Xiaguan Point (ST-7 / Lower Pass)
Dispels wind and clears heat, opens the pass and benefits the orifices. Based on its properties, this point is primarily used for toothache and inflammatory facial disorders.
Indications
Deafness, tinnitus, toothache, and facial deviation (mouth and eye歪斜). (1) Facial disorders: Toothache, facial pain, facial paralysis, facial spasm, temporomandibular joint disorder, trismus. (2) Ear disorders: Tinnitus, deafness, otitis media. (3) Others: Heel pain, sciatica, vertigo, anesthesia for tooth extraction, etc.
Precise Location
On the side of the head, one finger-width anterior to the ear, in the depression below the zygomatic arch – it bulges when the mouth is opened and is located with the mouth closed.
Location Method
Sit upright, recline, or lie supine with the mouth closed. Lightly clench the hand into a fist, bring the index and middle fingers together with the index finger beside the earlobe – the point is where the middle finger pad rests.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger. Press the point with the middle finger pads of both hands for 1–3 minutes per session. Therapeutic actions: Reduces swelling and relieves pain, sharpens hearing and unblocks the meridians.
Compatibility
Toothache: Combine with Jiache (ST-6), Xiaguan (ST-7), and Hegu (LI-4). Disease overview: Tooth and gum redness, swelling, and pain – mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, overconsumption of rich/greasy foods, stomach heat flaring upward, invasion of wind-fire pathogens, or kidney yin deficiency with deficient fire ascending. Massage sequence: Sit upright or lie supine, lightly clench the teeth – press Jiache for 3 minutes, then press Xiaguan for 3 minutes, finally gently knead Hegu for 5 minutes. Facial disorders (facial paralysis, facial pain): Combine with Dicang (ST-4), Sibai (ST-2), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4). Deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Xiaguan (ST-7), Taichong (LR-3), and Zhongzhu (TE-3). Trismus (locked jaw): Combine with Jiache (ST-6), Hegu (LI-4), and Renzhong (GV-26). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Zhongzhu (TE-3), Yifeng (TE-17), Tinggong (SI-19), and Waiguan (TE-5). Upper toothache: Combine with Neiting (ST-44). Facial paralysis: Combine with Dicang (ST-4), Jiache (ST-6), Fengchi (GB-20), and Hegu (LI-4). Trigeminal neuralgia: Deep needling Xiaguan combined with Hegu (LI-4). Temporomandibular joint disorder: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Jiache (ST-6), and Tinggong (SI-19).
Efficacy & Actions
Xiaguan belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and is the meeting point of the Stomach Meridian and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. It dispels wind and unblocks collaterals, reduces swelling and relieves pain, benefits qi and sharpens hearing, opens the pass and benefits the orifices. It is a commonly used point for disorders of the head, face, mouth, teeth, and ears. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Guan" means pass or pivot, referring to the opening and closing mechanism of the jaw (teeth); because this point is located below the zygomatic arch (opposite Shangguan / ST-3), it is named Xiaguan (Lower Pass). The Tuyi states that Xiaguan treats "tinnitus, deafness, itching, pain, and purulent discharge from the ear." The Bronze Figure Manual states: "Xiaguan treats facial deviation, mouth and eye歪斜, and temporomandibular dislocation." The Jiayi Jing states: "For tinnitus and deafness, combine Xiaguan with Yangxi, Guanchong, Yemen, and Yangguan." This shows that flexible clinical application of Xiaguan with appropriate combinations yields excellent therapeutic results. (1) Common Point for Facial Disorders: Located on the face and belonging to the Stomach Meridian, which is rich in qi and blood, needling Xiaguan regulates Yangming qi and blood and directly improves local circulation. According to the principle "where the point is located, there it treats," it is highly effective for facial pain, facial spasm, facial paralysis, temporomandibular arthritis, and sinusitis. (2) Common Point for Ear Disorders: As the meeting point of the Stomach and Gallbladder Meridians, the Gallbladder Meridian enters the ear, and the Stomach Meridian is rich in qi and blood. Located close to the front of the ear, Xiaguan opens the orifices and sharpens hearing, treating deafness, tinnitus, and otitis media. (3) Effective Point for Toothache: Located below the zygomatic arch as the pivot of jaw opening and closing, it dispels wind and unblocks collaterals, freeing the jaw – especially effective for upper toothache. (4) Other Therapeutic Effects: Clinical practice has shown that needling Xiaguan is also effective for heel pain, sciatica, anesthesia for tooth extraction, and vertigo.
Contraindications
The mouth must be closed when needling this point. During needle retention, the patient should maintain a fixed position and avoid wide mouth opening to prevent needle bending or sticking.
