Sanyinjiao 三陰交
3 B-cun above the prominence of the medial malleolus, just behind the inner edge of the shinbone.
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Flexor digitorum longus · Tibialis posterior muscle
Rendered straight from the 3D model at the computed location. The glowing ring marks Sanyinjiao.
On this page
1Where is Sanyinjiao?
3 B-cun above the prominence of the medial malleolus, just behind the inner edge of the shinbone.
It lies 1 B-cun above KI8.
It is on the inner (tibial) side of the lower leg.
Flexor digitorum longus · Tibialis posterior muscle
2How do I find it on my body?
- Find the most prominent point of the inner ankle bone.
- Take SP9 (just under the tibia's medial condyle) to the medial malleolus as 13 B-cun.
- Go up 3 B-cun, about four finger-widths.
A cun is a body-scaled unit of length. The precise way is to divide a bone length into equal parts (proportional bone cun); finger widths are a quick estimate.
- flexor digitorum longus
- A muscle that starts deep on the inner back of the calf, curves behind the inner ankle and attaches to the tip bones of the 2nd–5th toes. It bends the toes.
- medial condyle
- The inner rounded knob at the lower end of the femur or the upper end of the tibia. Below the inner knee, the lower edge of the tibia's medial condyle catches under your fingertip.
- tibialis posterior
- The deepest muscle in the back of the calf. It curves behind the inner ankle to the bones of the inner sole and holds up the inner arch.
- medial malleolus
- The bump on the inner side of the ankle, the lower end of the tibia. Its highest point is a starting mark for measuring lower-leg points.
3Before you press
- Do not press during pregnancy.
- It is traditionally listed among points to avoid in pregnancy.
- Avoid broken or swollen skin and press only to a comfortable level.
- Acupressure is not a substitute for medical care.
4How has it been used traditionally?
- The Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing records it as the meeting place of the three foot yin channels (Spleen, Liver, Kidney) — hence the name 'three yin intersection'. A historical classification, not a claim of effect.
From traditional texts — not a claim of effect.
?FAQ
Where exactly is Sanyinjiao?
3 B-cun above the prominence of the medial malleolus, just behind the inner edge of the shinbone. It lies 1 B-cun above KI8. It is on the inner (tibial) side of the lower leg.
How do I find Sanyinjiao?
Find the most prominent point of the inner ankle bone. Take SP9 (just under the tibia's medial condyle) to the medial malleolus as 13 B-cun. Go up 3 B-cun, about four finger-widths. just behind the inner edge of the shinbone, on the calf side.
Can I press it during pregnancy?
Do not press during pregnancy.
What should I watch out for?
Do not press during pregnancy. It is traditionally listed among points to avoid in pregnancy. Avoid broken or swollen skin and press only to a comfortable level. Acupressure is not a substitute for medical care.
Sources
- Location: WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008), p. 72
- Standard comparison: Chinese national standard GB/T 12346-2021 (Nomenclature and location of meridian points)
- Korean anatomical terms and locating tips: KMCRIC Standard Acupoint DB (Korea)
- Classification source: Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing vol. 3 (Siku Quanshu edition)
- Pregnancy caution: CMCNZ Safety in Clinical Practice Guidance (2023) · AcuAtlas dataset (CC BY 4.0)
- 3D: computed on Z-Anatomy (CC BY-SA 4.0) · BodyParts3D © DBCLS
Positions computed from the WHO standard locations (2008) on Z-Anatomy (CC BY-SA 4.0) · BodyParts3D © DBCLS. For reference only — not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. See a clinician if you are unwell.