Shangguan Point (GB-3 / Upper Pass, also known as Kezhuren)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shangguan (GB-3 / Upper Pass). Learn its benefits for headache, tinnitus, deafness, and TMJ disorder – the meeting point of Gallbladder, Sanjiao, and Stomach – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache and dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, temporomandibular joint disorder, trismus (locked jaw), facial deviation (facial paralysis), and toothache.
Precise Location
On the face, in the depression at the center of the upper border of the zygomatic arch.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. The point is in the depression at the center of the upper border of the zygomatic arch – when the mouth is opened, the depression deepens, and firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
Massage: Pinch and knead with the thumb. Pinch and knead Shangguan with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat tinnitus and temporomandibular joint disorder. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and dispels wind, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and sharpens hearing and opens the orifices.
Compatibility
Temporomandibular joint disorder and trismus: Combine with Ermen (TE-21), Hegu (LI-4), and Jiache (ST-6). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Tinghui (GB-2), and Yifeng (TE-17). Headache and dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taichong (LR-3). Facial deviation (facial paralysis): Combine with Dicang (ST-4), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4). Toothache: Combine with Xiaguan (ST-7), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. It clears heat and dispels wind, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and sharpens hearing and opens the orifices. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, and ear disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Shang" means upper; "Guan" means pass or gateway. Located on the upper border of the zygomatic arch, opposite Xiaguan (ST-7) – hence the name Shangguan (Upper Pass). It is also known as "Kezhuren."
