TB21 Ear Gate

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

TB21 (Ěrmén, “Ear Gate”) is an acupuncture point on the Triple Burner Meridian. It is located anterior to the ear, in the depression found at the supratragic notch when the mouth is slightly open. It opens the ear, clears heat, benefits the teeth and jaw.

Location

Anterior to the ear, in the depression found at the supratragic notch when the mouth is slightly open.

Needling

With the mouth slightly open, insert the needle perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 cun. It is common to ask the patient to open and close the mouth to ensure the needle is not in the condyloid process.

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TCM functions

Opens the ear, clears heat, benefits the teeth and jaw..

Indications

eartinnitus like cicada chirping, ear (deafness), ear (ear pain), earpurulent discharge from the ear, earsores in the ear, head and jaw pain, tooth decay/caries, upper tooth decay/caries, stiffness of the lips, inability to speak after wind-stroke, infantile epilepsy and fright, vomiting, diarrhea.

Clinical notes

As its name 'Ear Gate' suggests, Ermen is a crucial local point for a wide range of ear disorders, particularly tinnitus and deafness. Its location also makes it effective for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues and upper tooth pain, as noted in the classics. The classical texts emphasize its role in treating both ear noise and hearing loss, often mentioning it alongside the other two 'gates' of the ear, Tinggong and Tinghui.

On the Triple Burner channel

TB21 is one of 23 points on the Triple Burner Meridian. Nearby points:

TB15TB16TB17TB18TB19TB20TB22TB23

Frequently asked questions

Where is TB21 located?

TB21 (Ěrmén) is located anterior to the ear, in the depression found at the supratragic notch when the mouth is slightly open.

What is TB21 used for?

TB21 opens the ear, clears heat, benefits the teeth and jaw. Common clinical indications include eartinnitus like cicada chirping, ear (deafness), ear (ear pain), earpurulent discharge from the ear, earsores in the ear, head and jaw pain, tooth decay/caries, upper tooth decay/caries, stiffness of the lips, inability to speak after wind-stroke, infantile epilepsy and fright, vomiting, diarrhea.

How is TB21 needled?

With the mouth slightly open, insert the needle perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 cun. It is common to ask the patient to open and close the mouth to ensure the needle is not in the condyloid process. Caution: Contraindicated to moxibustion if there is pus in the ear. (Jia Yi Jing)

Which meridian is TB21 on?

TB21 is a point on the Triple Burner Meridian (Sān Jiāo).

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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.