TE-3 - Central Islet
中渚 - zhōng zhǔ
Point Region: Hand
TE-3 Zhongzhu, meaning 'Central Islet,' is the 'Shu-Stream' and 'Wood' point of the Triple Energizer. Located on the back of the hand, it is a master point for harmonizing the upper burner and easing ear congestion. Its name, 'Central Islet,' alludes to its ability to create a sense of calm in the midst of a 'storm' of stagnation or excess heat.
Think of Zhongzhu as a point that helps to clear the 'gunk' from your ears. It's invaluable for addressing issues like tinnitus, earaches, and a feeling of a 'blocked' ear. By harmonizing the upper burner, it helps to restore a sense of ease and clarity.
By harmonizing the upper burner and easing ear congestion, TE-3 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a well-regulated and harmonious body.
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: Between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones, proximal to the MCP joints
How to Locate:
- Turn your hand palm down
- Find the groove between the bones leading to your ring finger and pinky
- Follow this groove from your knuckles toward your wrist
- About one finger-width back from your knuckles is TE-3
Primary Functions
Nervous System
- Treats headaches and migraines
- Relieves trigeminal neuralgia
- Calms nervous system hyperactivity
- Improves mental clarity and focus
Auditory System
- Treats ear infections and inflammation
- Reduces tinnitus and ear ringing
- Improves hearing acuity
- Balances inner ear function
Eye & Vision System
- Relieves eye strain and fatigue
- Treats conjunctivitis and eye inflammation
- Improves vision clarity
- Reduces dry eyes
Endocrine & Metabolic System
- Balances triple energizer qi flow
- Regulates metabolic processes
- Harmonizes organ system coordination
- Supports energy transformation
Musculoskeletal System
- Relieves hand and wrist tension
- Treats arthritis in finger joints
- Reduces hand numbness
- Improves grip strength
Emotional & Mental
- Reduces anxiety and restlessness
- Promotes emotional stability
- Calms excessive worry
- Enhances decision-making clarity
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Tinnitus
- Deafness
- Febrile disease
- Arm pain
- Ear ringing
- Hearing loss
- Fever
- Hand pain
- Wrist stiffness
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
TE-3 Protocols
N/A
Important Precautions
- Recent hand fracture
- Severe arthritis in hand
- Acute hand inflammation