ways:
  • Lower: Constipation due to stagnation and heat in the body.
  • Middle: Issues with the chest & hypochondrium, often used with GB 34 for chest & rib pain, also "sudden turmoil disorder" (vomiting & diarrhea).
  • Upper: Febrile diseases with no sweating, eye redness & pain, ear pain, inflammation.  

TH 7

Level with and one finger width from TH 6 on the radial border of the ulna.
  • Local Point.

TH 8

4 cun above TH 4 between the radius and ulna.
  • Sudden deafness, acute or chronic loss of voice, apahsia, combine with HT 5 & CV 23.

TH 9

7 cun above TH 4, 5 cun below the olecranon, between the radius and ulna on the ulnar side of the forearm.
  • Local Point.

TH 10

1 cun superior to the olecranon process in a depression with elbow flexed.
  • Transforms phlegm, reduce lymph swellings, thyroid disorders.
  • Elbow pain, tendonitis.
  • One-sided headache, migraines.
  • Useful for depression a/or anxiety, especially with chest pain or oppression, angina a/or palpitations.
  • Epilepsy (phlegm obstruction), possibly mania as well.
  • Differentiation:
  • TH 5 is for headache anywhere whereas TH 10 is specifically for one-sided headaches

TH 11

1 cun above TH 10 with elbow flexed.
  • Local Point.

TH 12

Midway between TH 11 and TH 13 on line joining the olecranon and TH 14.
  • Local Point.

TH 13

3 cun below TH 14 on the posterior border of the deltoid muscle on line joining TH 14 and the olecranon.
  • Local Point

TH 14

On shoulder, posterior to LI 15, in a depression inferior and posterior to the acromion when arm is abducted.
  • Shoulder problems, especially those involving the lateral or posterior aspects of the shoulder

TH 15

Midway between GB 21 and SI 13 on the superior angle of the scapula.
  • Local Point.

TH 16

Directly below mastoid process, level with the mandibular angle and on the posterior border of the SCM muscle (in line with SI 17 and GV 15).
  • Local Point.
  • Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the circulation within the occipital artery and the vertebral artery.  Useful for occipital issues, glaucoma, etc. 
  • Falls into the category of Window of the Sky points within the Tam Healing system.

TH 17

Posterior to lobule of ear in depression between the mandible and mastoid process.
  • Wind problems deriving from internal or external sources, Bell's palsy.
  • Ear problems, tinnitus, deafness, acute earache due to wind cold

TH 18

In the center of the mastoid process at the junction of the middle and lower third of curve (TH 17 - TH 20) posterior to helix.
  • Local Point.

TH 19

Posterior to ear at junction of the upper and middle third of curve (TH 17 - TH 20) behind curve.
  • Local Point.

TH 20

Directly above ear apex within hairline.
  • Local Point.

TH 21

Anterior to the supratragic notch and behind the posterior border of the condyloid process of the mandible with the mouth open.
  • Ear problems of an excess or deficient nature, tinnitus, deafness, earache.
  • TMJ problems, upper jaw toothache, combine with ST 6 & ST 7

TH 22

Anterior and superior to TH 21 level with the root of the auricle on posterior border of hairline of the temple where superficial temporal artery passes.
  • Local Point.

TH 23

In a depression at the lateral end of the eyebrow.
  • Eye pain, redness, swelling, twitching, drooping eyelid.
  • Liver Wind or Liver Fire headache, combine with local points

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