Small Intestine 18 (SI 18) Quan Liao — Cheek Bone-Hole

This point, below the cheekbone, is a principal local point for facial paralysis, facial pain and disorders of the cheek.

Small Intestine 18 (SI 18) Quan Liao 顴髎 — Cheek Bone-Hole

Location

On the face, directly below the outer canthus of the eye, in the depression on the lower border of the zygomatic bone.

Anatomy

In the zygomaticus muscle; the transverse facial artery and vein; the facial nerve and the infraorbital and zygomaticofacial nerves.

Actions & Functions

  • Dispels wind and benefits the face
  • Activates the channel and stops facial pain and twitching

Indications

Facial paralysis and twitching, trigeminal neuralgia, toothache of the upper jaw, and swelling of the cheek.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun perpendicular, or 0.5-1.0 cun oblique/transverse for facial pain.

Moxibustion Suitability

Moxibustion is generally not used on the face.

Point Combinations

With LI-4 and ST-7 for facial paralysis and trigeminal neuralgia.

Classical Text References

A meeting point with the Triple Burner channel; the chief local point for the cheek.

Cautions & Contraindications

None specific.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

Check Also

PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.