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The meridian of Hand-Shaoyang (Sanjiao) originates at the tip of the ring finger (the end of the fourth finger, where Guanzhong LI1 is located). It ascends between the index and ring fingers (anterior to the proximal interphalangeal joint, posterior to Yemen TE2, where Zhongzhu TE3 is located). It follows the dorsal aspect of the hand and wrist (the division point of Yangchi TE4). It emerges between the two bones of the forearm (between the radius and ulna, where Zhigou TE6 is located). It ascends through the elbow (the division point of Tianjing TE10 posterior to the elbow). It follows the lateral aspect of the arm, ascends to the shoulder, and passes posterior to the Foot-Shaoyang (Gallbladder) meridian (Foot-Shaoyang is posterior to Hand-Shaoyang; when ascending to the shoulder, Hand-Shaoyang reappears inferior to it). It enters the supraclavicular fossa (Quepen), crosses the Danzhong (Conception Vessel 17) (as stated in Nan Jing: Danzhong CV17 is one cun six fen below Yutang GV19, level with the inner nipples). It scatters and connects with the Pericardium (The Pericardium serves as the support for Sanjiao; thus, the Hand-Shaoyang meridian connects with the Pericardium). It descends through the diaphragm and predominantly belongs to the Sanjiao (Hand-Shaoyang is the meridian of Sanjiao; thus, its vessel predominantly belongs to Sanjiao).

A branch arises from Danzhong, ascends out of the supraclavicular fossa, travels up the neck, flanks the ear, ascends directly to emerge above the upper angle of the ear, then curves downward to the cheek, reaching the infraorbital region. Another branch enters the ear from behind the ear, exits anterior to the ear, passes through Shangguan GB7 (Kerenzhuren), crosses anteriorly on the cheek, and reaches the outer canthus (Hand-Shaoyang intersects with Foot-Shaoyang here).

When the Qi of this meridian is disturbed ("Shi Dong" diseases, because Hand-Shaoyang typically has less blood and more Qi, and here Qi is diseased first), symptoms include deafness, roaring tinnitus, swelling of the throat, and pharyngeal obstruction. When the Qi governed by this meridian generates pathological changes ("Suo Sheng Bing" diseases, where blood is affected by Qi, hence termed diseases generated by Qi; Hand-Shaoyang has less blood and more Qi, which is the normal constant, though variations exist. Ling Shu states: If Qi and Blood are abundant in the upper part of Hand-Shaoyang, eyebrows are beautiful and long, and ears have a good color; if both are deficient, ears are dry and discolored. If Qi and Blood are abundant in the lower part, hands are plump and fleshy due to warmth and nourishment; if deficient, they are cold and emaciated. If Qi is deficient and Blood is abundant, the body is emaciated but vessels are prominent. Thus, the abundance or deficiency of Qi and Blood in Hand-Shaoyang can be known."), symptoms include sweating, pain in the outer canthus, pain in the postauricular region, shoulder, elbow, and lateral arm, and dysfunction of the ring finger.

In cases of excess, the Renying pulse (Carotid artery) is twice as large as the Cun Kou pulse (Radial artery); in cases of deficiency, the Renying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.

The divergent collateral of Hand-Shaoyang is named Waiguan TE5. It is located two cun from the wrist crease, winds around the arm externally, injects into the chest, and combines with the Heart Master (Pericardium). In excess conditions, there is spasm of the elbow; in deficiency conditions, there is flaccidity and inability to flex. Treatment should target the point where this collateral branches off.

The meridian of Hand-Shaoyang originates at the tip of the ring finger, knots at the wrist, ascends along the arm, knots at the elbow, ascends around the lateral margin of the arm, goes to the shoulder, and travels to the head, combining with Hand-Taiyang. A branch enters at the curved jaw, connecting to the root of the tongue. Another branch ascends along the anterior aspect of the ear, attaches to the outer canthus, and ascends to the mandible, knotting at the vertex angle. Diseases in these areas manifest as twisting and cramping of tendons at the site of passage, and curling of the tongue. Treatment involves burning needle puncture (Cao Zhen), using the number of applications until improvement is perceived, and using painful points as acupoints. This condition is called Ji Xia Bi (Summer-Heat Bi Syndrome).

When pathogenic factors invade the collaterals of Hand-Shaoyang, they cause pharyngeal obstruction, curled tongue, dry mouth, mental restlessness, pain along the lateral aspect of the arm, and inability to raise the hand to the head. Treatment involves pricking the nail corner between the middle and ring fingers, at a distance from the tip like the width of a leek leaf, applying one moxa cone. Strong individuals recover immediately; older individuals recover after a short while. Treat left side for right-sided disease, and right side for left-sided disease. For new-onset diseases, recovery occurs within a few days.

The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian runs from hand to head, measuring five chi in length. Both sides together measure one zhang. There are forty-six acupoints in total.
Guanzhong TE1 (2 points), Yemen TE2 (2 points), Zhongzhu TE3 (2 points), Yangchi TE4 (2 points), Waiguan TE5 (2 points), Zhigou TE6 (2 points), Huizong TE7 (2 points), Sanyangluo TE8 (2 points), Sidu TE9 (2 points), Tianjing TE10 (2 points), Qinglengyuan TE11 (2 points), Xiaoluo TE12 (2 points), Naohui TE13 (2 points), Jianliao TE14 (2 points), Tianliao TE15 (2 points), Tianyou TE16 (2 points), Yifeng TE17 (2 points), Chi Mai TE18 (2 points), Luxi TE19 (2 points), Jiaosun TE20 (2 points), Sizhukong TE23 (2 points), Heliao TE21 (2 points), Ermen TE22 (2 points).