TE3 Zhongzhu: On the back of the hand, find the hollow between the fourth and fifth metacarpals just wristward of the ring-finger knuckle. Landmark schematic; not to scale.

TE3 (Zhongzhu / Central Islet) Acupuncture Point Guide

October 18, 2026

Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.

TE3 Zhongzhu belongs to the Triple Energizer channel. This Project Lotus guide focuses on reliable surface landmarks, nearby-point distinctions and safe professional assessment.

Quick reference

Point	TE3 — Zhongzhu
Channel	Triple Energizer — Hand Shaoyang
Traditional classification	Shu-Stream; Wood
Region	Dorsal ulnar hand
Laterality	Bilateral

Location and landmark sequence

On the back of the hand, find the hollow between the fourth and fifth metacarpals just wristward of the ring-finger knuckle.

Support the limb so the illustrated surface is accessible. Confirm the thumb or little-finger side for hand and forearm points, or the inner or outer ankle for foot points.
Palpate the named joint, bone or tendon landmarks before estimating a position.
On the back of the hand, find the hollow between the fourth and fifth metacarpals just wristward of the ring-finger knuckle.
Check the relationship to nearby points and reassess on the individual patient.

Distinguishing nearby points

This is a dorsal point. Do not place it on the palm or in the finger web; use the fourth MCP joint as the distal landmark.

Traditional context

Shu-Stream; Wood is the traditional classification used here. Classification helps organise channel theory; it is not evidence that an individual point treats a particular disease. Selection depends on a complete assessment and a coherent treatment principle.

Traditional functions and applications

Within traditional East Asian medicine, this point is described in terms of qi movement; ear support; channel activation.

Traditionally considered for selected head or ear presentations and discomfort of the hand, shoulder or upper back. These are historical treatment concepts, not proven disease-specific effects of this point alone. Select points from the full assessment rather than a symptom list.

Moxibustion

Moxa is not an automatic addition. Assess the treatment principle, skin condition and sensation; use appropriate training, supervision and burn prevention if heat is considered.

Anatomy and essential safety

Small digital vessels, sensory branches, tendons and joint structures are close together in the hand. Inspect skin, circulation and sensation, and account for arthritis, injury or surgery.

Inspect skin, circulation and sensation; avoid infected, ulcerated or otherwise unsuitable tissue.
Review relevant medication, bleeding risk, pregnancy, surgery and previous reactions.
Use sterile single-use needles, appropriate infection control and safe sharps disposal.
Choose depth, angle and stimulation through accredited training and patient-specific anatomical assessment.

When assessment takes priority

A hot swollen limb with fever, new weakness, persistent numbness, significant trauma or an infected wound needs medical assessment. Acute chest pain, collapse or severe breathlessness requires emergency care; a traditional channel association must never delay referral.