Translating "外關", acupuncture point TB-5
The reasoning for translating "外關" as "Barrier Gate to the Outside" from Chinese into English. This is the original name of acupuncture point TB-5 (Triple Burner 5).
Explanation of the point name
The Triple Burner is concerned with relating, like when in contact with others. This point is about how open to be with that. It enhances the ability to be open and express ones feelings, it opens ones gate to the outside in a way that feels safe. (Compare with P-6 內關.)
1st character
Point names with 外
For consistency in the translations, it is necessary to be aware of how the character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
ST-26 | 外陵 | Outside the High Mound |
SI-14 | 肩外兪 | Side of the Shoulder Increase |
TB-5 | 外關 | Barrier Gate to the Outside |
GB-36 | 外丘 | Outside of the Mound |
Point names with 內 (opposite of 外)
For consistency in the translations, it helps to be aware of how the opposite character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
ST-44 | 內庭 | Inner Courtyard |
P-6 | 內關 | Barrier Gate to the Inside |
2nd character
Meaning
This is a barrier gate, one that has a bar that hinges at one point at the side, blocks when the bar is horizontal, and opens with the bar moving diagonally to the side, until vertical.
When the point name is about a psychological function that is made more accessible or less, a translation with 'barrier gate' makes sense. When the name is about a bone resembling a bar, that has a joint at one side where the point is located near to, a translation with 'joint' makes more sense.
Point names with 關
For consistency in the translations, it is necessary to be aware of how the character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
ST-7 | 下關 | Underneath the Joint |
ST-22 | 關門 | Barrier Gate |
ST-31 | 髀關 | Thigh Joint |
BL-26 | 關元兪 | Bar's Beginning Increase |
BL-46 | 膈關 | Diaphragm Barrier |
KI-18 | 石關 | Stone Barrier |
P-6 | 內關 | Barrier Gate to the Inside |
TB-1 | 關衝 | Through the Barrier Gate |
TB-5 | 外關 | Barrier Gate to the Outside |
GB-3 | 上關 | Above the Joint |
GB-33 | 膝陽關 | Knee Yang Joint |
LIV-7 | 膝關 | Knee Joint |
REN-4 | 關原 | Primary Barrier Gate |
DU-3 | 腰陽關 | Waist's Yang Bar |
Nearby points
Sometimes the names of consecutive points on a meridian are related. Being aware of nearby points can help to translate consistently in such a situation.
TB-2 | 液門 | Juices Gate |
TB-3 | 中渚 | Between the Sandbars |
TB-4 | 陽池 | Yang Pond |
TB-5 | 外關 | Barrier Gate to the Outside |
TB-6 | 支溝 | Limb's Ditch |
TB-7 | 會宗 | Clan Meeting |
TB-8 | 三陽絡 | Triple Yang Twist |