GB-3 - Upper Gate

上关 - Shàng guān

Point Region: Head

GB

Gallbladder Meridian

足少阳胆经 - Zú Shàoyáng Dǎn Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the head, in the hollow just above the midpoint of the cheekbone's arch in front of the ear (the zygomatic arch). It lies above ST-7.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the horizontal bony arch of the cheekbone in front of your ear
  2. Go to its midpoint
  3. The point is in the hollow just above the arch
GB-3 (Upper Gate) acupressure point location: On the head, in the hollow just above the midpoint of the cheekbone's arch in front of the ear (the zygomatic arch).

How to Apply Pressure

Feel along the cheekbone arch in front of your ear; the hollow is just above its midpoint. Apply gentle, steady pressure there with a fingertip. Keep it comfortable: firm but never painful, and never deep or unrelenting. Stop if it hurts. Avoid this point if you have acute jaw injuries, severe dental problems, facial nerve disorders requiring medical treatment.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Tinnitus
  • Jaw tension
  • Headache
  • Tmj dysfunction
  • Earache
  • Facial pain
  • Trigeminal neuralgia

Related Health Concerns

Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)HeadacheNeuralgia

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Acute jaw injuries
  • Severe dental problems
  • Facial nerve disorders requiring medical treatment

Take care:

  • Use gentle pressure on jaw area
  • Avoid during acute jaw pain
  • Discontinue if jaw spasms increase
  • Seek dental evaluation for persistent jaw problems