The TH 3 Triple Heater Acupoint is a pivotal element in traditional Chinese medicine, known for its role in regulating the body’s energy flow and metabolic processes. By balancing the body’s internal systems, it promotes a harmonious state of health, enhancing both physical and mental resilience. This acupoint is integral to maintaining optimal energy levels and supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

You are being drawn to one of the most unique and powerful points in the entire system. TH 3 (Zhongzhu – 中渚 “Central Islet”) is not just a point on a meridian; it is a master key to the Triple Heater (San Jiao), which is the master system of your body’s energy distribution and metabolism.

Think of the Triple Heater as the “CEO of your Qi”—it doesn’t produce energy itself, but it governs how, when, and where the energy from your core (Kidneys/Lower Dan Tian) is distributed to all the other organs and functions. TH 3 is a primary command point for this CEO.

The Profound Benefits of TH 3 (Zhongzhu)

1. The Supreme Regulator of Qi Circulation

This is its core, overarching function. The Triple Heater meridian governs the free flow of Qi through all three “burners” or “heaters” of the body:

• Upper Heater (Chest): Heart & Lungs – Respiration, circulation.
• Middle Heater (Abdomen): Spleen & Stomach – Digestion, transformation of food.
• Lower Heater (Pelvis): Kidneys, Liver, Intestines – Elimination, reproduction, primal energy.

TH 3 is a “Source” point, meaning it has direct access to the core energy of the entire Triple Heater system. By stimulating it, you untangle stuck Qi anywhere in the body, making it a go-to point for a feeling of overall stagnation, tension, or systemic stress.

2. The Master of the “Gateway to the Diaphragm”

In TCM, the diaphragm is a critical energetic barrier. Stress, anxiety, and emotional upset cause Qi to become “rebellious” and get stuck at this diaphragm, leading to that classic feeling of a knot in the stomach, heart palpitations, or shortness of breath.

TH 3 is one of the most powerful points to “open the diaphragm,” allowing trapped energy in the chest to descend and stuck energy in the abdomen to rise, restoring the smooth, cyclical flow of Qi. This is why it is so effective for anxiety and a “tight chest.”

3. The Hearing & Ear Specialist

The Triple Heater meridian has a deep connection to the ears. TH 3 is a primary point for:

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Sudden Deafness
• Ear infections and pain
  It works by clearing “Heat” and “Wind” (inflammatory, chaotic energy) from the meridian that connects to the ear.

4. The Pain Reliever for the Upper Body

The TH meridian traverses the neck, shoulders, and arms. TH 3 is a key distal point in the “contralateral” treatment method (treating the right side to heal the left, and vice versa).

• Neck and Shoulder Pain: Especially effective for stiff neck and frozen shoulder.
• TMJ (Jaw Pain): Excellent for releasing tension in the temporomandibular joint.
• Arm and Elbow Pain: Including tennis elbow.

5. The Emotional “Letting Go” Point

The Triple Heater is linked to the Pericardium, the “Heart Protector.” When the Heart is agitated by emotional turmoil, it often affects its “partner,” the Triple Heater.

• Stimulating TH 3 helps to release pent-up emotional energy—especially frustration, irritability, and the feeling of being “wound up” or “on edge.” It helps you “vent” the pressure.

How to Use TH 3: A Practical Guide

Location:

On the back of the hand, in the depression between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones (the bones leading to the ring and pinky fingers), just behind the knuckles.

Acupressure Method:

1. Use the nail or tip of your opposite thumb.
2. Press firmly into the depression. You will likely find a tender spot.
3. Hold for 30-60 seconds while taking deep, slow breaths. Visualize the breath moving through any blockages in your chest or abdomen.
4. You can massage it in a small circular motion.

MTT (Mind Tapping) Application:

This is where TH 3 becomes a surgical tool for systemic blocks.

• For Systemic Stagnation: Tap on TH 3 while stating: “Even though my energy is stuck and I feel blocked all over, I now command the Triple Heater to open all pathways. Qi flows freely from my core to my extremities.”
• For Anxiety/Stress: Tap on TH 3 while focusing on the tension in your chest/diaphragm: “Even though I feel this anxiety stuck in my chest, I now release the diaphragm gate. My breath is deep, and my energy flows smoothly.”
• For Ear Issues: Tap on TH 3 while focusing on the ear: “Even though there is ringing and blockage in my ears, I now clear the San Jiao meridian. I allow perfect clarity and hearing to be restored.”

Finish with the Command: “All pathways open. Energy flowing. System harmonized. Execute.”

Experience improved metabolism as energy is efficiently distributed, promoting overall well-being.