ST-6 - Jaw Bone

颊车 - Jiá chē

Point Region: Face

ST

Stomach Meridian

足阳明胃经 - Zú Yángmíng Wèi Jīng

ST-6 Jiache, meaning 'Jawbone Carriage,' is a master point for relieving jaw tension and harmonizing chewing function. Located on the jaw, it is a key point for addressing a wide range of issues that are caused by stagnation or excess heat in the face. Its name, 'Jawbone Carriage,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the jaw, as a carriage transports us from one place to another.

Think of Jiache as a point that helps to 'transport' you from a state of tension to a state of relaxation. It's invaluable for addressing issues like TMJ, a tight jaw, and a feeling of a 'blocked' jaw. By relieving jaw tension and harmonizing chewing function, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By relieving jaw tension and harmonizing chewing function, ST-6 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a well-regulated and harmonious body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: Approximately one finger-breadth anterior and superior to the angle of the mandible, in the belly of the masseter muscle when teeth are clenched.

How to Locate:

  1. Place your fingers on your cheek in front of your ear
  2. Clench your teeth to feel the muscle bulge in your cheek
  3. Find the thickest part of this muscle bulge
  4. The point is in the center of this muscle
Location illustration for Approximately one finger-breadth anterior and superior to the angle of the mandible, in the belly of the masseter muscle when teeth are clenched.

Primary Functions

Oral & Dental Health

  • Treats toothache and dental disorders
  • Relieves TMJ pain and jaw dysfunction
  • Reduces jaw muscle tension and lockjaw
  • Improves chewing and mastication function

Nervous System

  • Alleviates facial paralysis and Bell's palsy
  • Treats trigeminal neuralgia
  • Reduces facial muscle spasms

Digestive System

  • Supports proper chewing for digestion
  • Harmonizes stomach qi affecting jaw function
  • Improves appetite through proper mastication

Musculoskeletal System

  • Relieves jaw and facial muscle tension
  • Treats bruxism and teeth grinding

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Jaw pain
  • Jaw swelling
  • Trismus
  • Neck stiffness
  • Facial deviation
  • TMJ disorders
  • Bruxism
  • Jaw muscle tension
  • Lockjaw

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

Dental Pain

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

ST-6 Protocols

Jaw Tension & Facial Relaxation (3 minutes)

  1. Sit comfortably with jaw relaxed
  2. Locate ST-6 (on the masseter muscle, one finger-width anterior and superior to the angle of the jaw)
  3. Apply firm pressure with fingertips for 30 seconds
  4. Massage in circular motions for 1 minute to release jaw tension
  5. Repeat pressure while gently opening and closing the mouth

Important Precautions

  • Recent jaw surgery
  • Severe TMJ dysfunction
  • Acute jaw injury