Ermen Point (TE-21 / Ear Gate)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Ermen (TE-21 / Ear Gate). Learn its benefits for tinnitus, deafness, purulent ear discharge, toothache, and dizziness – the meeting point of Sanjiao, Gallbladder, and Small Intestine – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Purulent ear discharge, hearing loss, otitis externa, tinnitus, deafness, dizziness, toothache, trismus, head and jaw pain, and lumbar pain.
Precise Location
Located on the Sanjiao Meridian, on the lateral side of the head, in front of the ear, in the gap just above and slightly anterior to the tragus – above Tinggong (SI-19).
Location Method
Sit upright with both hands raised, fingertips pointing upward, palms facing inward. Gently place the four fingers on the side of the head. Place the thumb tips at the gap in front of the tragus, open the mouth slightly – the point is in the depression where the thumb tips rest.
Massage Method
Press vertically with the thumb tips – a distending and painful sensation will occur. Apply once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes on each side (or simultaneously). Therapeutic actions: Opens the orifices and sharpens hearing, drains heat and unblocks the collaterals, dispels wind and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Periodontitis: Combine with Duiduan (GV-27) and Ermen (TE-21). Disease overview: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory destructive disease affecting the gums and periodontal tissues – characterized by periodontal pocket formation, inflammation, alveolar bone resorption, and gradual tooth loosening. It is caused by plaque, calculus, food impaction, poor restorations, occlusal trauma, etc., leading to gum swelling and plaque accumulation extending from supragingival to subgingival. Massage sequence: Press Duiduan (at the junction of the upper lip tip and the philtrum) with the thumb pad for 2 minutes, then press Ermen for 2 minutes. Toothache: Combine with Jiache (ST-6), Dicang (ST-4), and Sizhukong (TE-23). Deafness: Combine with Duiduan (GV-27) and Ermen (TE-21). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Tinghui (GB-2), and Yifeng (TE-17). Dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20) and Baihui (GV-20). Trismus: Combine with Xiaguan (ST-7) and Jiache (ST-6). Lumbar pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40).
Efficacy & Actions
As the saying goes: "This point is in front of the ear, like a gateway." As a key point for ear disorders, it treats many ear conditions. According to ancient Chinese medical texts, this point treats tinnitus, deafness, dizziness, toothache, trismus (locked jaw), lip stiffness, head and jaw pain, and lumbar pain. If the ears have persistent purulent discharge, sores, ringing like cicadas, or hearing loss, massaging this point can help relieve the symptoms. This point belongs to the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and is the meeting point of the Sanjiao Meridian, the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, and the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian. It opens the orifices and sharpens hearing, drains heat and unblocks the collaterals, and dispels wind and relieves pain. It is a key point for treating ear disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Er" refers to the ear; "Men" means gate or door. Located in front of the ear, this point serves as the gateway for ear meridian qi – hence the name Ermen (Ear Gate).
