Side of head · temple & ear acupuncture points — 3D atlas

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

The Side of head · temple & ear region contains 18 acupuncture points (meridians: EX, GB, SI, ST, TE). The interactive atlas below opens directly on this region: click a point for its booklet (location, needling, indications, combinations), turn on labels, or start the tour.

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Points in this region (18)

CodeNameLocation
EX-HN6
EX-HN14
GB2
Tinghui
TinghuiAnterior to the ear, in a depression found with the mouth open. It is located 1 cun inferior to GB3 (Shangguan), in a palpable arterial…
GB3
Shangguan
ShangguanAnterior to the ear, in the depression found on the superior border of the zygomatic arch. This point is located with the mouth open.
GB4
HánYán
Jaw ContentmentOn the head, within the temporal region, at the junction of the upper one-quarter and lower three-quarters of the distance along a curved…
GB5
Xuánlú
Suspended SkullOn the side of the head, within the temporal region, superior to the zygomatic arch. The point is located in the area described as 'in the…
GB6
Xuánlí
XuánlíOn the side of the head, within the hairline, approximately at the junction of the lower one-quarter and upper three-quarters of a curved…
GB7
Qúbìn
Curve of the Temple HairlineSuperior to the ear, in a depression within the curve of the hairline at the temple. A hollow is formed when the jaw is clenched.
GB8
Shuaigu
Leading ValleyOn the side of the head, in the temporal region, directly superior to the apex of the ear, 1.5 cun within the hairline.
GB9
Tianchong
TianchongOn the head, within the hairline, 0.5 cun posterior to the midpoint of the line connecting ST8 (Touwei) and GB7 (Qubin). This is…
GB12
Wangu
Mastoid Process BonePosterior to the ear, in a depression on the inferior border of the mastoid process, approximately 0.4 cun posterior to the hairline.
SI19
Tinggong
TinggongAnterior to the tragus, in the depression formed when the mouth is opened, between the tragus and the condyloid process of the mandible.
ST7
Xiaguan
Lower GateOn the face, in the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible. This point is…
TE18
Chìmài
ChìmàiPosterior to the ear, on the mastoid process, within the hairline, at the junction of the middle and lower thirds of the curved line…
TE19
Lúxī
LúxīPosterior to the ear, on a line connecting Jiaosun (TB20) and Yifeng (TB17), approximately two-thirds of the distance from Yifeng, over a…
TE20
Jiǎosūn
Angle of the ApexDirectly superior to the apex of the ear, within the hairline. The point is found in a depression that forms when the mouth is opened.
TE21
Ěrmén
Ear GateAnterior to the ear, in the depression found at the supratragic notch when the mouth is slightly open.
TE22
Ěrmén
ĚrménIn a depression located anterior to the ear, on the raised flesh corresponding to the supratragic notch.

Other regions: Head & neck: Vertex · Face · Back of head · Front of neck · Back of neck

How many acupuncture points are in the Side of head · temple & ear?

The Side of head · temple & ear region of the atlas lists 18 points: EX-HN6, EX-HN14, GB2, GB3, GB4, GB5, GB6, GB7, GB8, GB9, GB12, SI19, ST7, TE18, TE19, TE20, TE21, TE22.

How do I locate a point in the Side of head · temple & ear?

Open the point in the 3D atlas: the booklet gives the standard location, a cun ruler from the nearest bony landmark, and a step-by-step description.

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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.