TB 4 — Yáng Chí (阳池) — Yang Pool
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1. Overview
TB 4 (also written SJ 4) — Yáng Chí (阳池) — is the Yuan-Source point of the Triple Burner (San Jiao) meridian. It is a key local point in acupuncture for dorsal wrist pain and a deeper systemic point for regulating Triple Burner Qi.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use TB 4 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the dorsal aspect of the wrist crease, in the depression lateral to the tendon of extensor digitorum communis.
3. Actions
- Regulates the Triple Burner
- Releases the exterior and dispels Wind
- Activates the meridian and benefits the wrist
4. Indications
- Dorsal wrist pain — the primary local use
- Wrist stiffness after typing or sports
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (often combined with palmar points)
- Cold extremities with poor circulation
- Dry mouth and thirst from Triple Burner imbalance
- Diabetes-pattern dryness (used by some practitioners as a regulating point)
- Shoulder pain along the San Jiao channel distribution
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun.
6. Clinical notes
As the Yuan-Source point, TB 4 is one of the most versatile San Jiao points. For wrist pain I pair it with the opposite side’s palmar point PC 7, or with LI 5 for circumferential coverage. For carpal tunnel I combine TB 4 with PC 6 and Ahshi points along the carpal tunnel itself.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use TB 4 for chronic wrist pain, post-fracture wrist stiffness, carpal tunnel symptoms and cold hands. Book a consultation in Wokingham, Berkshire.
