The third point on the Large Intestine channel (LI), Sanjian (LI-3) is a brisk, clearing point — good at moving through blockages, draining Heat from the face and throat, and opening the channel through the hand and arm. Small in location but sharp in action.
Contraindications
Sanjian (LI-3) is a straightforward hand point with a good safety profile. Simply keep to the stated depth and needle with the hand in the correct loose-fist position, especially when needling toward Houxi SI-3.
Name & story
三间 Sanjian means "Third Space" or "Third Interval" — the third point along the Large Intestine channel (LI), and it sits in the third space of the hand, in a noticeable hollow just behind the knuckle of the index finger. The name is pleasingly literal: find the third gap, press in. There is something almost architectural about it — a small but definite space between the bones, waiting to be opened.
Point family & character
Sanjian (LI-3) belongs to the Large Intestine channel (LI). In character it is the Shu-Stream point and the Wood point of the channel — two roles that together define its personality: Shu-Stream points are where the Qi begins to flow more fully and are especially useful for heaviness and pain in the joints; and as the Wood point of a Metal channel, it carries a capacity to move and spread Qi where it has become stuck.
Five-element dynamics
The Large Intestine channel (LI) belongs to the Metal element, and Sanjian is its Wood point — Wood within Metal. Wood's nature is to move, to course, to break through stagnation; Metal's nature is to descend and to clear. Together they give this point a talent for pushing Heat and obstruction downward and outward — away from the face, the teeth and the throat. When Heat rises and gathers in the upper part of the channel, Sanjian helps to drain it away.
Location
On the radial side of the index finger, in the noticeable depression just behind (proximal to) the head of the second metacarpal bone. It is easier to find when the hand is loosely curled into a soft fist — the hollow becomes quite clear.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies in the substantial depression on the radial (thumb) side of the index finger, just proximal to the head of the second metacarpal bone — in the fleshy hollow behind the knuckle.
Needling
Perpendicular insertion, directed toward Houxi SI-3 on the opposite side of the hand. The needle is inserted with the hand in a loose fist position, with the metacarpal bones lying in the same plane — this is especially important when needling more deeply.
Safe depth
The golden tip
To find Sanjian, make a soft loose fist — a hollow will appear on the side of the index finger, just behind the big knuckle. Press firmly into that hollow with the opposite thumb for one to two minutes. It can be helpful during a toothache or a flare of throat discomfort, as a simple way to encourage the channel's natural clearing action.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.