Erjian Point (EX-HN6 / Ear Tip)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Erjian (EX-HN6 / Ear Tip). Learn its benefits for red eyes, styes, heatstroke, migraine, and hypertension – the extraordinary point for clearing heat – plus classic combinations and bloodletting techniques.
Indications
Clears heat and dispels wind, relieves spasms and pain. Treats corneal opacity, red painful eyes (acute conjunctivitis), stye (hordeolum), migraine, hypertension (liver-yang rising type), heatstroke, high fever, and sore throat.
Precise Location
At the upper part of the auricle, at the tip when the ear is folded forward.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie laterally. Fold the auricle forward – the point is at the highest tip of the auricle.
Massage Method
Pinch and knead Erjian with the thumb and index finger until the ear tip becomes red and congested, for 1–3 minutes. Clinical practice commonly uses pricking bloodletting: after disinfecting with 75% alcohol, prick the point with a three-edged needle or a lancet and squeeze out a few drops of blood to rapidly reduce fever, relieve pain, and brighten the eyes. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and dispels wind, relieves spasms and pain, and clears the liver and brightens the eyes.
Compatibility
Heatstroke: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14) and Shixuan (EX-UE11). Conjunctivitis and red painful eyes: Combine with Cuanzhu (BL-2), Fengchi (GB-20), Guangming (GB-37), Hegu (LI-4), Weizhong (BL-40), Guanchong (TE-1), and Yintang (EX-HN3). Stye (hordeolum): Combine with Jingming (BL-1) and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Migraine: Combine with Taiyang (EX-HN5), Shuaigu (GB-8), and Waiguan (TE-5). Hypertension: Combine with Taichong (LR-3) and Quchi (LI-11). Fever and sore throat: Combine with Shaoshang (LU-11) and Shangyang (LI-1).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located at the tip of the auricle. It clears heat and dispels wind, relieves spasms and pain, and clears the liver and brightens the eyes. It is a commonly used key point for treating acute eye inflammations and febrile disorders. First documented in the Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. "Er" refers to the ear; "Jian" means tip. Located at the highest tip of the auricle – hence the name Erjian (Ear Tip). In clinical practice, Erjian is often treated with pricking bloodletting, which has significant effects on clearing heat, draining fire, reducing swelling, and relieving pain – providing immediate results for eye disorders and headache due to excess heat patterns.
Contraindications
When using pricking bloodletting at Erjian, strict disinfection is required to prevent infection. The amount of bloodletting depends on the condition – generally until the blood color changes from dark red to bright red. Contraindicated in patients with coagulation disorders and pregnant women. Needling should not be too deep to avoid injury to the auricular cartilage.
