Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian — “The Outer Path” from the Ring Finger to the Ear and Head Friday, July 17, 2026 (Reiwa 8)

## Introduction

Today, I studied the 10th of the Twelve Meridians: the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian.

I had heard the word “Sanjiao” many times before, but I found the concepts of the Upper Jiao, Middle Jiao, and Lower Jiao difficult to understand and visualize.

However, after reviewing it again, I found it easier to understand by thinking of the Sanjiao not as a single organ, but as a system that regulates the flow of qi (energy) and body fluids throughout the entire body.

The Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian begins at the ring finger and travels along the outer side of the arm toward the shoulder, neck, ear, and side of the head.

## The Flow of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian

The Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian begins at:

Guanchong (Kansho / 関衝)

which is located beside the nail on the little-finger side of the ring finger.

From there, it travels across the back of the hand, passes the wrist, ascends along the outer side of the forearm, passes the elbow, and moves toward the shoulder.

At the shoulder, it connects with areas related to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and continues toward the neck.

After that, it passes through:

Yifeng (Eifu / 翳風)

behind the ear, travels around the ear and the side of the head, and finally connects with the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian near the outer corner of the eye.

In simple terms, remember the route as:

Ring finger → Outer arm → Shoulder → Neck → Ear → Head

This makes the flow easier to understand.

## What Does “Belongs to the Sanjiao” Mean?

The Sanjiao is a traditional way of dividing the body’s functions into three areas:

- Upper Jiao: functions of the heart and lungs  
- Middle Jiao: digestion and the functions of the stomach  
- Lower Jiao: elimination and fluid metabolism  

When we say that the Sanjiao Meridian “belongs to the Sanjiao,” it means that this meridian is related to all three areas, especially the circulation of body fluids and qi throughout the body.

## Important Self-Care Acupoints of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian

### 1. Waiguan (Gaikan / 外関)

A representative point of the Sanjiao Meridian.

Location:  
About three finger-widths above the wrist on the back side of the forearm.

Commonly used for:

- Neck and shoulder stiffness  
- Headaches  
- Ringing in the ears  
- Dizziness  
- Early symptoms of a cold  
- Arm fatigue  

As its name suggests, it is like a “gate” on the outer side of the body.

---

### 2. Zhongzhu (Chusho / 中渚)

Location:  
On the back of the hand, between the bones of the ring finger and little finger.

Commonly used for:

- Ringing in the ears  
- Headaches  
- Throat discomfort  
- Hand fatigue  

It is an easy point to stimulate by oneself.

---

### 3. Yifeng (Eifu / 翳風)

Location:  
The hollow area behind the earlobe.

Commonly used for:

- Ringing in the ears  
- A feeling of blocked ears  
- Problems around the jaw area  
- Improving circulation around the face  

It is also a well-known point used for facial nerve paralysis.

---

### 4. Zhigou (Shiko / 支溝)

Location:  
On the forearm, slightly toward the elbow from the wrist.

Commonly used for:

- Constipation  
- Tightness around the sides of the body  
- Discomfort in the chest or sides

---

### 5. Tianjing (Tensei / 天井)

Location:  
Behind the elbow area.

Commonly used for:

- Neck and shoulder tension  
- Sensation of heat  
- Throat discomfort  

However, because this point is a little difficult to locate, Waiguan and Zhongzhu are easier for self-care.

## Today’s Summary

The Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian is:

“A meridian that begins at the ring finger and travels along the outer side of the body toward the ear.”

The main points to remember are:

Waiguan — Neck, shoulders, head, and ears  
Zhongzhu — Hands, ears, and head  
Yifeng — Ears and facial area

Meridians may seem complicated at first, but remembering the route is the first step.

A path that begins at the ring finger, crosses the shoulder, and reaches the ear.

That is the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian.

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