Atlas of Acupuncture

4.10 The Triple Burner Channel System – Hand shaoyang(shou shao yang jing luo)

Location

With the patient’s mouth open, in the depression behind the ear-

lobe, between the mastoid process and the mandible.

How to find

This point should be located with the patient’s mouth open.

Quick method:When pressing onto the ear lobe, it will touch

T.B.-17. Or:Gently fold the earlobe anteriorly. T.B.-17is

located posterior to the lobe, in a pressure-sensitive depression

which can be palpated between the mandible and the mastoid

process. The tip of the needle will get close to the transverse

process of the 1st cervical vertebra (transverse process of the

atlas, ➞3.1.4), which, below the earlobe, can be palpated as a

deep bony structure often sensitive to pressure.

Needling

This point should be needled with the patient’s mouth slightly

open. Caution: This point is close to the facial nerve, therefore

no deep needling. Superior to the transverse process, the verte-

bral artery curves round posteriorly, therefore strictly needle

0.5–1 cun in an anterior direction.

Actions/Indications

● Expels (external) Wind, benefits the ears, clears Heat, opens

the channel and luo-connecting vessels, alleviates pain

Special features

Meeting point with the G.B. channel. Important local point for

disorders of the ears and the temporomandibular joint.

Wind Screen YIFENG T.B.-17

Mastoid

process

Transverse

process of

the atlas

T.B.-17

T.B.17

Posterior to the earlobe

Helix

Antihelix

Antitragus

Lobe

Helix root

Tragus

Intertragic

notch

Supratragic

notch

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