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This point, over the masseter, is a principal local point for jaw disorders, toothache and facial paralysis.
Location
On the face, one finger-breadth anterior and superior to the angle of the mandible, at the prominence of the masseter muscle when the teeth are clenched.
Anatomy
On the masseter; the masseteric artery; the great auricular and facial nerves and the masseteric nerve.
Actions & Functions
- Dispels wind and benefits the jaw and face
- Activates the channel and stops pain
Indications
Facial paralysis, lockjaw, toothache of the lower jaw, swelling of the cheek, and mumps.
Needling
0.3-0.5 cun perpendicular, or transverse towards ST-4 for facial paralysis.
Moxibustion Suitability
Moxibustion may be used.
Point Combinations
Threaded to ST-4 with LI-4 for facial paralysis; with SI-18 for toothache.
Classical Text References
The chief local point for the jaw.
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.