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The Sanjiao Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang originates at the lateral end of the ring finger (Guanchong, LI1) and ascends between the index and ring fingers (Benqianjie, a historical point name; Benhoujie, referring to Zhongzhu, SJ3). It follows the dorsal aspect of the hand to the wrist (Yangchi, SJ4), emerges between the two bones of the forearm (Zhigou, SJ6), passes upward through the elbow (Tianjing, SJ10), and ascends along the lateral aspect of the upper arm to the neck. It runs behind the ear, straight up to the superior angle of the ear, then curves downward to the cheek, reaching the zygomatic bone (Quanliao area). A branch enters the ear from behind it, exits in front of the ear, passes anterior to the Guest Master point (Guest Master, ST2), crosses the cheek, and reaches the outer canthus of the eye (where it connects with the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian).

When this meridian is affected by pathogenic factors ("Shi Dong"), symptoms include deafness, muffled hearing, swelling of the throat, and throat obstruction. As the master of Qi-related disorders, it governs conditions such as sweating, pain in the outer canthus, facial pain, and pain along the posterior ear, shoulder, upper arm, elbow, and lateral arm, rendering the ring finger immobile. In cases of excess, the Renying pulse (carotid artery) is one times larger than the Cunkou pulse (radial artery); in cases of deficiency, the Renying pulse is smaller than the Cunkou pulse (Ling Shu). ○ During the Hai hour (9 PM–11 PM), Qi flows from Zhongchong (Pericardium 1) to Guanchong (Sanjiao 1) and ascends along the arm to Ermen (Sanjiao 21) (Ru Men).

Guanchong (SJ1): Two points located at the lateral end of the ring finger, approximately the width of a leek leaf from the corner of the nail. Take the point with the fist clenched. This is the Jing-Well point where the Sanjiao Meridian Qi emerges. Needle depth: 1 fen; retain for 3 breaths; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Yemen (SJ2): Two points located in the depression proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint, between the ring and little fingers. Take the point with the fist clenched. This is the Ying-Spring point where the Sanjiao Meridian Qi flows. Needle depth: 2 fen; retain for 3 breaths; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Zhongzhu (SJ3): Two points located in the depression distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger, 1 cun below Yemen. Take the point with the palm grasped. This is the Shu-Stream point where the Sanjiao Meridian Qi pours. Needle depth: 3 fen; retain for 3 breaths; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Yangchi (SJ4): Also known as Bieyang. Two points located in the depression on the dorsal transverse crease of the wrist (Tong Ren). ○ Located in the depression of the dorsal transverse crease of the hand. This is the Yuan-Source point where the Sanjiao Meridian Qi passes. Needle depth: 3 fen; retain for 3 breaths; moxibustion is prohibited (Tong Ren).

Waiguan (SJ5): Two points located in the depression 2 cun posterior to the wrist, which is 2 cun posterior to Yangchi. This is the Luo-Connecting point, diverging to the Pericardium Meridian. Needle depth: 3 fen; retain for 7 breaths; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Zhigou (SJ6): Two points located in the depression between the two bones of the forearm, 3 cun posterior to the wrist, which is 3 cun posterior to Yangchi (Tong Ren). ○ Located 3 cun on the lateral aspect of the forearm posterior to the wrist (Zi Sheng). ○ This is the Jing-River point where the Sanjiao Meridian Qi travels. Needle depth: 3 fen; retain for 7 breaths; moxibustion: 14 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Huizong (SJ7): Two points located 1 cun hollow space 3 cun posterior to the wrist (Tong Ren). ○ Located 1 cun lateral to Zhigou, in the hollow space (Ru Men). ○ Needle depth: 3 fen; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Sanyangluo (SJ8): Two points located on the upper arm at the intersection of meridians, 1 cun above Zhigou (Tong Ren). ○ Located 4 cun posterior to Yangchi (Ru Men). ○ Located in the depression on the lateral margin, 5 cun anterior to the elbow (Zi Sheng). ○ Moxibustion: 7 moxa cones; needle insertion is prohibited (Tong Ren).

