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ST-7 Xiaguan (下關) — Below the Joint
Depth
00.5–1 cun3.0
Perpendicular insertion
Precautions
Deep needling reaches the lateral pterygoid muscle. Some classical texts contraindicate moxibustion.
Location (classical)
On the inferior border of the zygomatic arch, in the depression anterior to the condylar process of the mandible. Locate and needle with the mouth closed.
How to find it (practical)
Seated or in lateral decubitus, with the mouth closed, locate the point in the depression below the zygomatic arch. The depression becomes more pronounced when the mouth is opened.
Anatomy
Masseter and lateral pterygoid muscles. Branches of the facial nerve and the mandibular nerve. Superficial temporal artery in the vicinity.
Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1.0 cun.
Etymology
Xia (下), below; Guan (关), passage, joint. Guan refers to the zygomatic arch: the point lies below the zygomatic arch.
CLASSICAL SOURCELing Shu
Clinical Relations
Adjacent Points on the Meridian