The upper gateway of the face. Shangguan (GB-3) sits just above the cheekbone, at the hinge of the jaw, and is the go-to point for pain and dysfunction of the ear, jaw and side of the face — where the Gallbladder channel sweeps up over the temple and down around the ear.
Contraindications
GB-3 is a safe facial point when needled with standard care. The mouth should be open during needling to ensure access to the depression above the zygomatic arch.
Name & story
The name 上关 Shangguan means "Upper Gate" or "Upper Pass". It is a companion point to ST-7 (Xiaguan), the "Lower Gate", which lies just below the zygomatic arch in the depression that appears when the mouth opens. Shangguan, sitting just above that same arch, is the gate from above — the upper threshold through which the channel passes on its winding journey across the side of the face. Together, upper gate and lower gate frame the hinge of the jaw, guarding the passageways of the ear and the cheek.
Point family & character
GB-3 belongs to the Gallbladder Meridian (GB), the great Yang channel of the Wood element that travels from the outer corner of the eye, weaves across the side of the head and face, and descends the flank and leg all the way to the fourth toe. GB-3 is an intersecting point where the Gallbladder Meridian (GB), the Stomach Meridian (ST) and the Triple Burner Meridian (TB) all meet — giving it influence over all three channels in the region of the face and ear.
Five-element dynamics
The Gallbladder is the Yang channel of the Wood element. Wood governs the smooth flow of Qi through the body, and when Wind or Heat disturbs that flow in the upper part of the body, it rises to the head and face — causing pain, tinnitus, jaw tension and even loss of hearing. GB-3, sitting right at the crossroads of three channels on the side of the face, is ideally placed to open the local blockage, dispel Wind and Heat, and restore the free movement of Qi in this area.
Location
GB-3 is found on the side of the face, directly above ST-7 (Xiaguan), in the depression just above the upper border of the zygomatic arch. When the mouth is open, a small prominence appears here; when the mouth closes, a slight hollow forms. It lies in line with the outer corner of the eye, just in front of the temple.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies in the region of the temporal fascia, above the zygomatic arch, over the temporal muscle.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly, or with a slight oblique angle, into the depression above the zygomatic arch. The mouth should be open at the time of needling.
The golden tip
To find GB-3 at home, place a fingertip just above the cheekbone, in front of the ear, roughly in line with the outer corner of the eye. Open your mouth slightly — you should feel a small hollow there. Gentle circular massage at this spot can ease jaw tension and mild ear discomfort. For ongoing jaw tightness from stress or teeth-clenching, a minute of gentle pressure here each morning and evening is a simple, soothing habit.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.