Sidu (SJ9): Two points located in the depression on the lateral margin, 6 cun anterior to the elbow. Needle depth: 6 fen; retain for 7 breaths; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Tianjing (SJ10): Two points located in the depression 1 cun above the elbow, posterior to the large bone of the lateral elbow (Tong Ren). ○ Located 1 cun posterior to the flexed elbow; alternatively, press the knee with the hand and locate the gap between two tendons. Another source states it is between the two tendons posterior to the elbow, accessible only when the elbow is flexed (Zi Sheng). ○ This is the He-Sea point where the Sanjiao Meridian Qi enters (Tong Ren). ○ Needle depth: 1 cun; retain for 7 breaths; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Ling Shu).

Qinglengyuan (SJ11): Two points located 2 cun above the elbow. Take the point with the arm extended and raised. Needle depth: 3 fen; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Xiaoluo (SJ12): Two points located between the shoulder and the lateral arm, descending obliquely from the axilla. Needle depth: 6 fen; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Tianliao (SJ13): Also known as Qiao. Two points located on the anterior-lateral shoulder, 3 cun from the shoulder tip, in the deep depression. Needle depth: 7 fen; retain for 7 breaths; moxibustion: 7 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Jianliao (SJ14): Two points located in the depression on the superior aspect of the acromion process. Take the point with the arm raised (Tong Ren). ○ Located in the depression lateral to the shoulder tip, oblique to the Huihui point (Ru Men). ○ Needle depth: 7 fen; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Tianyou (SJ16): Two points located in the depression at the junction of the clavicle and the scapula, in the supraclavicular fossa region. Needle depth: 8 fen; moxibustion: 5 moxa cones (Tong Ren). ○ Regarding the sequence of shoulder points: Jianliao is extreme/lateral, Jugu (GB21) is next, Jianjing (GB21) follows, Bingfeng (SI12) follows, and Tianyou is its interior counterpart (Gang Mu).

Tianyou (SJ17): Two points located anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, superior to the supraclavicular fossa, posterior to Tianrong (ST17), anterior to Tianzhu (BL10), inferior to Wanggu (GB12), and 1 cun above the hairline in the depression (Tong Ren). ○ Located 1 cun above the hairline, lateral to the major tendon of the neck, below the ear (Ru Men). ○ Needle depth: 1 cun; retain for 7 breaths; moxibustion is contraindicated. If moxibustion is applied, facial swelling and closed eyes may occur. Treat first by needling Yexi (BL48), then Tianyou (SJ17) and Fengchi (GB20); the disease will subside (Tong Ren).

Yifeng (SJ18): Two points located in the depression at the posterior sharp angle of the earlobe. Pressing induces pain in the ear. Needle depth: 7 fen; moxibustion: 7 moxa cones (Tong Ren).

Maichong (SJ19): Also known as Zimai. Two points located posterior to the root of the ear among the chicken-foot-shaped blue collateral vessels. Prick to bleed until the blood resembles bean curd juice. Needle depth: 1 fen; moxibustion is prohibited (Tong Ren).

Luxi (SJ20): Also known as Luxin. Two points located among the blue collateral vessels posterior to the ear (Tong Ren). ○ Located between the blue veins posterior to the ear (Ru Men). ○ Moxibustion: 7 moxa cones; needle insertion is prohibited (Tong Ren).

Sizhukong (SJ23): Also known as Mu Zuo. Two points located in the depression posterior to the eyebrow (Tong Ren). ○ Located in the depression posterior to the tail of the eyebrow (Ru Men). ○ Needle depth: 3 fen; retain for 3 breaths; moxibustion is prohibited. Accidental moxibustion may cause microphthalmia (small eyes) and blindness (Tong Ren).

Jiaosun (SJ24): Two points located in the middle of the auricle, creating a gap when the mouth is opened (Tong Ren). ○ Located in the middle of the auricle, below the hairline (Ru Men). ○ Moxibustion: 3 moxa cones; needle insertion is prohibited (Ru Men).

Heliao (SJ22): Two points located in the depression below the temporal hairline anterior to the ear, where a transverse arterial pulse is palpable. Needle depth: 3 fen; moxibustion is prohibited (Tong Ren).

Ermen (SJ21): Two points located anterior to the ear, in the fleshy prominence corresponding to the defect of the ear canal. Needle depth: 3 fen; retain for 3 breaths; moxibustion: 3 moxa cones (Tong Ren).