Triple Burner Meridian
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SJ-17
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Ear, Neck — Lateral
Location
Posterior to the lobule of the ear, in the depression between the mandible and mastoid process.
Main Actions
- Benefits the ears
- Expels Wind
Indications
Tetany
Tinnitus
Deafness
Ear pain
Ear itching
Eye deviation
Ear discharge
Ear infection
Mouth deviation
Facial paralysis
Swelling in the ears
Trigeminal neuralgia
Commentary
Yifeng TB-17 is widely used for various ear problems, no matter if they are of Exterior or Interior origin. For example, Exterior Pernicious Evils such as Wind invasion can cause ear infection. Interior disharmony such as Liver Yang Rising, Liver Fire or Kidney Deficiency may lead to deafness or tinnitus.
It also treat other Wind related disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia or facial paralysis. Some doctors claim that deep needling of at least 1 cun of this point can give a good effect on facial paralysis. Tenderness should always be checked on mastoid area before needling.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》Zhēn Jiǔ Jiǎ Yǐ Jīng (ABC of Acupuncture): "Meeting point of Hand and Foot Shaoyang. Treats tetany with inability to speak."
《针灸大成》Zhēn Jiǔ Dà Chéng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture): "Treats tinnitus, deafness, deviation of mouth and eye, dislocation of the jaw, cheek swelling, lockjaw with inability to open, and inability to speak."
《备急千金要方》Bèi Jí Qiān Jīn Yào Fāng (Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold): "Yifeng treats lockjaw, throat sounds with foaming, and sudden loss of voice with inability to speak."
How to Locate
The patients should open their mouth. It makes it easier to palpate Yifeng TB-17 in a depression behind the ear lobe, between the mastoid process and the mandible.
Caution
This point lies in a complex anatomical region with the facial nerve trunk exiting through the stylomastoid foramen directly beneath. Improper needle direction (too anterior or posterior) can cause persistent pain and discomfort when opening/closing the mouth. The parotid gland, auricular vessels, vagus nerve, and accessory nerve are all nearby. For deep needling toward the pharynx (1.5-2 cun), advanced training is required. Standard depth should not exceed 1 cun for safety.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Strictly needle 0.5–1 cun in an anterior direction. It is because Yifeng TB-17 is close to the facial nerve. It is recommended to needle with mouth slightly open.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness behind the ear, often radiating toward the pharynx causing a constricted or warm feeling. May extend to the tongue or half of the face when treating facial paralysis.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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