Stomach Meridian
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ST-6
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Face — Jaw, Face — Cheek
Location
One finger-breadth anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter muscle attaches at the prominence of the muscle when the teeth are clenched.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
Indications
Lockjaw
Jaw pain
Toothache
Eye deviation
Swollen cheek
Jaw stiffness
Mouth deviation
Masseter muscle spam
Masseter muscle mumps
Commentary
Jiache ST-6 is an important point for expels both Interior and Exterior Wind.
In fact, it is always used, together with Hegu LI-4, to treat facial paralysis due to Exterior Wind invading the face or Interior Wind agitating following a Wind-stroke.
It is also used to treat mumps and spasm on the masseter muscle or lower jaw issues such as toothache.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (灵枢·邪气脏腑病形): First documented the point Jiache as part of the Stomach channel.
Qian Jin Yao Fang (千金要方) by Sun Simiao: Listed as one of the Thirteen Ghost Points (Gui Chuang 鬼床 - "Ghost Bed"), used for treating mental disorders and spirit possession.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (针灸甲乙经): "Jiache treats deviation of the mouth, inability to speak, and toothache."
How to Locate
Clench the teeth so that the muscle belly of the masseter muscle bulges. Jiache ST-6 is anterior and superior to the angle of the mandibular jaw on the prominence. The palpating finger naturally falls into the right depression when the muscle is relaxed during the chewing movements of the jaw.
Caution
The facial nerve and branches of the masseter artery and vein pass through this area. Use gentle manipulation. When threading needles toward ST-4 (Dicang), ensure proper technique to avoid bruising. Avoid aggressive stimulation in patients with TMJ inflammation.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
It is recommended to open the mouth slightly during needling. Vertically 0.3–0.5 cun or obliquely or transversely 1–1.5 cun towards Dicang ST-4, Daying ST-5 or Xiaguan ST-7.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness in the masseter muscle region. The sensation may spread throughout the cheek and toward the ear or lower jaw. When threading toward ST-4, a sensation may travel along the needle path.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
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