Auditory Palace
听宫 Tīng Gōng · SI-19
About SI-19 Auditory Palace
SI-19 Tinggong is the primary acupuncture point for treating ear disorders, located precisely at the gateway to the ear canal. Its name, 'Auditory Palace,' declares its sovereignty over hearing. The Small Intestine meridian passes directly in front of the ear at this point, and SI-19 represents the channel's closest approach to the ear orifice itself.
The point sits within a cluster of three ear points -- SI-19 (Tinggong), TB-21 (Ermen), and GB-2 (Tinghui) -- that together command the treatment of nearly all ear pathology. Each addresses the ear from a different meridian perspective: SI-19 from the taiyang (greater yang), TB-21 from the shaoyang (lesser yang), and GB-2 also from the shaoyang. In practice, these three points are frequently used together, especially for tinnitus, which can be profoundly distressing and difficult to treat.
Beyond ear conditions, Tinggong's location at the temporomandibular joint makes it valuable for jaw disorders. TMJ dysfunction, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding all respond to gentle stimulation of this point, particularly when combined with GB-20 (Fengchi) for the overall tension pattern. The instruction to open the mouth slightly when locating and pressing the point is not merely for convenience -- it opens the joint space and allows deeper, more effective access to the point's location between the tragus and the mandibular condyle.
How to Find This Point
Open your mouth slightly. Place your finger directly in front of the small flap of cartilage (tragus) at the ear opening. When you open your mouth, a depression forms between the tragus and the jaw joint. The point is in that depression.
Technique
Press gently to moderately with the fingertip into the depression while the mouth is slightly open. Sustained pressure or gentle circular motions. Pressing both sides simultaneously is effective for bilateral ear conditions.
Pressure & Duration
Light to moderate pressure for 1-2 minutes per side.
Benefits
Benefits the ears, opens the ear orifice, calms the spirit, relieves jaw tension
Indications
Tinnitus, deafness, ear pain, ear infections, TMJ disorders, jaw pain, toothache, facial paralysis
TCM Actions
Opens the ear orifice, benefits hearing, calms the spirit
Self-Care Use
Press in front of the ear tragus with the mouth slightly open for tinnitus, ear pain, or jaw tension. This point is part of a powerful three-point cluster with TB-21 and GB-2, all located around the ear. For TMJ problems or jaw clenching, press gently while slowly opening and closing the mouth to release tension in the joint.
Contraindications & Cautions
Avoid if there is an active ear infection with discharge from the ear canal. Use gentle pressure only near the temporomandibular joint in individuals with TMJ dysfunction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the SI-19 Auditory Palace acupressure point located?
SI-19 Auditory Palace (Tīng Gōng) is located at: Anterior to the tragus of the ear, in the depression formed when the mouth is slightly open, between the tragus and the condyloid process of the mandible. Open your mouth slightly. Place your finger directly in front of the small flap of cartilage (tragus) at the ear opening. When you open your mouth, a depression forms between the tragus and the jaw jo
How long should I press SI-19 Auditory Palace?
Apply light to moderate pressure to SI-19 for 1-2 minutes per side. Press gently to moderately with the fingertip into the depression while the mouth is slightly open. Sustained pressure or gentle circular motions. Pressing both sides simultaneously is effective for b
What are the benefits of stimulating SI-19 Auditory Palace?
Benefits the ears, opens the ear orifice, calms the spirit, relieves jaw tension
Is it safe to do acupressure on SI-19 at home?
Press in front of the ear tragus with the mouth slightly open for tinnitus, ear pain, or jaw tension. This point is part of a powerful three-point cluster with TB-21 and GB-2, all located around the e Cautions: Avoid if there is an active ear infection with discharge from the ear canal. Use gentle pressure only near the temporomandibular joint in individuals
Which meridian does SI-19 belong to?
SI-19 Auditory Palace belongs to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, which is associated with the Fire element. Its TCM actions include: Opens the ear orifice, benefits hearing, calms the spirit