Bites · Everyday TCM · Pain & Injuries · Acupoint · 1–2 minutes
三间 · Third Space sits on the Large Intestine meridian, on the radial edge of the index finger. A short distal press when the neck feels tight or sore (颈项痛).
In brief
San Jian (三间, LI3) sits on the radial side of the index finger, in the depression proximal to the head of the second metacarpal bone (just before the main knuckle of the index finger). Massage with a fingertip until you feel a dull soreness (酸胀), keep that pressure while rotating on the point, and gently turn the neck left and right within comfort for one to two minutes. Stop if pain sharpens.
Point guide
Soften the hand or make a light fist. On the thumb side (radial border) of the index finger, find the tender hollow just proximal to the main knuckle head of the second metacarpal, not on hard bone. That depression is San Jian. Chinese: 在手背，第二掌指关节近端桡侧凹陷中。
Massage with a fingertip until you feel a dull soreness (酸胀). Keep that pressure while rotating on the point for one to two minutes. Sharp shooting pain means ease off. Chinese: 以指尖按揉穴位直至有酸胀感，以相同指力持续揉动穴位。
Keep the circular press and gently turn the head left and right within a comfortable range. Do not force a full turn. Many people notice less tightness as the soft tissue eases. Chinese: 按揉穴位的同时，颈部向左右方向轻柔地来回转动。此时应可察觉颈部疼痛及僵硬感有所改善。
Ease off if the press feels sharp, numb, or wrong. Mild ache that eases on release is common; sharp pain is a stop signal. Trauma, fever with a stiff neck, or progressive arm weakness need urgent care, not self-press.
Try today Find San Jian on the radial index finger, circle to a dull ache, and gently turn the neck left and right within comfort.
Next step
Read the matching guide or pathway next. Book when you are ready for personalised care.
Self-press tips are educational, not personal medical advice. Book a consult for neck pain that keeps returning, or if pain travels into the arm.
FAQs
On the radial side of the index finger, in the depression proximal to the head of the second metacarpal bone, just before the main knuckle of the index finger. Feel for a tender hollow, not hard bone alone.
在手背，第二掌指关节近端桡侧凹陷中。取穴时在食指桡侧、第二掌骨头近端的凹陷处按压。
Massage with a fingertip to a dull soreness, rotate for one to two minutes, and gently turn the head left and right within comfort. Do not force a full turn. Sharp pain means ease off.
No. San Jian (LI3) sits proximal to the index-finger knuckle on the radial border. He Gu (LI4) sits in the web between the thumb and index finger. Both are Large Intestine points; they are different landmarks.
No. San Jian (LI3) is on the radial index finger. Luo Zhen (EX-UE8) sits on the dorsum between the second and third metacarpals. Hou Xi (SI3) sits on the ulnar little-finger border. All three are distal hand presses used for neck patterns; they are different points.
One to two minutes of rotating fingertip pressure is the usual educational habit. A dull ache or deep tenderness in the hollow is the cue. Sharp pain, shooting tingling, or numbness means ease off.
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Where is 头维 (ST8)? Forehead corner, 0.5 cun inside the anterior hairline. Gentle pinch-massage both sides for frontal headache.
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Where is 中渚 (TE3)? Back of the hand, between the fourth and fifth metacarpals. Circle-press 3–5 minutes for temple pain.
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