San Jiao Channel and Points - CatsTCMNotes

Course: Energetics III Date: 4/22/08 

Class #: 2 - 3 

Primary meridian pathway 

San Jiao Channel and Points 

Starts ring finger dorsum of hand between rad/ulna shoulder DU 14 GB 21 ST 12 

Pericardium (san jiao) UJ, MJ, LJ 

From pericardium goes to Rn 17, ST 12, Neck then to back of the ear. 

If pt has allergies, ear infections, etc and mention that back of ear hurts, use SJ points (SJ 17). If 

not mention this, can choose other points – SI channel which circulates in front and enters the ear 

for instance. 

2 Pathways from back of the ear: 

1. From back of ear behind ear and enters the ear emerges in front of the ear 

(SJ 21) terminates at the outer canthus of the eye at SJ 23, then links with GB 1 and 

sends Qi to this meridian. 

2. Circles behind the ear cheek (SI 18) inferior aspect of the eye. 

Pay attention to what internal organs it passes thru. SJ, PC. Pay attention to the pathway around/in the 

ear. Gallbladder channel very similar so don’t get the 2 confused. In clinic later on when you see ear 

problems distal points chosen are often on SJ and GB channels. Herbs often guide to these channels too. 

Good for ear infections, etc. Tinnitus/hearing loss will = kidney most of the time. 

SJ Luo connecting channel 

Comparatively, this one is different from the others discussed. Almost all have 2 branches, i.e., but not 

this one – only one branch. 

SJ 5 goes along external arm to chest, to Pericardium. 

Disorders of Luo connecting channel for SJ: 

Excess: contraction of elbows 

Deficiency: flaccidity of the elbows. 

Good for upper extremeties problems. 

SJ divergent 

This one different too. 

Energetics 3 – Spring 2008 

www.CatsTCMNotes.com 

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Diverges from Head – Du 20 

Enters – chest 

Exits at back of ear 

Converges at SJ 16. 

SJ Muscular region 

Starts at finger, bundles at big joints, distributed at external upper arms, unites at GB 13. All we need to 

know is that it starts much like all others. 

Links with the root of the tongue 

Points 

Indications: 

1. This channel is related to clearing heat on the channel. Yangming is better. 

2. Can also be used for Shaoyang syndrome and hypochondriac problems. 

Remember the 6 stages diagnosis. 

a. This is the Taiyang channel stage and Taiyang’s channel problems. Feel chilled, but have 

fever. This is usually for wind/cold invasions, so patient’s symptoms will be chills/fever, 

upper body pain, aches, etc. 

b. If patient doesn’t get proper care, pathogens will transmit to the next stage, Yangming 

channel stage/problem. High fever, pneumonia, etc. Yangming has a lot of heat. 

c. If patient is weak, poor body constitution then Shaoyang stage/channel: alternating 

chills/fever – blurred vision, floaters, vomiting, nausea, hypo pain can all be possible 

symptoms. Shaoyang is also called ½ exterior, ½ interior because patient is at the 

inbetween stage. 

KNOW: Alternating Chills/Fever 

GB is also the Shaoyang channel, so that’s why some of those points are chosen for 

Shaoyang problems/symptoms 

3. Problems along the pathway of the SJ channel. Finger, wrist, arm, shoulder, side of head, ear, 

eyes. 

Note no zangfu organs emphasized. SJ is for mostly channel problems. 

Point Category Indications/Contra/Caution 

SJ 1-4 First 4 points: SJ 1-4. Because of the point location, not all points used 

frequently. Most commonly used: SJ 3. SJ 1 is painful, 2 is used for Ashi as 

is 4. Pretty safe points, no side effects. 

Indications: 



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1. Sense organ’s problems where the channel passes thru – ear, eyes, 

mouth, throat. Headache, red eyes, tinnitus, deafness, sore throat. Not 

often used for this stuff, however. 

2. Finger, hand, arm problems like stiffness, numbness, painful arms esp 

along the channel. 

SJ 1 

SJ 2 

Jing Well 

(metal) 

Ying Spring 

(water) 

Jing Well applications 

1. treat uppermost regions of channel = tinnitus, deafness, earache, stiff 

mouth, dry lips, bitter taste in the mouth, headache, redness of eyes, 

painful obstrx in throat and pain in the submandib region. 

2. treat fullness below the Heart 

congested heat in the upper jiao, oppression of the Heart with absence 

of sweating and heart pain. 

3. Clear heat 

Clearing heat from the chennal and tretaing febriles. 

