Stomach Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
ST-7
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Face — Jaw, Head — Temporal
Location
In the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible. Xiaguan ST-7 is located when the mouth is closed.
Main Actions
- Benefits the ears, jaw and teeth
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Expels Wind
Indications
Otitis
Lockjaw
Tinnitus
Deafness
Ear pain
Cheek pain
Itchy ears
Ear discharge
Eye deviation
Cheek swelling
Jaw dislocation
Lower gums pain
Mouth deviation
Lower gums swelling
Trigeminal neuralgia
Commentary
Xiaguan ST-7 is also a very important point. It is widely used to treat facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia and the ear disorders such as otitis, deafness and ear pain.
In fact, trigeminal neuralgia has three nerve branches and many doctors use Xiaguan ST-7 as the main point for treating all three, when combined with other points (eg: Sibai ST-2 for the middle branch, Chengjiang REN-24 for the lower branch).
It is also able to treat disorders in upper jaw or tooth, when needled together with Neiting ST-44.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Divine Pivot): First appearance of the point; "The foot Yangming is to be pierced 6 fen deep and remain inserted for ten exhalations" (Chapter 12).
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 282 CE): "It is needled to a depth of three fen, the needle is retained for a duration of seven exhalations, and it is moxaed with three cones. Moxibustion is prohibited when there is earwax in the ear." This text identifies Xiaguan as the meeting point of Foot Yangming (Stomach) and Foot Shaoyang (Gallbladder) channels.
Tu Yi (Illustrated Wing): States that Xiaguan treats "ear ringing, ear deafness, pain, itching and purulent discharge."
Tong Ren (Bronze Man): Lists indications including "deviated wind, mouth and eye deviation, jaw dislocation."
How to Locate
Palpate along the lower border of the zygomatic arch towards the ear. Xiaguan ST-7 is in an obvious depression just before the temporomandibular joint and at the posterior border of the masseter muscle. When the patient’s mouth is fully opened, the condyloid process of the lower jaw slides anteriorly and the depression or the point disappears.
Caution
This point must be needled with the mouth CLOSED—when the mouth opens, the condyloid process of the mandible fills the depression, making the point inaccessible and risking needle bending or breakage. Do not needle too deeply. At approximately 1 cun depth, the needle can reach the maxillary artery and vein. Deeper needling risks puncturing the middle meningeal artery, which enters the skull through the foramen spinosum—potentially causing serious intracranial bleeding. If the patient has facial infections, avoid needling this point due to venous connections between facial veins and intracranial sinuses, which could spread infection. Do not apply strong lifting-thrusting or twisting manipulation. Remind patients not to open their mouth during needle retention to prevent needle bending or breaking.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun vertically or 1–1.5 cun transversely towards Jiache ST-6, Tinggong SI-19, Quanliao SI-18.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the temporomandibular joint area. Deqi sensation may radiate towards the ear, teeth, or across the cheek. When needling deeply for trigeminal neuralgia, an electric sensation may radiate toward the lower jaw and tongue if the mandibular nerve branches are stimulated.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes with moxa stick; 3 cones if direct moxa
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians