San Jiao


San Jiao is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. It is the sixth organ of Fu, which has no equivalent in western medicine. In TCM, there are five solid organs and each solid organ has its counterpart in a hollow organ. For instance, the heart is considered a solid organ, and the small intestine its hollow counterpart, or Fu organ. San Jiao is believed to be a body cavity of some kind which has the ability to influence other organs, and overall health, mainly through the free movement of Qi, the fundamental energy or life force.
San Jiao means triple burner. The upper burner relates to organs in the thorax and the breathing function. The middle burner relates to the organs top of the stomach and the digesting function. The lower burner relates to the organs below the abdomen and the urogenital functions. If the three burners function well, then the organs are in synergy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the three burners is essential in transporting fluids throughout the body, removing itching and heat, treating swellings, and overcoming problems with various organs.