TB 6 — Zhī Gōu (支沟) — Branch Ditch

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

TB 6 — Zhī Gōu (支沟) — is an acupuncture point on the Triple Burner (San Jiao) meridian. Its English name, Branch Ditch, 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, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

On the dorsal forearm, 3 cun above TB 4, between the radius and ulna.

3. Actions

1. Promotes the movement of Qi in the San Jiao — the primary point for constipation
2. Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
3. Relieves hypochondriac and flank pain from Liver Qi stagnation
4. Benefits the throat

4. Indications

1. Constipation — the primary acupuncture point for constipation from Qi stagnation or Heat
2. Hypochondriac and flank pain from Liver-Gallbladder Qi stagnation
3. Post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles) along the San Jiao channel
4. Sudden hoarse voice and sore throat
5. Arm pain along the San Jiao channel

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.8–1.0 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 6 is the Jing-River and Fire point of the San Jiao meridian and the single most important acupuncture point for constipation. Its action of moving Qi throughout the San Jiao makes it effective for any obstruction in the large intestine from Qi stagnation or Heat. Combined with ST 25, SJ 36 and CV 6 it forms the core constipation prescription. It is also highly effective for shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia) along the San Jiao channel distribution on the ribs.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use TB 6 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Shingles, Digestive disorders. 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.