Large Intestine 3 (LI 3) San Jian — Third Interval

This is the Shu-Stream and Wood point of the Large Intestine channel. It clears heat, benefits the throat and teeth and relieves pain of the hand.

Large Intestine 3 (LI 3) San Jian 三間 — Third Interval

Location

On the radial side of the index finger, in the depression proximal to the head of the second metacarpal bone.

Anatomy

The first dorsal interosseous muscle; the dorsal venous network and a branch of the radial artery; the dorsal digital nerve from the radial nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Clears heat and reduces swelling
  • Benefits the throat, teeth and eyes
  • Relieves fullness of the intestines

Indications

Toothache, sore throat, redness and pain of the eyes, borborygmus and abdominal distension, and pain of the back of the hand and fingers.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With LI-4 for toothache; with LI-11 for febrile disease.

Classical Text References

The Shu-Stream (Wood) point of the Large Intestine.

Cautions & Contraindications

None specific.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.