Small Intestine meridian

SI-18 (Quánliáo, 颧髎) — Cheek Bone Crevice

Meridian
Small Intestine (SI)
Anatomical view
head
Point classification
Meeting point of the Small Intestine and Triple Energizer channels.
Depth reference
0.5–0.7 cun perpendicular or oblique
Moxibustion
Direct or scarring moxibustion is avoided on the face; other methods remain practitioner-dependent
Reference aliases
SI18; Quanliao; 颧髎; Cheek Bone Crevice

Anatomical location

On the face, in the depression directly below the outer canthus and inferior to the zygomatic bone.

Traditional actions

Dispels facial wind; clears heat and swelling; relieves facial pain.

Recorded indications

Primary: Facial pain; facial weakness; twitching of the eyelid or cheek; toothache.

Secondary: Swelling of the cheek; yellowing of the eyes.

How to read this reference

AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.

Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region SI18, p. 96
  2. American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference SI-18: Command Functions, Actions, Indications, Needling and moxa disagreement
  3. Clean Needle Technique Manual, 7th edition, February 2024 revision Moxa Best Practice Guidelines, pp. 104–110; Appendix C, pp. 240–241

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI-18 located?

On the face, in the depression directly below the outer canthus and inferior to the zygomatic bone.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for SI-18?

Dispels facial wind; clears heat and swelling; relieves facial pain. The dataset lists these primary indications: Facial pain; facial weakness; twitching of the eyelid or cheek; toothache. Secondary indications are recorded as: Swelling of the cheek; yellowing of the eyes.

Is SI-18 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify SI-18 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.