TRIPLE BURNER, SAN JIAO (Meridians 4 of 14)

Triple Burner

Minister of Dykes and Dredges

The Meridian of Hope

San Jiao

·         Paired with the Pericardium

·         Governs the relationship between all the various organs

·         Regulates and Distributes source vital energy

·         Embodies all hormone glands

·         Responsible for the movement and Transformation of various solids and fluids throughout the system

·         Production and Circulation of nourishing energy and protective energy

·         Associated with impatience and intense activity

It is not a single self-contained organ, but rather a functional energy system involved in regulating the activities of other organs.

It is composed of three parts, known as ‘burners’, each associated with one of the body’s three main cavities: thorax, abdomen, and pelvis.

Sometimes called the Triple Warmer Organ because the three body cavities are intended to control the body temperatures.

The Upper, which relates to the chest above the diaphragm. It controls the intake of air, food, and fluids. It harmonizes the functions of Heart and Lungs, governs respiration, and regulates the distribution of protective energy to the body’s external surfaces.

The Middle, which relates to the area between the diaphragm and navel. It controls digestion by harmonizing the functions of Stomach, Spleen, and Pancreas. It is responsible for extracting nourishing energy from food and fluids and distributing it via the meridian system to the Lungs and other parts of the body.

The Lower, which is located below the navel. It is responsible for separating the pure from the impure products of digestion, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating solid and liquid wastes. It harmonizes the functions of liver, kidney, bladder, and large and small intestines and also regulates sexual and reproductive functions.

The Triple Burner is not represented by a physical organ. Rather, it is important because of its job, which is to circulate liquid energy throughout the organs. It begins at the tip of the ring finger and flows over the shoulder to the chest cavity. Atop it, it splits into two branches. One branch travels through the middle and lower parts of the body, uniting the upper, middle and lower burners. The other runs externally up the side of the neck, circling the face to finally meet the Gallbladder Meridian at the outer ends of the eyebrow.

Acupuncture points in this meridian are recommended for ailments of the ears, eyes, chest, pharynx (throat), and the side of the head as well as certain febrile conditions. They are also indicated for symptoms along this meridian’s pathway.