NOT for coma! Neither is GB 44, BL 67. 

Ying Spring applications 

Clears heat from channel/organ, but not used much to clear heat from organ – 

use PC or Ht points for that. 

1. Clear heat from upper reaches of the channel: 

Ears – redness, dryness, lacrimation. Better than SI for ears… 

Gums and teeth – pain and bleeding 

2. Clear heat from Heart/spirit 

Manifesting as palpitations, fright, mania, reaving, epilepsy. 

Compare with P8 – stronger than SJ 2. Not often used. 

3. malaria – typically, symptoms attack at the same time each day, 

having alternating chills/fever, sweating then symptoms disappear. 

Other: Treating local channel disorders and affecting the wrist, hand, fingers. 

Shaoyang syndrome symptom information: 

1. Alternating chills and fever 

2. Bitter taste in mouth 

3. Blurred vision – related to both SJ and GB, both of which 

circulate around the eyes. 

4. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, poor appetite, stomach ache. 

MJ problems, related to both SJ and GB. 

5. Pain in the costal/hypo region 

Related to GB channel passing thru this area. 

6. Irritability, heart vexation and irregular heartbeat. 

SJ and PC paired can = heart problems. 

7. Tongue – sides of tongue are more red, mixed yellow and 

white coating reflecting the halfway characteristics of the 

Shao Yang syndrome. 

8. Pulse is wiry 

This is Gallbladder. 



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9. Formula to use: Xiao Chai Hu Tang 

Find the right meridian – more important than finding the right point. 

Headaches in the temporal region = Shaoyang. 

A lot of points on the SJ channel can be used for Shaoyang syndrome. 

SJ 3 

Shu Stream 

(wood) 

1. One of most important distal points for treating ear disorders due 

to any pathology. Note, most important distal point, so local points 

might be better. 

Particularly suited to exterior wind and Liver disharmony, esp when 

due to excess. Includes tinnitus, deafness, inflammation of mid ear. 

Example: inflam of mid ear w/pus, pain around ear. Treatment = 

puncture/reduce SI 3 and pain in front of ear is better. Reduce on SJ 3 

and pain at back of ear disappears. 

2. Malaria – chronic malarial fever. 

3. Shu Stream (wood) applications: 

Not the most important point, but… 

Heaviness of body and pain in the joints. Includes pain of the 

shoulder/elbow, pain of the spine at the level of the heart, numbness 

of the 4 limbs and inability to flex and extend the fingers. 

SJ 4 Yuan Source Know category 

Not used much. Mostly used as an Ashi point. For Japanese acu, however, 

important to strengthen the original qi (yuan source qi) in the trtmt of xu. In 

this style, is the pathway of yuan source qi and water ways. 

Also: 

1. Malaria – alt chills/fever 

2. Wasting and thirsting. Similar to diabetes – very thirsty, weight loss. 

SJ is pathway of water and yuan source qi. In ancient thought, theory 

is that water is enough, but not distributed to the right places. Can 

help some of the symptoms of diabetes, but not often used today. 

3. Acute testitis by some practitioners. Middle sized moxa on SJ 4, 3 

units per day, treated for 1 week. 204 cases noted w/symptom relief 

in 10 hours to 7 days. 

SJ 5 – 10 

Of this group of points, SJ 5 is most common in clinic. 

For 5-7, have patients hold still because of the radial and ulnar bone cross 

when the arm positions change. Can result in a bent needle! 



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Ancient texts say SJ 8 is contraindicated for needling. Now this is not 

heeded. 

Indications for this group primarily = problems along the Sj channel 

1. Ear problems, tinnitus, deafness, blockage of ears, earache, etc. 

SJ 3 + SJ 5 would be a good combination for these kinds of problems. 

2. Finger, arm, elbow, shoulder, upper back problems such as pain, 

numbness, tingling, tremors, and limited movement. 

Mostly used as Ashi points. 

SJ 5 

Luo Connecting 

Confl of Yang 

Wei 

Corresponds heavily to PC 6, confluent of the Yin Wei channel 

Luo Connecting point applications 

1. Luo connecting channel pathway disorders 

a. Excess: contraction of elbows 

b. Deficiencies: flaccidity of the elbows 

2. Ext/int channel or zang/fu 

Oppression and tightness of the chest, like PC 6. For needle sensitive 

patients, SJ 5 is far less sensitive than PC 6. 

a. San Jiao channel problems = 

i. Heat syndromes – Shaoyang syndrome 

Remember alt chills/fever, blurred vision, etc. 

