Wind Screen
翼风 Yì Fēng · TB-17
About TB-17 Wind Screen
TB-17 Yifeng sits in the anatomical gateway between the jaw, the ear, and the base of the skull, giving it direct access to the structures involved in ear disorders, facial paralysis, and jaw dysfunction. The name 'Wind Screen' describes its protective function: the point screens the ear from the pathogenic wind that in TCM causes sudden onset ear symptoms -- acute tinnitus, sudden hearing loss, ear pain from cold wind exposure, and facial paralysis.
The depression between the mastoid process and the mandible is a critical anatomical region containing the facial nerve, the parotid gland, and numerous blood vessels and lymph nodes. TB-17's location here makes it the primary local point for conditions affecting any of these structures. In classical practice, it was the first point selected for facial paralysis (Bell's palsy), where wind invades the shaoyang region and disrupts the facial nerve's function.
For self-care, Yifeng is most valuable for ear-related symptoms and jaw tension. The point is easily located and responds well to gentle finger pressure. In individuals who suffer from chronic tinnitus, daily pressing of TB-17 combined with SI-19, TB-21, and GB-20 can help manage symptoms by improving local circulation and reducing the wind and stagnation that TCM considers responsible for the persistent ringing.
How to Find This Point
Feel behind the ear lobe where the jaw meets the skull. There is a distinct depression between the angle of the jawbone and the bony bump behind the ear (mastoid process). The point is in that depression.
Technique
Press with the fingertip into the depression behind the ear lobe. Moderate sustained pressure directed slightly inward. The point may be tender in conditions affecting the ear or jaw.
Pressure & Duration
Moderate pressure for 1-2 minutes per side.
Benefits
Benefits the ears, expels wind, clears heat, reduces swelling, benefits the jaw and face
Indications
Tinnitus, deafness, ear infections, facial paralysis, mumps, parotitis, lockjaw, TMJ disorders, toothache, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
TCM Actions
Benefits the ears, expels wind, clears heat, activates the channel, reduces swelling
Self-Care Use
Press behind the ear lobe in the depression between the jaw and skull for ear pain, tinnitus, and jaw tension. Also useful for swollen glands in the neck during colds. The name 'Wind Screen' suggests the point's ability to screen the ear from wind invasion -- pressing it during windy weather when the ears feel cold or painful can be protective. 1-2 minutes per side.
Contraindications & Cautions
Avoid if there is active infection of the mastoid bone (mastoiditis). Use gentle pressure in individuals with ear infections. Do not press deeply near the parotid gland if it is acutely inflamed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the TB-17 Wind Screen acupressure point located?
TB-17 Wind Screen (Yì Fēng) is located at: Posterior to the ear lobe, in the depression between the mandible and the mastoid process. Feel behind the ear lobe where the jaw meets the skull. There is a distinct depression between the angle of the jawbone and the bony bump behind the ear (mastoid process). The point is in that depress
How long should I press TB-17 Wind Screen?
Apply moderate pressure to TB-17 for 1-2 minutes per side. Press with the fingertip into the depression behind the ear lobe. Moderate sustained pressure directed slightly inward. The point may be tender in conditions affecting the ear or jaw.
What are the benefits of stimulating TB-17 Wind Screen?
Benefits the ears, expels wind, clears heat, reduces swelling, benefits the jaw and face
Is it safe to do acupressure on TB-17 at home?
Press behind the ear lobe in the depression between the jaw and skull for ear pain, tinnitus, and jaw tension. Also useful for swollen glands in the neck during colds. The name 'Wind Screen' suggests Cautions: Avoid if there is active infection of the mastoid bone (mastoiditis). Use gentle pressure in individuals with ear infections. Do not press deeply near
Which meridian does TB-17 belong to?
TB-17 Wind Screen belongs to the Hand Shaoyang Triple Burner Meridian, which is associated with the Fire element. Its TCM actions include: Benefits the ears, expels wind, clears heat, activates the channel, reduces swelling