ACUPUNCTURE
Er Men: TCM Acupoint Guide
Name
Er Men (Ermen)
Location
In the depression anterior to the supratragic notch and behind the posterior border of the condyloid process of the mandible. Note: the point is located with the mouth open, at the front of the tuberculum supratragicum.
Needling
- With the mouth open, join to SI-19 Tinggong and GB-2 Tinghui, 1.5 to 2.5 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness, sometimes extending throughout the side of the face.
- Inferior oblique insertion, slightly posteriorly, 0.5 to 1 cun. The point is needled with the mouth open.
- Puncture perpendicularly, 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Command Functions
- Entry point
Actions
- Benefits the ears
- Clears Heat
- Opens the ear
Indications
- Tinnitus
- Tinnitus like a cicada song
- Deafness
- Earache
- Rushing the ears
- Ear problems
- Otorrhea
- Toothache in the upper jaw
- Stiffness of the lip
- Swelling of the ears
- Ear sores
- Tooth decay
- Swelling and pain of the submandibular area
- Neck pain
- Shivering
- Poor auditory acuity
- Inflammation of the auricular canal
- Epistaxis
- Vertigo
- Epilepsy
- Headache
- Vision problems
- Agitated madness
- Migraines
- Otitis media
- Purulent otitis
- Deaf-mutism
- Ear abscess
- Pus in the ear
- Temporomandibular joint pain
- Temporomandibular joint arthritis
- Lockjaw
- Impaired hearing
- Pain in the teeth and gums
- Polyps in the ear
- Stiff and contracted lips
- Itching in the ear
Combinations
| Points | Indications |
|---|---|
| SI-19 Tinggong joined to GB-2 Tinghui, or SJ-17 Yifeng, SJ-3 Zhongzhu | Deafness |
| N-HN-15 Yilong, N-LE-16 Zuyicong | Deaf-mutism |
| SJ-17 Yifeng, LI-4 Hegu | Otitis media, pressure in the ear, purulent ear sores with discharge |
| SJ-23 Sizhukong | Headache, toothache |
| DU-27 Duiduan, GB-16 Muchuang, GB-17 Zhengying | Stiffness of the lips, pain from tooth decay of the upper jaw |
| ST-9 Renying (needle first), ST-36 Zusanli | Tinnitus with lumbar pain |
| SI-19 Tinggong, GB-2 Tinghui, DU-20 Baihui, UB-8 Luoque, LI-5 Yangxi, SI-2 Qiangu, SI-3 Houxi, SI-4 Wangu, SJ-3 Zhongzhu, SJ-2 Yemen, LI-1 Shangyang, UB-23 Shenshu | Tinnitus |
| GB-20 Fengchi, GB-43 Xiaxi, GB-2 Tinghui, SI-19 Tinggong | Impaired hearing and deafness |
Contraindications
Some say that this point can cause blindness. Ancient books prohibit the use of moxibustion when treating patients with pus in the ear.
Notes
This is only used as a local point for ear problems, especially those due to Liver Yang Rising. It is better to disperse this point than to tonify it. A local point for ear inflammation, especially from Liver Yang. The pulse here measures the Qi of the ears and eyes.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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