ST6 Jiache

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

ST6 (Jiache, “Jiache”) is the Sun Si-miao Ghost Point point of the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the cheek, in the depression over the masseter muscle, approximately one finger-breadth anterior and superior to the angle of the mandible. This point is most prominent when the jaw is clenched. It expels wind from the face, activates the channel, alleviates pain, benefits the jaw and teeth.

Location

On the cheek, in the depression over the masseter muscle, approximately one finger-breadth anterior and superior to the angle of the mandible. This point is most prominent when the jaw is clenched.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-0.8 cun; or oblique insertion directed towards ST4 (Dicang) 1.0-1.5 cun. Palpate for the belly of the masseter muscle by having the patient clench their jaw.

TCM functions

Expels wind from the face, activates the channel, alleviates pain, benefits the jaw and teeth..

Indications

Facial paralysis, deviation of the mouth and eyes, lockjaw (trismus), inability to speak, toothache, swelling of the cheek and jaw, inability to chew, stiff neck, inability to turn the head, wind stroke, infantile convulsions with lockjaw, mumps (, )..

Sun Si-miao Ghost Point

Clinical notes

Jiache is a primary local point for any disorder affecting the jaw, including TMJ dysfunction, trigeminal neuralgia, toothache, and facial paralysis. It is particularly effective for expelling wind-cold that causes lockjaw or deviation of the mouth. Its inclusion as a Ghost point by Sun Si-miao also highlights its use for more severe conditions like post-stroke aphasia or convulsions involving the jaw.

On the Stomach channel

ST6 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST6 located?

ST6 (Jiache) is located on the cheek, in the depression over the masseter muscle, approximately one finger-breadth anterior and superior to the angle of the mandible. This point is most prominent when the jaw is clenched.

What is ST6 used for?

ST6 expels wind from the face, activates the channel, alleviates pain, benefits the jaw and teeth. Common clinical indications include facial paralysis, deviation of the mouth and eyes, lockjaw (trismus), inability to speak, toothache, swelling of the cheek and jaw, inability to chew, stiff neck, inability to turn the head, wind stroke, infantile convulsions with lockjaw, mumps (, ).

How is ST6 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-0.8 cun; or oblique insertion directed towards ST4 (Dicang) 1.0-1.5 cun. Palpate for the belly of the masseter muscle by having the patient clench their jaw.

Which meridian is ST6 on?

ST6 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).

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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.