TE-21 - Ear Gate

耳门 - Ěr mén

Point Region: Face

TE

Triple Energizer Meridian

手少阳三焦经 - Shǒu Shàoyáng Sānjiāo Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the face, in the hollow between the notch above the small flap at the front of the ear (the supratragic notch) and the jaw joint. It lies directly above SI-19.

How to Locate:

  1. Open your mouth slightly
  2. Find the notch just above the small flap at the front of your ear
  3. The point is in the hollow just in front of that notch
TE-21 (Ear Gate) acupressure point location: On the face, in the hollow between the notch above the small flap at the front of the ear (the supratragic notch) and the jaw joint.

How to Apply Pressure

Once TE-21 is located in the hollow in front of the ear, press lightly on the face just ahead of the notch — never at or into the ear opening — and stop if pain or dizziness occurs. Avoid it with an active ear infection or perforated eardrum, after recent ear surgery, or with severe TMJ symptoms.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Tinnitus
  • Deafness
  • Ear sores
  • Throat pain
  • Ear ringing
  • Hearing loss
  • Ear infections
  • Sore throat
  • Ear discharge
  • Jaw pain

Related Health Concerns

Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)Cold and Flu OnsetDental Pain

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Active ear infections
  • Recent ear surgery
  • Perforated eardrum
  • Severe TMJ disorders

Take care:

  • Avoid inserting finger into ear canal