Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

Location

In a depression directly posterior and inferior to the mastoid

process.

How to find

First, locate the mastoid process posterior to the ear (➞3.1.4).

This can be palpated at the junction of the cranium and the neck

as a cone-shaped, bony structure. With the palpating finger, find

the inferior aspect of the mastoid process and locate G.B.-12on

its lower border posterior to the tip of the process.

➞T.B.-17is located more anteriorly, in the depression posterior

to the earlobe, between the mastoid process and the mandible.

Needling

0.5–1 cun obliquely in an inferior direction.

Actions/Indications

● Expels Wind, Heat and Dampness/Phlegm

● Opens the ears

● Calms the shen

Special features

Meeting point with the BL channel

G.B.-12 Mastoid Process WANGU

Transverse cervical

nerve

External jugular vein

Major occipital

nerve

Great auricular

nerve

T.B.-20

G.B.-9

1.5 cun

0.5 cun

G.B.-10

G.B.-12

G.B.-11

(^1) / 3
(^1) / 3
(^1) / 3
Mastoid
process
G.B.-8
Approximately level
with the apex
Approximately level
with the helix root
G.B.-20
G.B.-12 Du-15
G.B.-19 BL-9 Du-17
G.B.-8
Du-16
Du-18
BL-10
Occipital
bone
Ex-HN
(anmian)
Ex-HN-14
(yiming)
G.B.-12
Mastoid process
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