Stomach Channel

Xiaguan ST-7

Chinese: 下关

Pinyin: Xià Guān

Location

In the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible. Xiaguan ST-7 is located when the mouth is closed. 

How to locate

Palpate along the lower border of the zygomatic arch towards the ear. Xiaguan ST-7 is in an obvious depression just before the temporomandibular joint and at the posterior border of the masseter muscle. 

When the patient’s mouth is fully opened, the condyloid process of the lower jaw slides anteriorly and the depression or the point disappears. 

Main actions

  1. Benefits the ears, jaw and teeth
  2. Removes Obstructions from the Channel
  3. Expels Wind

Indications

Otitis Lockjaw Tinnitus Deafness Ear pain Cheek pain Itchy ears Ear discharge Eye deviation Cheek swelling Jaw dislocation Lower gums pain Mouth deviation Lower gums swelling Trigeminal neuralgia

Needling

0.3–0.5 cun vertically or 1–1.5 cun transversely towards Jiache ST-6, Tinggong SI-19, Quanliao SI-18.

Commentary for Xiaguan ST-7

Xiaguan ST-7 is also a very important point. It is widely used to treat facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia and the ear disorders such as otitis, deafness and ear pain. 

In fact, trigeminal neuralgia has three nerve branches and many doctors use Xiaguan ST-7 as the main point for treating all three, when combined with other points (eg: Sibai ST-2 for the middle branch, Chengjiang REN-24 for the lower branch). 

It is also able to treat disorders in upper jaw or tooth, when needled together with Neiting ST-44.