Sanjian Point (LI-3)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Sanjian (LI-3). Learn its benefits for constipation, toothache, sore throat, and trigeminal neuralgia, plus powerful combinations with Hegu, Quchi, and Shenmen for various conditions.
Indications
Toothache due to upward flare-up of fire, itching and pain of the eyelids, sore throat, feverish sensation with chest tightness, and trigeminal neuralgia.
Precise Location
Located on the Large Intestine meridian of the hand. With a slight fist, the point is in the depression posterior to the head of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side of the index finger, anterior to Hegu (LI-4) – that is, closer to the index finger end.
Location Method
Lightly make an empty fist, bend the thumb and index finger so their tips lightly touch, keeping the fist upright. Use the other hand to gently hold the outside of the fist, and press straight down with the thumb pad – that is the point.
Massage Method
Press vertically with the thumb pad; a sore, distending sensation will occur. Apply to both left and right hands separately, 1–3 minutes per side each session. Therapeutic actions: Dredges the meridian and unblocks the collateral, calms the spirit and relieves pain, clears heat and releases the exterior.
Compatibility
Tonsillitis: Combine Sanjian (LI-3) with Hegu (LI-4). Disease overview: Inflamed tonsils become red and swollen with white purulent exudate – this is acute tonsillitis. It may be accompanied by persistent high fever for several days, redness, swelling and pain in the throat, with swallowing significantly worsening the pain. Massage sequence: Press on Sanjian and Hegu. While exhaling slowly, pinch and press up and down with thumb and index finger for 6 seconds, then quickly release – keeping the breath fully exhaled at the moment of release. Repeat 10 times; tonsillar pain will gradually subside. Toothache: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Shangyang (LI-1). Mastitis: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17), Quchi (LI-11), and Hegu (LI-4). Insomnia: Combine with Shenmen (HT-7), Shangwan (RN-13), and Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
Office workers often sit for prolonged periods with insufficient exercise. Combined with intense workplace competition, this leads to excessive mental strain and chronic stress, which over time may cause constipation. Constipation is distressing, disrupts daily life, and impairs both work and study. Simply pinching and pressing Sanjian (LI-3) can effectively prevent constipation.