Combine SJ 5 and GB 40 or 41 (depending on the text 

you read!) 

ii. Problems along the channel: headache, eye problems 

like redness, swollen and painful eyes, ear problems, 

finger, wrist and arm problems. 

Confluent of Yang Wei/Linking Channel applications 

Use SJ 5 + GB 41 

Yang Wei links all the yang channels of the body including the 

Du/Governing vessel 

Know syndromes of Yang Wei problems – Yang Wei closely 

related to Shaoyang channel – Yang Wei opens to Shaoyang and 

also GB channel has a lot of meeting points with the Yang Wei 

channel, tying the two together. Since Yang Wei doesn’t have it’s 

own unique points, “borrows” heavily from GB (GB 13-21 + GB 35) 

Yang Wei is all about exterior symptoms – cold, wind invasion, etc., 

headaches. 

1. Exterior Syndrome – dispel pathogen factors from exterior portion 

of the body. Yang Wei is on the surface of the body. Isn’t necessarily 

related to the Shaoyang syndrome stuff – can also be used for 

wind/cold invasion, but this is really about ousting the exterior…and 



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this is often wind. 

2. Headache – temporal, frontal, occipital, and vertex. While shaoyang 

is temporal, the yang wei tie-in links all the yang vessels and covers 

the frontal, occipital, and vertex. Use the SJ 5 and GB 41 

combination – especially good for people with the tension headache 

that then spreads all over the head. 

3. Constipation 

4. Yang Wei balances the Yang qi of the whole body. Use for yang 

defic, yin excess. Many other good points on the Du channel to help 

warm the body, so this one not often used for this. 

5. Problems along the Yang Wei pathway 

Area supplied: lateral asp of the lower extrems, shoulder and vertex. 

Shoulder pain can be related to the Yangwei channel. 

6. Treat Dai channel probs by coupling GB 41 + SJ 5. 

SJ 6 

Jing River 

(fire) 

Upper jiao 

1. clear heat from SJ ch, indicated for febrile diseases, redness, pain and 

swelling of the eyes, tinnitus an deafness, lockjaw, swollen throat, 

scrofula… 

2. Resolve stagnation of qi in the chest (w/opression of chest/ht pain) 

3. Stagnant qi transforming into fire and insulting the LU – may be 

cough + red face. 

Middle Jiao: SJ 6 + GB 34 

Essential point for treating pain of the lateral costal region 

(hypochondriac pain) and distention due to qi stagnation or any other 

etiology. Moves Qi. Both SJ 5 and 6 can be used for hypo pain, but many 

books indicate SJ 6 more. GB 34 is lower he sea of GB – GB problems can = 

hypo pain. Because hypo pain often = Liver, some will couple 4 gates with 

SJ 6. 

Lower Jiao 

Major point to move qi to relieve constipation, esp due to heat, stagnation of 

qi or other reasons. Thus, best for constipation on the arms. 

SJ 5 and 6 are the only points on the 3 arm yangs indicated for constipation! 

Comparatively, SJ 5 not so much as SJ 6…use SJ 6. 

SJ 7 Xi Cleft No relevant indications of the Xi cleft point!!! Since SJ goes to upper, mid, 

lower jiaos, practitioners often choose the organ related to the problem and 

then use that xi cleft. 

Not used much. Indicated for epilepsy (St 6 is more commonly used, as are 

the Du channel and others), acupuncture anesthesia for chest surgery. 



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SJ 8 

Sudden loss of voice and toothache. Lung channel more common for the 

voice, LI more common for toothache. 

SJ 9 

SJ 10 

SJ 11 

SJ 12 

SJ 13 

SJ 14 

He Sea 

(earth) 

Sudden loss of voice, toothache, breathing (plum pit Qi, shortness of breath). 

Other points are better. 

1. Migraine (Shaoyang area headache – temporal headache – choose SJ 

or GB points – other points are better like SJ 5), hypochondriac pain, 

neck pain. 

2. Transformation of phlegm: 

Scrofula, goiter, coughing of phlegm and psycho-emo disorders 

(phlegm misting the mind). 

SI channel also – SI 8 (he sea also) . From 5 element theory: both are 

earth points and earth controls water/dampness. 

3. Pain, painful obstrx and atrophy disorder affecting elbow, arm, 

shoulder, neck, upper back. In classical sources says to use for tx of 

wind painful obstx fx the whole body. 

