Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-2
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Ear, Face — Jaw
Location
Anterior to the intertragic notch, directly below Tinggong SI-19, at the posterior border of the condyloid process of the mandible.
Main Actions
- Benefits the ears
- Expels Exterior Wind
Indications
Commentary
There are three points anterior to the tragus of the ear, Tinghui GB-2 inferiorly, Ermen TB-21 superiorly and Tinggong SI-19 in the center. All three are frequently used to treat various ear problems, such as tinnitus, deafness, pain, itching and discharge in the ear. It is recommended to needle these three point alternately if frequent needling treatments are required.
Furthermore, Tinghui GB-2 expels Exterior Wind as well, especially when Wind-Heat obstructing the Channels. Typical manifestations are eye or mouth deviation, mumps, toothache and etc.
Classical Sources
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "Deafness, and wind whistling in the ear, Tinghui governs it." (聾，耳中癲飕風，聽會主之)
《醫宗金鑑》 Yizong Jinjian (Golden Mirror of Medicine): "Mainly treats deafness and tinnitus, dislocation of the jaw, toothache, wind-stroke spasms and facial deviation." (主治耳聾耳鳴，牙車脱臼，齒痛，中風瘛疭喎邪等證)
《衛生金鑑》 Weisheng Jinjian: "For wind striking the channels with deviation of mouth and eye: Tinghui, Jiache, Dicang." (風中脈，口眼渦斜：聽會、頰車、地倉)
How to Locate
It is recommended to locate and needle the point with the mouth open, so that the mandible condyloid process slides towards the anterior and reveal the depression where Tinghui GB-2 is located. Find the vertical sulcus anterior to the ear at the ear/cheek junction. Then locate GB-2 on the sulcus, on the level of the intertragic notch.
Caution
This point is located close to the superficial temporal artery and auriculotemporal nerve. Needle with the patient's mouth open to avoid intra-articular insertion into the temporomandibular joint. Avoid deep or aggressive needling. Some classical texts contraindicate moxibustion at this location due to proximity to delicate structures. Exercise particular caution with patients who have TMJ disorders or bleeding tendencies.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically or slightly obliquely in an inferior direction. It is recommended to needle with the patient’s mouth open to avoid intra-articular insertion. Caution: Like Ermen TB-21 and Tinggong SI-19, this point is located close to the superficial temporal artery and the auriculotemporal nerve.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness around the ear and jaw area. Sensation may radiate into the ear canal. Deqi often felt as a dull ache in the temporomandibular region.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 10–15 minutes (use with caution)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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