San Jiao 6 (SJ 6) Zhi Gou — Branch Ditch

This is the Jing-River and Fire point of the Triple Burner channel. It regulates the qi of the Triple Burner, clears heat and is a principal point for constipation and hypochondriac pain.

San Jiao 6 (SJ 6) Zhi Gou 支溝 — Branch Ditch

Location

On the dorsal aspect of the forearm, 3 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist crease, between the radius and ulna, on the radial side of the extensor digitorum tendon.

Anatomy

Between the radius and ulna, on the extensor muscles; the posterior and anterior interosseous arteries; the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the posterior interosseous nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Regulates the qi of the Triple Burner and clears heat
  • Promotes bowel movement (constipation)
  • Benefits the costal region and the ears

Indications

Constipation, hypochondriac pain, febrile disease, tinnitus and deafness, sudden loss of voice, and pain of the shoulder and arm.

Needling

0.5-1.0 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With ST-25 for constipation; with GB-34 for hypochondriac pain.

Classical Text References

The Jing-River (Fire) point of the Triple Burner, classically a chief point for constipation.

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.

Check Also

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.