TE-21 - Ear Gate
耳门 - ěr mén
Point Region: Head
TE-21 Ermen, meaning 'Ear Gate,' is a master point for opening the ear and clearing heat. 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 head and neck. Its name, 'Ear Gate,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the ear and jaw.
Think of Ermen as a point that helps to 'open the gates' to your ears. It's invaluable for addressing issues like tinnitus, earaches, and a feeling of a 'blocked' ear. By opening the ear and clearing heat, it helps to restore a sense of ease and clarity.
By opening the ear and clearing heat, TE-21 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: Anterior to the ear canal, where the mandible moves during mouth opening
How to Locate:
- Locate the area in front of your ear opening
- Open and close your mouth to identify the jaw movement
- Find the small depression that moves with your jaw
- This depression just in front of your ear canal is TE-21
Primary Functions
Auditory System
- Master point for all ear disorders
- Treats deafness and hearing impairment
- Reduces tinnitus and ear inflammation
- Improves auditory nerve function
- Balances inner ear pressure
Nervous System
- Treats trigeminal neuralgia
- Reduces facial nerve disorders
- Calms nervous system inflammation
- Improves cranial nerve function
Musculoskeletal System
- Relieves TMJ disorders and jaw pain
- Treats lockjaw and jaw stiffness
- Reduces facial muscle tension
- Improves jaw mobility and function
Circulatory System
- Improves circulation to ear region
- Reduces vascular congestion
- Strengthens qi and blood flow
- Supports lymphatic drainage
Endocrine & Metabolic System
- Regulates triple energizer ear circulation
- Balances energy flow to head
- Supports metabolic processes
- Harmonizes organ coordination
Immune & Energy System
- Strengthens defensive qi around ears
- Prevents external pathogen invasion
- Boosts local immune function
- Supports energy circulation
Emotional & Mental
- Calms mental agitation
- Reduces stress and tension
- Promotes emotional balance
- Enhances mental clarity
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Tinnitus
- Deafness
- Ear sores
- Throat pain
- Ear ringing
- Hearing loss
- Ear infections
- Sore throat
- Ear discharge
- Jaw pain
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
TE-21 Protocols
N/A
Important Precautions
- Active ear infections
- Recent ear surgery
- Perforated eardrum
- Severe TMJ disorders