TB 21 — Ěr Mén (耳门) — Ear Gate
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1. Overview
TB 21 — Ěr Mén (耳门) — is an acupuncture point on the Triple Burner (San Jiao) meridian. Its English name, Ear Gate, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Anterior to the supratragic notch, in the depression formed when the mouth is slightly open.
3. Actions
- Benefits the ears and expels Wind
- Clears Heat from the ear region
- Activates the meridian and relieves jaw pain
4. Indications
- Tinnitus and ringing in the ears
- Deafness and ear pain
- TMJ pain and jaw clicking or locking
- Toothache from the upper teeth
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1.0 cun with the mouth slightly open.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
TB 21 is one of the three 'ear gate' points clustered at the front of the ear — TB 21 (Ermen), GB 2 (Tinghui) and SI 19 (Tinggong). These three points are almost always needled together for ear and hearing disorders, forming a powerful local cluster. TB 21 targets the superior aspect of the TMJ and is particularly useful for tinnitus with a jaw-related component.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use TB 21 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Tinnitus, Jaw pain and TMJ. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
