The gentle guardian of the ear's harmony. Erheliao (SJ-22) sits just where the temple meets the ear, at a crossroads of three Yang channels — a local point for head and ear complaints, especially where Wind is the troublemaker.
Name & story
The name 耳和髎 Erheliao carries a beautiful simplicity: 耳 (ěr) means "ear", 和 (hé) means "harmony" or "peace", and 髎 (liáo) means "crevice" or "bone hollow". Together: "Ear Harmony Crevice" — the little hollow where harmony returns to the ear. It is a fitting name for a point that sits right at the root of the ear and works to restore its quiet, easing the ringing, buzzing and pain that disturb the ear's natural stillness.
Point family & character
Erheliao (SJ-22) belongs to the San Jiao channel (SJ). Its most important character is that it is a Meeting point — a place where three Yang channels of the upper body converge: the San Jiao channel, the Gall Bladder channel (GB), and the Small Intestine channel (SI). This triple gathering gives it a broader reach than a simple local point.
Five-element dynamics
The San Jiao channel belongs to the Fire element — specifically the Minister Fire, which circulates warmth and Qi through the three body cavities. The ear is one of the San Jiao's main territories. When Wind or Heat invades this region, or when the channel's smooth flow is disturbed, the ear suffers — it hears noise where there should be silence, or loses hearing altogether. Erheliao (SJ-22), sitting right at the ear's root and drawing on three converging Yang channels, helps to clear the obstruction and restore the ear's natural Qi flow.
Location
Find the upper border of the root of the ear — where the ear meets the head. Move approximately 0.5 Cun forward (anteriorly) from there, to the posterior edge of the temporal hairline. You will feel a slight depression. That is Erheliao (SJ-22).
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies at the posterior border of the hairline of the temple, just anterior to the upper root of the ear, in a slight depression.
Needling
The needle is inserted obliquely or subcutaneously (horizontally under the skin), directed along the scalp.
Functions
Dispels Wind and clears the channels in the head and ear region. Benefits the ear and eases pain. Opens the sensory orifices.
Indications
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears); pain in the ear region; heaviness or fullness around the ear. Temporal headache and pain at the side of the head. Swelling and pain of the jaw or cheek. Trismus (difficulty opening the mouth). Nasal congestion.
Point combinations
With Yifeng SJ-17 and Hegu LI-4 — for purulent ear sores with discharge (Great Compendium). With Tinggong SI-19 and Tinghui GB-2 — for impaired hearing and tinnitus, drawing on the shared territory of the three ear-related channels that converge near this region.
Clinical spotlight
What makes Erheliao (SJ-22) clinically interesting above all is its Meeting point status — the San Jiao, Gall Bladder and Small Intestine channels all cross here. These three Yang channels orbit the ear and the side of the head, which is why this small depression near the ear's root has a broader reach than its modest size might suggest. It is a dependable local point whenever Wind, Heat or channel obstruction disturbs the ear or the temple.
The golden tip
For ear discomfort, tinnitus or a tense jaw, gently press or massage the slight hollow just in front of where your ear meets your scalp at the top. Use a fingertip and apply steady, gentle circular pressure for one to two minutes. It is a simple self-care gesture that can help ease tension in the ear and temple area.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.