The Triple Heater is a Yang meridian, the final of the four meridians associated with the Fire element, and represents a bodily network involving the endocrine, nervous and immune system, that regulates body temperature, metabolism, stress response and energy circulation. The Triple Heater is a concept coming from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and not understood as a physical organ in Western anatomy.
Among the points on the Triple Heater Meridian, TH5 is the most significant due to its ability to address a broad range of physical, emotional, and energetic imbalances in the body. It is specifically responsible for the movement of energy between the upper body and the lower body. When this flow of energy is stuck, particularly in the middle, it can lead to issues like shoulder tension, lower back pain, difficult digestion and poor circulation.
TH5 is located on the outer forearm, about two finger-widths above the wrist crease, in the space between the radius and ulna bones. It can be easily located by noting that it lies directly opposite HP6 on the inner forearm. Stimulate this point by gently massaging it with your finger, in circular motions, for 30 seconds.
To explore the functions of the Triple Heater and discover other key therapeutic points along its meridian, take a look at Chapter 7 of Chinese Medicine: The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted J. Kaptchuk or Chapter 14 of Shiatsu Theory and Practice by Carola Beresford-Cooke.
Key benefits of stimulating TH5 are:
Illness and external pathogens
Boosts immunity
Expels external pathogenic factors, such as wind, heat, or cold, associated with early stage illnesses like colds, fevers, or chills
Body pains and tension
Treats headaches and migraines
Relieves neck stiffness, shoulder pain and wrist discomfort
Supports digestion and respiration for conditions like bloating, oedema, or urinary issues
Emotional stress
Calms the body’s Shen (spirit)
Addresses emotional imbalances such as anxiety, irritability, or emotional stagnation
Head heat
Soothes any swelling and pain in the cheek, nosebleeds, toothaches, mouth ulcerations
Ear disorders
Helps with tinnitus, deafness, earaches, and itching of the ear
The power of point pairing: Triple Heater 5 (TH5) and Gall Bladder 41 (GB41)
While the primary target for TH5 is the upper body, and for GB41 it’s the lower body, such as hip pain and menstrual irregularities, combining them provides broader support for systematic conditions that affect the whole body. These may include menstrual migraines, sciatica, joint pain affecting multiple regions and irregular sleeping patterns.
This September
As we head towards the energy of late summer, the Fire element reminds us to stay open, connected and in balance. Work with TH5 to harmonise this transition and support the balance of Qi between your upper and lower body.
By Hana Starace, Certified Shiatsu & Nutritional Practitioner