Erheliao Point (TE-22 / Ear Harmony Bone Crevice, also known as Heliao)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Erheliao (TE-22 / Ear Harmony Bone Crevice). Learn its benefits for trismus, facial deviation, tinnitus, deafness, and headache – the meeting point of Sanjiao, Gallbladder, and Small Intestine – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Trismus (locked jaw, difficulty opening the mouth), facial deviation (facial paralysis), heavy headache, tinnitus, deafness, jaw swelling, headache, and toothache.
Precise Location
On the head, at the posterior margin of the temporal hairline, anterior to the root of the auricle, at the posterior border of the superficial temporal artery.
Location Method
On the lateral side of the head – draw a vertical line along the posterior margin of the temporal hairline and a horizontal line along the root of the auricle; the point is at the intersection of these two lines, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Erheliao with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat deafness and tinnitus. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and opens the orifices, and sharpens hearing and brightens the eyes.
Compatibility
Deafness: Combine with Yanglao (SI-6) and Wangu (GB-12). Tinnitus: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Tinghui (GB-2), and Yifeng (TE-17). Facial deviation (facial paralysis): Combine with Dicang (ST-4), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4). Trismus and toothache: Combine with Xiaguan (ST-7) and Jiache (ST-6). Headache and heavy headache: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20) and Taiyang (EX-HN5).
Efficacy & Actions
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 clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and opens the orifices, and sharpens hearing and brightens the eyes. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, and ear disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Er" refers to the ear; "He" means harmony; "Liao" means bone crevice or gap. Located in the bony gap anterior to the root of the ear, where meridian qi is harmonized – hence the name Erheliao (Ear Harmony Bone Crevice). It is also known as "Heliao."
