Quanliao Point (SI-18 / Cheekbone Crevice, also known as Duigu, Duiduan)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Quanliao (SI-18 / Cheekbone Crevice). Learn its benefits for facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis, and eyelid twitching – the meeting point of Small Intestine and Sanjiao – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Facial pain, facial swelling, eye disorders, upper toothache, cheek swelling, facial deviation (facial paralysis), trigeminal neuralgia, facial spasm, and eyelid twitching.
Precise Location
Located on the Small Intestine Meridian, on the face, in the depression at the lower edge of the zygomatic bone (cheekbone), approximately level with the lower border of the ala nasi, directly below the outer canthus.
Location Method
Sit upright with eyes looking straight ahead and lips slightly open (to facilitate point access). Lightly raise both hands with fingertips pointing upward and palms facing the cheeks. Place the thumb pads on both sides of the cheeks and push upward – the point is in the depression at the lower edge of the cheekbone, approximately level with the lower border of the ala nasi.
Massage Method
Press vertically with the thumb tip with a slight upward force – apply to both sides simultaneously or separately for 1–3 minutes. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and reduces swelling, dispels wind and calms the spirit, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Eyelid twitching: Combine with Quanliao (SI-18), Cuanzhu (BL-2), and Sibai (ST-2). Disease overview: Causes of eyelid twitching include overwork, stress, eye disorders, improper use of eyes, and trauma – these stimulate the ocular nerves, causing muscle contraction and twitching. Massage sequence: In school eye exercise routines, "knead Sibai" is included – it relieves eye fatigue and calms eyelid twitching, especially when combined with Cuanzhu and Quanliao. Facial deviation (facial paralysis): Combine with Xiaguan (ST-7), Quanliao (SI-18), Sibai (ST-2), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4). Toothache: Combine with Jiache (ST-6), Xiaguan (ST-7), and Quanliao (SI-18).
Efficacy & Actions
Have you ever experienced involuntary twitching of the eyelids and lower eyelids for no apparent reason? Or have you suffered from facial paralysis, spasm, or pain after exposure to wind-cold – especially trigeminal neuralgia with unbearable pain where even the lightest touch is intolerable? Pressing this point can help improve these conditions. This point belongs to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian and is the meeting point of the Small Intestine Meridian and the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. It clears heat and reduces swelling, dispels wind and calms the spirit, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used point for treating facial and oral-dental disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Quan" refers to the cheekbone; "Liao" means bone crevice or gap. Located in the depression below the lower edge of the cheekbone – hence the name Quanliao (Cheekbone Crevice). It is also known as "Duigu" and "Duiduan."
