The Triple Burner (or Triple Heater or Triple Burner) is a concept unique to Chinese Medicine. Rather than a physical realm, the Triple Burner can be described as a collection of functions rather than a physical organ with a name but no form. Its Chinese name is San Jiao, which is usually translated as 'three burning spaces'.
One of the main functions of the Triple Heater is to regulate the movement of water in the body. According to Chinese medicine, water behaves differently in three different burners.
The upper burner is located above the diaphragm and contains the heart and lungs. Its function is to disperse fluid throughout the body. This fluid is in the form of smoke or vapor.
The central nucleus includes the area above the naval and below the diaphragm, including the spleen and stomach. Its main function is digestion and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body.
The lower burner is located at the bottom of the vessel and contains the liver, kidneys, large intestine, small intestine and bladder. It breaks down food and drink waste. Useful fluids are absorbed, the rest is transported to the bladder.
The Triple Burner meridian begins at the tip of the ring finger, at the outer corner of the nail, and passes between the knuckles of the fourth and fifth fingers down to the wrist. From the wrist, it ascends between the radius and ulna bones of the forearm, through the elbow, and up the back of the arm to the shoulder. From the shoulder, it travels to the chest, connecting with the pericardium, the upper burner, the abdomen, and the middle and lower burners. The meridian then exits the chest at the collarbone and travels down the side of the neck to behind the ear.
The triple burner meridian not only controls the movement and transformation of solids and liquids in the body, it also governs the production and circulation of life-nourishing and protective energy.
Many Qigong exercises focus on the Triple Burner, as a healthy Triple Burner allows for proper coordination and communication between all of the organs and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the entire body.