TB20 (Jiǎosūn, “Angle of the Apex”) is an acupuncture point on the Triple Burner Meridian. It is located directly superior to the apex of the ear, within the hairline. The point is found in a depression that forms when the mouth is opened. It clears heat, benefits the ear, eyes, and teeth, and relaxes the sinews of the neck.
Directly superior to the apex of the ear, within the hairline. The point is found in a depression that forms when the mouth is opened.
Subcutaneous insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, often directed towards the site of pain or pathology (e.g., anteriorly for TMJ, posteriorly for mastoiditis).
Clears heat, benefits the ear, eyes, and teeth, and relaxes the sinews of the neck.
Swollen gums, inability to chew, dental caries pain and swelling, film or growth on the eye, fullness and stiffness of the neck and jaw, upper toothache, infantile canker sores.
Jiaosun is a key local point for disorders of the ear, teeth, and temporomandibular joint. Its location at the intersection of three yang channels makes it effective for clearing heat and alleviating pain in the upper jaw, gums, and side of the head. It is particularly noted in classical texts for treating swollen gums and difficulty chewing. Modern use often extends to treating local conditions like otitis media, tinnitus, and TMJ dysfunction.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《類經》 Lèijīng — Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 二十一卷·针刺类 · 四十四、刺头项七窍病 · Source: Wikisource ↗
遍齿者，名曰角孙，上齿龋取之The text records that the branch spreading through the teeth is called Jiaosun (TB20), and that it was used for decay of the upper teeth.
《普濟方·針灸門》 Pǔjì Fāng · Zhēnjiǔ Mén — Formulas for Universal Relief: Acupuncture & Moxibustion Section, Zhu Su, 1406 · 卷四百十四 · 針灸門 · 側頭部左右二十六穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
角孫二穴 在耳郭中間上。 開口有空（明堂經作穴）。 治目生膚翳According to this text, TB20 lies at the middle of the upper part of the auricle, where a space opens when the mouth is opened, and was used for membranous nebulae growing over the eye.
《醫學綱目·刺灸》 Yīxué Gāngmù · Cìjiǔ — Outline of Medicine: Needling and Moxibustion, Lou Ying, 1565 · 卷之八·陰陽臟腑部 · 穴法下 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
角孫二穴，在耳郭中間上，開口有空。 可灸三壯，針入三分According to this text, TB20 lies at the middle of the upper part of the auricle, where a space opens when the mouth is opened; it may receive 3 moxa cones and is needled 0.3 cun.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 耳前後凡二十穴第十一 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
角孫二穴，主目生膚翳，齒齦腫，唇吻急，頸項強The text records that TB20 was used for membranous nebulae over the eye, swollen gums, tightness of the lips and mouth corners, and a stiff neck.
TB20 is one of 23 points on the Triple Burner Meridian. Nearby points:
TB20 (Jiǎosūn) is located directly superior to the apex of the ear, within the hairline. The point is found in a depression that forms when the mouth is opened.
TB20 clears heat, benefits the ear, eyes, and teeth, and relaxes the sinews of the neck. Common clinical indications include swollen gums, inability to chew, dental caries pain and swelling, film or growth on the eye, fullness and stiffness of the neck and jaw, upper toothache, infantile canker sores.
Subcutaneous insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, often directed towards the site of pain or pathology (e.g., anteriorly for TMJ, posteriorly for mastoiditis). Caution: The Zhen Jiu Ju Ying lists this as a point to be avoided for needling in the 'Forbidden Points Song' (禁針穴歌).
TB20 is a point on the Triple Burner Meridian (Sān Jiāo).