TB 3 — Zhōng Zhǔ (中渚) — Middle Islet
On this page
1. Overview
TB 3 — Zhōng Zhǔ (中渚) — is an acupuncture point on the Triple Burner (San Jiao) meridian. Its English name, Middle Islet, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the dorsum of the hand, in the depression proximal to the 4th metacarpophalangeal joint between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones.
3. Actions
- Clears Heat and benefits the ears
- Activates the meridian and relieves arm and shoulder pain
- Benefits the head and eyes
4. Indications
- Tinnitus and deafness — important distal point
- Temporal headache and migraine
- Finger pain and stiffness
- Shoulder and arm pain
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
TB 3 is the Shu-Stream and Wood point of the San Jiao meridian. It is an important distal point for tinnitus, used alongside TB 5, TB 17, SI 19 and GB 2 in the standard tinnitus prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use TB 3 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Tinnitus, Headaches. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
