LI-3 - Third Interval

三间 - Sān jiān

Point Region: Hand

LI

Large Intestine Meridian

手阳明大肠经 - Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the back of the hand, in the hollow on the thumb side of and just behind the knuckle of the index finger (the second metacarpophalangeal joint).

How to Locate:

  1. Make a loose fist
  2. Find the knuckle of your index finger, on the thumb side
  3. The point is in the hollow just behind it, toward the wrist
LI-3 (Third Interval) acupressure point location: On the back of the hand, in the hollow on the thumb side of and just behind the knuckle of the index finger (the second metacarpophalangeal joint).

How to Apply Pressure

When LI-3 is located, apply steady, comfortable fingertip pressure without forcing the knuckle. Do not press after recent hand surgery, a hand fracture, or an acute hand injury, and stop if it causes pain.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Toothache
  • Sore throat
  • Hand stiffness
  • Dental pain
  • Throat pain
  • Hand pain
  • Finger problems

Related Health Concerns

Dental PainCold and Flu Onset

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Recent hand surgery
  • Severe hand fracture
  • Acute hand injury