TH Meridian
The Triple Heater Meridian explained by Sara Wyche for SUMCHI
Meridians are ribbons of energy that flow through the body connecting internal organs and
their metabolic processes with the surface of the head, neck and trunk and the limbs. The
meridians are named after their organs, which in most cases are self-explanatory, (Stomach,
Liver, Large Intestine). However, the Triple Heater is different. It is not an organ but a highly
influential energy line that dominates the processes of the organs in the body’s three main
cavities of chest, upper abdomen and lower abdomen.
Externally, the Triple Heater meridian receives its energy from the Pericardium meridian in the
front hoof. The meridian flows up the front of the foreleg to the shoulder, where it gives up its
internal branch, then passes along the neck and around the Atlas to the ear and eye. From here
the energy flows into the Gallbladder Meridian. An important aspect of the horse’s shoulder lies
in the direct pathway of the Triple Heater meridian.
The horse’s shoulder plays a huge strategic role in the development of any compensatory
movements caused by, for example, hind limb strain, pelvic tilt, lumbar pain, imbalance of the
front feet, or neck injury. There are 2 points lateral to the shoulder joint, namely Triple Heater
13 and 14, which are important waymarkers for subtle injuries in other parts of the body
including significant disruption to the thoracolumbar fascia. These points are accessible to
treatment with Sumchi6.
Restoring the energy flow at TH14 in particular, has a good therapeutic effect on the local area
of the shoulder, whilst at the same time apparently relieving strain to the connective tissues
further afield.
All meridians are assigned to one of the 5 Elements - Wood, Fire Earth, Metal, Water. Triple
Heater is a fire element. Its energy should bounce along its course like a spark travelling along
a fuse wire. If the spark has gone out at Triple Heater 14 (or 13), then the shoulder is trying to
do work for which it is not intended. Treatment here is often the key to reigniting the
interrupted flame.
