Juliao Point (ST-3 / Great Bone Crevice)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Juliao (ST-3 / Great Bone Crevice). Learn its benefits for facial deviation, eyelid twitching, and nosebleeds, plus classic combinations for trigeminal neuralgia and toothache.
Indications
Cools and descends stomach turbidity. Treats facial deviation (mouth and eye歪斜), eyelid twitching, and epistaxis (nosebleeds).
Precise Location
On the face, level with the lower border of the ala nasi, directly below the pupil. Look straight ahead – the point is in the depression at the intersection of the vertical line from the pupil and the horizontal line at the lower border of the ala nasi.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with the eyes looking straight ahead. The point is in the depression at the intersection directly below the pupil and level with the lower edge of the nostril.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger. ② Scraping therapy: Gently massage with the corner of a scraping board. Press and knead Juliao with the thumb or middle finger about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to prevent and treat nasal disorders. Therapeutic actions: Cools and descends stomach turbidity, dispels wind and unblocks collaterals, clears heat and disperses pathogens.
Compatibility
Trigeminal neuralgia: Combine with Sibai (ST-2). Toothache: Combine with Hegu (LI-4). Facial deviation (facial paralysis): Combine with Dicang (ST-4) and Jiache (ST-6).
Efficacy & Actions
Cools and descends stomach turbidity, unblocks the meridians and collaterals. This point belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and is the meeting point of the Yang Qiao Vessel and the Stomach Meridian. It dispels wind and unblocks collaterals, clears heat and disperses pathogens. It is a commonly used point for treating facial, oral, dental, and nasal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Ju" means great or large; "Liao" means bone crevice or gap. Located in a relatively large gap below the cheekbone on the face, it is named Juliao (Great Bone Crevice). In modern clinical practice, Juliao is frequently used for trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis, toothache, and epistaxis – an important point for improving facial qi and blood circulation.
Contraindications
As this point is located on the face, manipulation should be gentle without heavy pressure. Needling should pay attention to angle and depth, avoiding excessive depth.
