Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-19
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.2–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal, Ear
Location
Posterior to the ear, at the junction of the upper and middle third of the curve formed by Yifeng ST-17 and Jiaosun ST-20 behind the helix.
Main Actions
- Relieves tetany
- Benefits the ears
Indications
Fear
Tetany
Deafness
Tinnitus
Ear pain
Vomiting
Dyspnoea
Headaches
Dizziness
Heavy head
Chest pain
Face itching
Ear discharge
Swollen forehead
Migraine headache
Seminal emissions
Infantile epilepsy
Lateral costal region pain
Commentary
Luxi TB-19 is not a major point.
However, some books say that it is very effective in ease tetany and related symptoms such as neck and back stiffness, lockjaw, limbs twitching and etc.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing): The point treats "身热痛，胸胁痛不可反侧" - body heat and pain, chest and rib pain with inability to turn to the side.
《针灸大成》 (Zhenjiu Dacheng): Records this point for treating ear ringing and pain, as well as childhood conditions with vomiting of saliva.
《灵枢·经脉》 (Ling Shu): "息，休息也，又气息也。穴在颅侧睡眠着枕处" - Xi means rest or breath; the point is located on the side of the skull where one rests on a pillow during sleep.
How to Locate
Imagine a clock face superimposed over the auricle with 12 o'clock at the apex and 6 o'clock at the earlobe. Luxi ST-19 is located at a depression at 10 o'clock on the right ear or 2 o'clock at the left ear.
Caution
The point is located posterior to the ear in a thin-skinned area over the temporal region. Only shallow transverse needling is appropriate. According to several classical texts, bloodletting at this point is contraindicated. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion. The area contains the posterior auricular artery and vein as well as branches of the great auricular nerve and lesser occipital nerve - care should be taken not to puncture these structures.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.2–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Up to 0.5 cun transversely in an inferior direction or prick to bleed.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the ear and temporal region. Deqi may radiate toward the ear canal or along the auricular area. Some patients report a mild tingling sensation spreading toward the scalp.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes, or 3–5 cones
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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