GB3 Shangguan

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

GB3 (Shangguan, “Shangguan”) is the Meeting point of GB, SJ, ST, & LI point of the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. It is located anterior to the ear, in the depression found on the superior border of the zygomatic arch. This point is located with the mouth open. It expels wind, benefits the ears and jaw, alleviates pain.

Location

Anterior to the ear, in the depression found on the superior border of the zygomatic arch. This point is located with the mouth open.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. The mouth should be slightly open during needling. Care must be taken to avoid the superficial temporal artery and the facial nerve.

D
e
e
p
n
e
e
d
l
i
n
g
i
s
s
t
r
i
c
t
l
y
f
o
r
b
i
d
d
e
n
.
T
h
e
S
u
w
e
n
w
a
r
n
s
t
h
a
t
d
e
e
p
n
e
e
d
l
i
n
g
c
a
n
d
a
m
a
g
e
t
h
e
i
n
t
e
r
s
e
c
t
i
n
g
v
e
s
s
e
l
s
,
l
e
a
d
i
n
g
t
o
'
i
n
t
e
r
n
a
l
l
e
a
k
a
g
e
'
a
n
d
d
e
a
f
n
e
s
s
.
T
h
e
J
i
a
Y
i
J
i
n
g
a
n
d
Z
i
S
h
e
n
g
J
i
n
g
s
t
a
t
e
t
h
a
t
d
e
e
p
n
e
e
d
l
i
n
g
c
a
n
c
a
u
s
e
a
n
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
t
o
c
l
o
s
e
t
h
e
m
o
u
t
h
(
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
t
o
'
欠
'
)
.

TCM functions

Expels wind, benefits the ears and jaw, alleviates pain..

Indications

Inability to open the mouth, inability to close the mouth, lockjaw, pain and noise when chewing, facial and eye deviation, lip and mouth stiffness, convulsions with foaming at the mouth, toothache, deafness, tinnitus, dimness of vision, aversion to wind and cold, headache, neck pain, pain from spasms, fever and chills, pain from bone spasms, trismus..

Meeting point of GB, SJ, ST, & LI

Clinical notes

Shangguan is a primary local point for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including pain, clicking, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. It is also effective for trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis, and tension headaches originating in the temporal region. The classical warnings against deep needling are critical; improper technique can cause deafness or lockjaw.

On the Gallbladder Channel channel

GB3 is one of 44 points on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

GB1GB2GB4GB5GB6GB7GB8GB9

Frequently asked questions

Where is GB3 located?

GB3 (Shangguan) is located anterior to the ear, in the depression found on the superior border of the zygomatic arch. This point is located with the mouth open.

What is GB3 used for?

GB3 expels wind, benefits the ears and jaw, alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include inability to open the mouth, inability to close the mouth, lockjaw, pain and noise when chewing, facial and eye deviation, lip and mouth stiffness, convulsions with foaming at the mouth, toothache, deafness, tinnitus, dimness of vision, aversion to wind and cold, headache, neck pain, pain from spasms, fever and chills, pain from bone spasms, trismus.

How is GB3 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly oblique insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. The mouth should be slightly open during needling. Care must be taken to avoid the superficial temporal artery and the facial nerve. Caution: Deep needling is strictly forbidden. The Suwen warns that deep needling can damage the intersecting vessels, leading to 'internal leakage' and deafness. The Jia Yi Jing and Zi Sheng Jing state that deep needling can cause an inability to close the mouth (inability to '欠').

Which meridian is GB3 on?

GB3 is a point on the Gallbladder Channel Meridian (Zú Shàoyáng Dǎnjīng).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.