Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-18
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
In the center of the mastoid process, at the junction of the middle and lower third of the curve formed by Yifeng TB-17 and Jiaosun TB-20 posterior to the helix.
Main Actions
- Benefits the ears
- Expels Wind
Indications
Fear
Spasm
Tinnitus
Deafness
Ear pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headaches
Eye discharge
Blurred vision
Seminal emissions
Infantile epilepsy
Commentary
Qimai TB-18 is not a major point. Its main function is to ease ear disorders such as tinnitus, deafness or ear pain.
It is also able to pacifies Wind. Typical symptoms are Headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, seminal emission, eye discharge, blur vision, epilepsy, spasm or fear.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經 - The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 282 CE): First documented this point with its alternative name Zimai (資脈). The classical text records its use for treating headache, deafness, tinnitus, and childhood fright conditions.
Name Etymology: The name Qimai (瘈脈) combines 瘈 (qì/chì) meaning "spasm" or "convulsion" (like a dog in a frantic state) with 脈 (mài) meaning "vessel" or "pulse." This reflects the point's classical use for treating convulsive disorders and its location where channel Qi moves rapidly.
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. Qimai TB-18 is located at a depression at 8 o'clock on the right ear or 4 o'clock at the left ear.
Caution
This point is located over the mastoid bone with shallow subcutaneous tissue. Use transverse (subcutaneous) insertion only—perpendicular needling risks periosteal contact which is painful. The posterior auricular artery and vein run nearby; needle carefully to avoid bleeding. This is noted as a particularly painful point, more sensitive than SJ-17 Yifeng. Avoid deep insertion. Not suitable for cupping or gua sha due to the bony location behind the ear. Three-edged needle bloodletting at this point is a classical technique for acute conditions.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5 cun transversely in an inferior direction or prick to bleed.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the mastoid process. Deqi may radiate toward the ear or temporal region. Due to the thin tissue over bone, sensations tend to be localized rather than deeply propagating.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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