Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-20
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal, Ear
Location
Directly above the ear apex, within the hairline of the temple.
Main Actions
- Benefits the ears, teeth, gums and lips
Indications
Tinnitus
Deafness
Toothache
Stiff neck
Swollen ear
Tooth decay
Painful gums
Ear discharge
Swelling gums
Lip stiffness
Swollen auricle
Commentary
Jiaosun TB-20 is not a major point as it is rarely used. Its main function is to ease pain, swelling and stiffness of the gums, ears, lips or tooth by clearing Heat there.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (灵枢·寒热病): First recorded mention of the point Jiaosun, establishing its location and clinical significance.
Jia Yi Jing (针灸甲乙经): "Jiaosun is the meeting point of the Hand Shaoyang, Hand Taiyang, and Foot Shaoyang channels." This classical text establishes the important crossing-point nature of this location.
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (针灸大成): Documents its use for ear disorders, eye redness and swelling, tooth pain, and cheek swelling, establishing its role in treating sensory organ conditions of the head.
How to Locate
Jiaosun TB-20 is located directly above the apex of the ear, within the temple hairline.
Caution
Located within the hairline over the temporal bone, this point requires transverse (subcutaneous) needling only. The superficial temporal artery and vein pass nearby, so avoid perpendicular or deep insertion. When using traditional lamp-wick moxibustion for mumps, ensure proper technique to prevent burns. Hair may need to be parted or a small area shaved for moxibustion application.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Up to 1.5 cun transversely in the direction of the disorder.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness that may radiate around the ear and temporal region. Due to the thin tissue layer over bone in this area, the sensation is typically mild compared to points with more muscular tissue.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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