Pain = qi/blood circ being blocked. This is used like an Ashi point. 

There are other, bigger points that will address atrophy disorders – 

choose the Yangming channel for this (LI on arms, ST on legs). 

SJ 11-14 are mostly for local points. All are used for shoulder and arm 

pain. Pain along SJ channel, not along channels. 

1. Headache 

2. Jaundice (b/c is on shaoyang channel and jaundice is usually about 

shaoyang or gallbladder.) 

3. shoulder and arm pain 


2. epilepsy 

3. problems along SJ channel pthway: headache, stiff neck, toothache 


2. red eyes 

3. goiter, scrofula (armpit) 


2. Shoulder problems 

Like frozen shoulder. Called “Fifty Shoulder” in chinese as it hits 

about the time kidney essence is depleting and this affects the 

shoulder). 

Can do moxa, cupping here and this helps. Regarding needling, when relax 

shoulder to needle, perp puncture or punc towards elbow and go a little 

deeper – 1 – 1 ½ cun even 2 cun. Pt easily gets Qi sensation. 

More local point application. Stomach 38 can also be used in conjuction. 

After treatment, remove needle at SJ 14, keep ST 38 and ask pt to move 

shoulder. After about 5 min movement it’s easier with less pain. Pain will 

return, so have pt do ht pad and massage at home. Come back for trtment 

later. 



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SJ 15 Local problems mostly . Because of location (between GB 21 and SI 13) 

possibly pnthx. Many ppl hold stress on shoulder here – puncture obliquely 

toward clinical manifestation. Doesn’t need to be deep. Body work or 

cupping good here too to relax muscles. 

Local problems. 

Shoulder and arm pain though mostly pain here fx shoulder. Can also use 

for stiff neck, fullness of check (but other points are far better—P6 for 

instance, and Ren 17). For stiff shoulder + neck, SJ 15 too 

SJ 16 Window of Sky Remember category mostly. 

On neck, posterior border of SCM. Punc perp here. Probls of face, head, 

headache, dizziness, puffy face, deafness. Local problems like stiff neck. 

Insomnia, DDS (other points far better for this) 

This group is around the ear. In clinic almost all of them are safe. 

Often used in clinic for ear problems. 

SJ 17 

“Yi Feng” in 

chinese. Feng 

refers to wind. 

Yi Feng implies 

wind screen. 

Perp punc ½ - 1 cun. Some aim tip of needle toward tip of nose – much 

stronger sensation. Choose a 1 cun needle! Major nerve deep to here. 

Very important point. 

1. Ear problems – any kind. Vertigo, i.e. Even hearing things other 

people don’t hear – like schizophrenic manifestations. Allergy ear 

problems, ear infx and more. Not every patient will have good results 

with hearing loss…very important to warn the patient about this. Ear 

ache, blockage works very well. Hear the pulse in the ear, hear wind 

in the ear also good too…if this is related to anxiety, add points for 

that too. 

2. Facial problems – swollen face, TMJ. If you palpate here pt will 

probably feel tenderness. 

3. Scrofula, goiter (swelling of thyroid) 

4. Hiccups – use with strong acupressure. Bladder 2 also. 

5. Expel Wind – dizziness, vertigo, Bell’s Palsy. Dizziness/vertigo 

often due to inner ear. Works well for this – Mennier’s disease, etc. 

causing dizziness/vertigo. Du 20, GB 8, GB 2, SJ 17, LI 11, LI 4, SJ 

5, Liv 3, SP 6, SP 9. 

Re Bell’s Palsy: good point to treat this! Usually this is a viral 

infection of the facial nerve – which goes along the back of the ear. 

The nerve swells, constricts the nerve here. Localized edema, 

swelling. Patient will usually feel pain, back of ear. LI 4 also, as well 

as ST 3 – 6, SI 18 in addition to SJ 17, BL 20. 



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Can also use blood letting here – not the 3 edged needle, but 7 star 

needle, stretch skin tightly, tap until the skin is broken, then cup on 

top of this point – use the suction cups, not the fire cupping. Good for 

Bell’s palsy, pain. 

If not related to the ear, don’t need to use this point. 

SJ 17 + SJ 21, SI 19, GB 2 all used for ear problems. Palpate to see which 

are tender. 

SJ 18 

- 19 

SJ 20 

SJ 21 

SJ 22 

SJ 23 

1. Ear problems 

2. headache 

3. infantile epilepsy – muscle twitching might be one form. Could be 

related to lack of magnesium or calcium. 

