Jin's Three-Needle Technique (靳三针)
A systematised acupuncture method using precisely defined groups of three needles to treat neurological, musculoskeletal, and sensory conditions.
Developed by Professor Jìn Ruì (靳瑞) at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, this technique is one of the most extensively researched acupuncture systems in modern China. Each "San Zhēn" (三针) prescription targets a specific condition or body region with three synergistically chosen acupuncture points, following the principle of maximum therapeutic effect with minimal needle insertion.
Three-Needle Prescriptions (16)
Zhi San Zhen (Intellectual Three Needles)
智三针
Points:
- Sì Shén Cōng (四神聪) — anterior
- Sì Shén Cōng (四神聪) — left
- Sì Shén Cōng (四神聪) — right
Indications:
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.
NeurologicalNǎo San Zhēn (Brain Three Needles)
脑三针
Points:
- Nǎo Hù (GV-17 脑户)
- Nǎo Kōng (GB-19 脑空) — bilateral
Indications:
Targets the occipital cortex and cerebellum. Often combined with Zhi San Zhen for comprehensive CNS treatment.
NeurologicalShé San Zhēn (Tongue Three Needles)
舌三针
Points:
- Shàng Lián Quán (上廉泉) — center
- Shàng Lián Quán (上廉泉) — left 0.8 cun
- Shàng Lián Quán (上廉泉) — right 0.8 cun
Indications:
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.
NeurologicalYùn San Zhēn (Dizziness Three Needles)
晕三针
Points:
- Bǎi Huì (GV-20 百会)
- Fēng Chí (GB-20 风池) — bilateral
Indications:
GV-20 raises clear Yang to the head; bilateral GB-20 subdues Liver Yang and expels Wind. A core formula for any vertigo presentation.
NeurologicalShǒu San Zhēn (Hand Three Needles)
手三针
Points:
- Hé Gǔ (LI-4 合谷)
- Qǔ Chí (LI-11 曲池)
- Wài Guān (SJ-5 外关)
Indications:
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.
MusculoskeletalZú San Zhēn (Foot Three Needles)
足三针
Points:
- Zú Sān Lǐ (ST-36 足三里)
- Sān Yīn Jiāo (SP-6 三阴交)
- Tài Chōng (LR-3 太冲)
Indications:
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.
MusculoskeletalJiān San Zhēn (Shoulder Three Needles)
肩三针
Points:
- Jiān Yú (LI-15 肩髃)
- Jiān Zhēn (SI-9 肩贞)
- Jiān Liáo (SJ-14 肩髎)
Indications:
Three needles surround the glenohumeral joint from anterior, posterior, and lateral aspects. Often combined with Shǒu San Zhēn for post-stroke arm recovery.
MusculoskeletalYāo San Zhēn (Lumbar Three Needles)
腰三针
Points:
- Shèn Shū (BL-23 肾俞) — bilateral
- Yāo Yáng Guān (GV-3 腰阳关)
Indications:
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.
MusculoskeletalXī San Zhēn (Knee Three Needles)
膝三针
Points:
- Nèi Xī Yǎn (EX-LE4 内膝眼)
- Dú Bí (ST-35 犊鼻)
- Xuè Hǎi (SP-10 血海)
Indications:
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.
MusculoskeletalYǎn San Zhēn (Eye Three Needles)
眼三针
Points:
- Chéng Qì (ST-1 承泣) or Jīng Míng (BL-1 睛明)
- Sì Zhú Kōng (SJ-23 丝竹空)
- Cuán Zhú (BL-2 攒竹) or Yú Yāo (鱼腰)
Indications:
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.
SensoryĚr San Zhēn (Ear Three Needles)
耳三针
Points:
- Tīng Gōng (SI-19 听宫)
- Tīng Huì (GB-2 听会)
- Yì Fēng (SJ-17 翳风)
Indications:
Three points encircle the ear from anterior, inferior, and posterior. SI-19 and GB-2 are needled with the mouth slightly open.
SensoryWèi San Zhēn (Stomach Three Needles)
胃三针
Points:
- Zhōng Wǎn (CV-12 中脘)
- Nèi Guān (PC-6 内关)
- Zú Sān Lǐ (ST-36 足三里)
Indications:
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.
Internal MedicineBì San Zhēn (Nasal Three Needles)
鼻三针
Points:
- Yíng Xiāng (LI-20 迎香) — bilateral
- Yìn Táng (EX-HN3 印堂)
Indications:
LI-20 opens the nasal passages and expels Wind; Yìn Táng calms the spirit and clears the head. Frequently used in paediatric ENT protocols.
SensoryPàng San Zhēn (Obesity Three Needles)
胖三针
Points:
- Guān Yuán (CV-4 关元)
- Tiān Shū (ST-25 天枢) — bilateral
Indications:
CV-4 tonifies Original Qi and Kidney Yang to boost metabolism; bilateral ST-25 regulates the Large Intestine and promotes fat metabolism.
Internal MedicineBēi San Zhēn (Back Three Needles)
背三针
Points:
- Dà Zhuī (GV-14 大椎)
- Shēn Zhù (GV-12 身柱)
- Mìng Mén (GV-4 命门)
Indications:
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.
MusculoskeletalJǐng San Zhēn (Neck Three Needles)
颈三针
Points:
- Tiān Zhù (BL-10 天柱) — bilateral
- Dà Zhuī (GV-14 大椎)
Indications:
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.
MusculoskeletalHistorical Context & Clinical Legacy
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.
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