Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-23
Exit Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Face — Periorbital, Head — Temporal
Location
In the depression at the lateral end of the eyebrow.
Main Actions
- Expels Interior Winds
- Brightens the eyes
Indications
Commentary
Sizhukong TB-23 is mainly used as a local point for eye disorder and headache around the eyebrow outer corner, particularly these issues are caused by Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising. Typical manifestations are headache, dizziness, blurred vision, red eyes or twitching of eyelids.
It can also be indicated for ear disorders, when combine with Tinggong SI-19.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First classic to document this point, describing its location at the lateral end of the eyebrow in the depression.
Classical texts: According to several classical texts, moxibustion is forbidden on this point. This point is particularly indicated for disorders of the eye, eyelid, and eyebrow, as well as headache.
Great Compendium of Acupuncture: Recommends Sizhukong SJ-23 combined with Hegu LI-4 and Fengchi GB-20 for "one-sided or generalised headache."
How to Locate
The frontozygomatic suture is located between the zygoma and the frontal bone. It is a generally more reliable reference to locate Sizhukong TB-23 than eyebrow as the latter may vary according to different people. In order to locate it, palpate from the outer canthus of the eye superiorly along the orbital margin, from its zygomatic to the frontal section, until feel a bony depression in the area of the suture. Locate Sizhukong TB-23 in this mainly pressure-sensitive depression.
Caution
Located in a sensitive periorbital area near the supraorbital margin. Needle subcutaneously (transverse/horizontal direction) only—never perpendicular. Contains superficial temporal artery branches and facial nerve branches (zygomatic and temporal). Avoid deep insertion to prevent damage to sensitive neurovascular structures. As this is the terminal point of the San Jiao channel, moxibustion is classically contraindicated according to multiple historical texts. Bloodletting is permissible and may be therapeutically useful.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely or transversely in a posterior direction towards taiyang Ex-HN-5. In China, this point is also needled along the eyebrow to Yuyao Ex-HN-4 in the centre of the eyebrow.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension, soreness, or slight heaviness around the eyebrow and temple area. Sensation may radiate along the lateral eyebrow or toward the eye. Due to the shallow needling depth and proximity to sensitive facial structures, the deqi sensation is typically mild and localized.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A - Moxibustion is classically contraindicated at this point
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Exit Point
Related Resources
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