4. Digestion problems such as vomitting and diarrhea. So many other 

good points, this one isn’t so good. 

1. Ear problems 

2. Eye problems – red eyes, swollen eyes. Red, burning, itchy eyes. 

3. Mouth problems: toothache, dry lips, dry mouth, etc. 

4. Headache, stiff neck 

5. Mumps – use acupressure or moxa w/Deng Xin Cao rather than with 

mugwort. ST 5 can also be used for mumps. Soak Deng Xin Cao in 

sesame oil then hold it with a hemostat, touch the fire to the point. 

This kind of moxa is almost specifically for mumps. 

1. Ear problems – located in front of ear, so diff kind of ear problems. 

Stacks on top of SI 19 and GB 2. Palpate each to find the tender one. 

2. Toothache 

3. Stiff neck 

4. TMJ 

Mostly used for local problems. 

Local: 

1. heaviness of head or headache 

2. tinnitus 

3. TMJ 

Local problems: 

1. headache, migraine. Esp migraine on templar side. Some prac’s 

thread SJ 23 Taiyang point. If migraine in process and you do 

strong stim, makes migraine worse. Palpate to see if feels comfortable 

with palpation or is it too excruciating? Also, balance with lower 

distal arm/leg points to prevent even more migraines. GB 41, SJ 5 for 

example to help descend the Qi. 

2. Eyes: blurred vision, red eyes, twitching of eyelids 

Epilepsy also. Some epilepsy patients stare upwards during an attack. 



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QUIZ: NEXT WEEK 

PC and SJ channels. Some from Energ I and II—common stuff and important stuff 

Primary and luo connecting channel pathway, focus on specific zang or sense organs 

Point categories – both channels and energetics 1, 2. All categories from each channel 

Point cat/functions – yuan, xi, back-shu’s, etc. 

Four needle tech and 5 element theory 

Extraordinary channels – indications and points to choose for Ren, Yin Wei/Yang Wei, 

yin/yang qiao, etc. 

Six stages – Taiyang, Shaoyang symptoms and points to choose. 

Points to choose taiyang = SI or BL channels. Shaoyang = SJ or GB channels. 

Four levels – ying/nutritive, xue/blood level symptoms and points to choose. 

(Pericardium 3, 8 – symptoms = fever, worse at night; bleeding symptoms) 

Case discussions – symptoms and differentiation 

choose the points for the cases’ symptoms/diff’s. Most important symptoms are the primary 

focus. 

LOOK AT CAMS!! Whole chapter on symptoms of the 8 extraordinary channel 

symptoms. 

Confluents 

LU 7 – Ren 

SI 3 – Du 

BL 62 – Yang Qiao 

KI 6 – Yin Qiao 

SP 4 – Chong 

P 6 – Yin Wei 

SJ 5 – Yang Wei 

GB 41 – Dai 

One theory: use the opening point/confluent point to treat the extraordinary. 

Another theory: paired points for the extraordinaries. Use the primary affected first, then follow with the 

secondary coupling point. 

Ren coupled with Yin Qiao = Lu 7+ Kid 6 

Du coupled with Yang Qiao = SI 3 + BL 62 

Yang Qiao coupled with Du = BL 62 + SI 3 

Yin Qiao coupled with Ren = KI 6 + LU 7 

Chong coupled with Yin Wei = SP 4 + P6 

Yin Wei coupled with Chong = P6 + SP 4 

Yang Wei coupled with Dai= SJ 5 + GB 41 

Dai coupled with Yang Wei = GB 41 + SJ 5 



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Case Discussions 

Patient comes in with an earache for ~ 3 days, swollen left ear, painful to touch. Post nasal drainage, 

nasal congestion. 

Tongue: thick yellow coating 

Pulse: wiry 

DX: wind invasion, phlegm heat accumulation (thick coat, wiry pulse) 

Points: Choose for differentiation, for symptoms 

Differentiation: 

Wind invasion : SJ 5, LI 4, LU 7 

Phlegm heat accumulation: ST 40 for phlegm, LI 11 for heat, GB 41/34/20 for heat 

Symptoms : 

Ear : SJ 3, SI 3, LI 6, SI 19 (opposite side), SJ 17 (opposite side), GB 2(opposite side). 

Could use laser acupuncture since it’s painful to the touch. 

Nasal : LI 20 

NEXT QUIZ : 

PC and SJ. 



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San Jiao Channel and Points - CatsTCMNotes

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