Ear Gate
耳门 Ēr Mén · TB-21
About TB-21 Ear Gate
TB-21 Ermen is named 'Ear Gate' because it sits at the doorway to the ear, governing access to the auditory function. Located just above SI-19 Tinggong, it is the Triple Burner meridian's primary point for ear disorders and the highest of the three-point ear cluster (TB-21, SI-19, GB-2) that together command the treatment of nearly all conditions affecting hearing and the ear.
The Triple Burner meridian's pathway encircles the ear, with several points distributed around its anatomy. This unique routing reflects the shaoyang channel's special relationship with the ear in TCM theory. The shaoyang (lesser yang) channels -- both the Triple Burner and the Gallbladder -- are the meridians most closely associated with ear pathology. When shaoyang qi stagnates, the ear suffers: tinnitus develops, hearing declines, and infections recur.
For self-care, TB-21 is best used in combination with its neighboring ear points rather than in isolation. The three-point cluster (TB-21, SI-19, GB-2) can be approximated by placing the index and middle fingers vertically in front of the ear with the mouth slightly open, applying gentle pressure to cover all three points simultaneously. This technique is useful for the tinnitus that comes and goes with stress, the ear fullness that accompanies altitude changes or sinus congestion, and the jaw tension that radiates into the ear region.
How to Find This Point
Open your mouth slightly. Place your finger in front of the upper part of the ear, just above the small cartilage flap (tragus). You will feel a depression form when the mouth opens -- the point is in that depression, slightly above SI-19.
Technique
Press gently with the fingertip into the depression with the mouth slightly open. Sustained gentle pressure or small circular motions. Both sides can be pressed simultaneously.
Pressure & Duration
Light to moderate pressure for 1-2 minutes per side.
Benefits
Benefits the ears, opens the ear orifice, clears heat, benefits the jaw
Indications
Tinnitus, deafness, ear pain, otitis media, TMJ disorders, jaw pain, toothache (upper), headache around the ear
TCM Actions
Opens the ear orifice, benefits hearing, clears heat, activates the channel
Self-Care Use
Press gently in front of the upper ear with the mouth slightly open for ear ringing, ear pain, and jaw tension. This point works best as part of the three-point ear cluster: press TB-21, SI-19, and the point between them simultaneously with the index and middle fingers for comprehensive ear treatment. 1-2 minutes per side.
Contraindications & Cautions
Avoid if there is discharge from the ear canal. Use gentle pressure near the TMJ if there is acute joint inflammation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the TB-21 Ear Gate acupressure point located?
TB-21 Ear Gate (Ēr Mén) is located at: In the depression anterior to the supratragic notch, above the condyloid process of the mandible, with the mouth slightly open. Open your mouth slightly. Place your finger in front of the upper part of the ear, just above the small cartilage flap (tragus). You will feel a depression form when the mouth opens -- the point is in
How long should I press TB-21 Ear Gate?
Apply light to moderate pressure to TB-21 for 1-2 minutes per side. Press gently with the fingertip into the depression with the mouth slightly open. Sustained gentle pressure or small circular motions. Both sides can be pressed simultaneously.
What are the benefits of stimulating TB-21 Ear Gate?
Benefits the ears, opens the ear orifice, clears heat, benefits the jaw
Is it safe to do acupressure on TB-21 at home?
Press gently in front of the upper ear with the mouth slightly open for ear ringing, ear pain, and jaw tension. This point works best as part of the three-point ear cluster: press TB-21, SI-19, and th Cautions: Avoid if there is discharge from the ear canal. Use gentle pressure near the TMJ if there is acute joint inflammation.
Which meridian does TB-21 belong to?
TB-21 Ear Gate belongs to the Hand Shaoyang Triple Burner Meridian, which is associated with the Fire element. Its TCM actions include: Opens the ear orifice, benefits hearing, clears heat, activates the channel