ST-7 - Below the Joint

下关 - Xià guān

Point Region: Face

ST

Stomach Meridian

足阳明胃经 - Zú Yángmíng Wèi Jīng

ST-7 Xiaguan, meaning 'Below the Joint,' is a powerful point that benefits the ears, jaw, and teeth. Located on the face, it is a key point for addressing a wide range of issues that are caused by stagnation or excess heat in the head and neck. Its name, 'Below the Joint,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the entire face.

Think of Xiaguan as a point that helps to 'unlock the jaw.' It's invaluable for addressing issues like a tight jaw, a sore jaw, and a feeling of a 'blocked' ear. By benefiting the ears, jaw, and teeth, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By benefiting the ears, jaw, and teeth, ST-7 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: In the depression anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible, with the mouth slightly open, at the lower border of the zygomatic arch.

How to Locate:

  1. Place your finger in front of your ear
  2. Open and close your mouth to feel the jaw movement
  3. Find the depression that appears when you open your mouth
  4. The point is in this hollow directly in front of your ear
Location illustration for In the depression anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible, with the mouth slightly open, at the lower border of the zygomatic arch.

Primary Functions

Oral & Dental Health

  • Treats severe toothache and dental pain
  • Relieves TMJ disorders and jaw clicking
  • Reduces jaw stiffness and lockjaw
  • Improves jaw mobility and function

Nervous System

  • Alleviates trigeminal neuralgia
  • Treats facial paralysis and nerve disorders
  • Reduces facial pain and headaches

Digestive System

  • Supports chewing function for proper digestion
  • Harmonizes stomach qi in jaw region
  • Improves appetite through pain relief

Musculoskeletal System

  • Relieves jaw joint disorders
  • Treats facial muscle tension

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Toothache
  • Tinnitus
  • Hearing loss
  • Jaw spasm
  • Facial deviation
  • TMJ disorders
  • Ear pain
  • Jaw clicking
  • Facial numbness

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

Dental Pain

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

Combined Applications:

ST-7 + SI-19
Treats TMJ dysfunction, earache, and facial paralysis
ST-7 + GB-2
Regulates ear and jaw function in cases of tinnitus or jaw locking

ST-7 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

  • Recent TMJ surgery
  • Severe TMJ dysfunction
  • Jaw dislocation