Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-22
Exit Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal, Ear
Location
Anterior and superior to Ermen TB-21, level with the root of the auricle, on the posterior border of the hairline of the temple where the superficial temporal artery passes.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind and eases pain
Indications
Spasm
Lockjaw
Tinnitus
Headaches
Heavy head
Runny nose
Nose swelling
Mouth deviation
Swollen neck glands
Commentary
Erheliao TB-22 is not a major points of the Triple Burner Channel.
Its main action is to expel Wind so as to ease pain.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records Erheliao as a meeting point of the Hand Shaoyang San Jiao, Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder, and Hand Taiyang Small Intestine channels.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists indications including headache, tinnitus, deafness, lockjaw (trismus), and facial conditions. The text notes to needle obliquely and avoid the temporal artery.
Lingshu (Spiritual Pivot): Describes the San Jiao channel pathway ascending to the ear region, with branch channels traversing the area where Erheliao is located.
How to Locate
First locate the upper border of the root of the ear. From there, locate Erheliao TB-22, 0.5 cun towards the direction of the eye. Erheliao TB-22 is located above the zygomatic arch, while Ermen TB-21 is below the zygomatic arch.
Caution
The superficial temporal artery runs immediately anterior to this point. Always palpate to locate the artery before needling and insert the needle posterior to the arterial pulse. Use only shallow oblique or transverse insertion (0.3-0.5 cun). Avoid deep perpendicular needling. Bloodletting and cupping are contraindicated at this location due to vascular proximity.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Transversely 0.5 cun. Caution: Superficial temporal artery.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the temporal region, with possible sensation radiating toward the ear or along the temporal area. Due to proximity to the superficial temporal artery, practitioners should palpate carefully before needling to avoid the vessel.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Exit Point
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