Jin's Three-Needle Technique (靳三针)

Flagship prescription of the Jin Three-Needle system. Three of the four Sì Shén Cōng points (excluding posterior) are used together to stimulate the cortex. Professor Jin Rui's most-published clinical grouping.

Targets the occipital cortex and cerebellum. Often combined with Zhi San Zhen for comprehensive CNS treatment.

Needled obliquely toward the tongue root. The centre point is at the midpoint between the hyoid bone and the lower border of the mandible; the lateral two are 0.8 cun either side.

GV-20 raises clear Yang to the head; bilateral GB-20 subdues Liver Yang and expels Wind. A core formula for any vertigo presentation.

The standard three-needle group for all upper limb motor and sensory disorders. LI-4 and LI-11 restore Yang Ming qi flow; SJ-5 opens the Yang Wei Mai.

Combines Yang Ming (ST-36) for Qi and Blood generation, Three Yin Meeting (SP-6) for Yin nourishment, and LR-3 for Liver Qi regulation.

Three needles surround the glenohumeral joint from anterior, posterior, and lateral aspects. Often combined with Shǒu San Zhēn for post-stroke arm recovery.

BL-23 tonifies the Kidneys (root of lumbar strength); GV-3 warms and opens the Du Mai at the lumbar spine. Frequently augmented with electroacupuncture.

The two 'Eye of the Knee' points (medial and lateral) directly target the joint capsule, while SP-10 invigorates Blood to resolve swelling and stiffness.

Requires expert needling technique due to periorbital anatomy. Shallow insertion (0.3–0.5 cun) along the orbital rim. Strongly emphasised for paediatric eye conditions.

Three points encircle the ear from anterior, inferior, and posterior. SI-19 and GB-2 are needled with the mouth slightly open.

A classical combination amplified in Jin's system. CV-12 directly regulates the Stomach; PC-6 harmonises the middle Jiao and stops nausea; ST-36 strengthens Spleen-Stomach Qi.

LI-20 opens the nasal passages and expels Wind; Yìn Táng calms the spirit and clears the head. Frequently used in paediatric ENT protocols.

CV-4 tonifies Original Qi and Kidney Yang to boost metabolism; bilateral ST-25 regulates the Large Intestine and promotes fat metabolism.

Three key Du Mai points warm and strengthen the governing vessel along the entire spine. GV-14 clears heat and regulates Wei Qi; GV-4 warms Kidney Yang.

BL-10 relaxes the cervical paravertebral muscles and opens the channels to the head; GV-14 frees Du Mai flow at the cervico-thoracic junction.

Founder: Professor Jìn Ruì (靳瑞)

Born in 1932, Professor Jin Rui developed the Three-Needle Technique at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine over four decades of clinical practice and teaching. He is recognised as a National Master of Chinese Medicine (国医大师) by the Chinese government.

Core Principle

Jin's method distills complex conditions into a primary three-point prescription, targeting the root pathology with minimal needle count. The principle reflects the classical maxim: 'less needles, stronger effect' (少针多效). Each grouping is designed for synergistic action.

Clinical Legacy

The Jin Three-Needle system is now taught at over 30 TCM universities in China and has been the subject of more than 500 published clinical studies. It has particular influence in paediatric neurology, post-stroke rehabilitation, and sensory organ disorders.