San Jiao 18 (SJ 18) Chi Mai — Spasm Vessel

This point, behind the ear, benefits the ears and is used for childhood convulsions and fright.

San Jiao 18 (SJ 18) Chi Mai 瘈脈 — Spasm Vessel

Location

On the head, posterior to the ear, at the centre of the mastoid process, at the junction of the middle and lower thirds of the curve formed by SJ-17 and SJ-20 behind the ear.

Anatomy

On the mastoid; the posterior auricular artery and vein; the posterior auricular branch of the great auricular nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Benefits the ears
  • Calms the spirit and stops convulsions (in children)

Indications

Tinnitus and deafness, headache, and childhood convulsions and fright.

Needling

0.1-0.3 cun shallow insertion, or prick to bleed.

Moxibustion Suitability

Moxibustion may be used with caution.

Point Combinations

With SJ-17 for ear disorders.

Classical Text References

Classically associated with childhood convulsions.

Cautions & Contraindications

Avoid the posterior auricular vein.

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.

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PubMed research

Network Meta-Analysis Finds Chinese Herbal Decoctions Improve Outcomes and Reduce Side Effects in Breast Cancer Treatment

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine decoctions in breast cancer treatment: a network meta-analysis. - Frontiers in oncology, 2026.