SI18 Zygomatic Crevice

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

SI18 (Quanliao, “Zygomatic Crevice”) is an acupuncture point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located directly inferior to the outer canthus of the eye, in the depression found at the lower border of the zygomatic bone (cheekbone). It expels wind, clears heat, and alleviates pain in the face.

Location

Directly inferior to the outer canthus of the eye, in the depression found at the lower border of the zygomatic bone (cheekbone).

Needling

Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. Oblique insertion may be directed towards the nose for sinus issues or along the cheek for facial paralysis.

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TCM functions

Expels wind, clears heat, and alleviates pain in the face..

Indications

Facial swelling, cheek pain, toothache, yellowing of the eyes, twitching of the eyelids, deviation of the mouth and eye, difficulty opening the mouth..

Clinical notes

Quanliao is a primary local point for any disorder affecting the cheek, upper teeth, and jaw. It is frequently used for trigeminal neuralgia, Bell's palsy, toothache, and sinusitis due to its ability to clear obstruction and alleviate pain along the channel pathway on the face. Its location at the meeting of the Small Intestine and Triple Burner channels enhances its effect on clearing heat and wind from the entire side of the face.

On the Small Intestine Channel channel

SI18 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

SI11SI12SI13SI14SI15SI16SI17SI19

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI18 located?

SI18 (Quanliao) is located directly inferior to the outer canthus of the eye, in the depression found at the lower border of the zygomatic bone (cheekbone).

What is SI18 used for?

SI18 expels wind, clears heat, and alleviates pain in the face. Common clinical indications include facial swelling, cheek pain, toothache, yellowing of the eyes, twitching of the eyelids, deviation of the mouth and eye, difficulty opening the mouth.

How is SI18 needled?

Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. Oblique insertion may be directed towards the nose for sinus issues or along the cheek for facial paralysis. Caution: Needling too deeply or superiorly risks injury to the eyeball. Avoid puncturing the maxillary artery which lies deep to this point.

Which meridian is SI18 on?

SI18 is a point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian (Shǒu Tài Yáng Xiǎo Cháng Jīng).

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⚠️ 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.