ST7 Acupoint — Complete Guide to Accurate Location and Acupressure Technique
When you have a toothache, when your jaw hurts, when you hear continuous ringing in your ear — there is an acupoint that you can quickly relieve with just one or two fingers. That is ST7.
ST7 is an acupoint on the Stomach Meridian located in front of the ear and below the cheekbone, directly affecting the jaw joint and nervous system to provide rapid results. In this article, we will explain step-by-step from finding the exact location to safe acupressure techniques.
ST7 — The Stomach Meridian’s Facial Care Point
ST7 is the seventh acupoint of the Stomach Meridian (足陽明胃經). The Stomach Meridian is not just responsible for digestion, but also governs qi and blood circulation in the facial and head regions.
ST7 is particularly located adjacent to the temporomandibular joint, acting directly on the chewing muscles and nervous system. For this reason, it is known as the acupoint showing the fastest response in symptoms like toothache, jaw pain, and tinnitus.
Finding the Exact Location — 3-Step Guide
If you find the location incorrectly, the effects will be reduced. Follow these 3 steps in order.
Step 1: Confirm the Reference Point
Sit comfortably and place your finger on the front of your ear. The point where the cheekbone ends, directly in front of the ear, is your reference point.
Step 2: Find the Depression (Indentation)
- With mouth closed: Slowly press the area in front of your ear with your finger. Feel for a slight indentation.
- With mouth open: When you open your mouth wide, the depression becomes much more pronounced. This indentation is exactly ST7.
- Confirm location: Fix your finger on the depression when your mouth is open, then remember this location even when you close your mouth.
Step 3: Confirm Bilateral Symmetry
ST7 is located on both sides of the face, one on each side. Find both using the same method and confirm that the locations of the left and right ST7 are symmetrical.
Effective Acupressure Methods — From Basic to Advanced
Basic Acupressure: Vertical Compression
Method: Place the tip of your index or middle finger vertically on ST7 and repeat pressing deeply and releasing slowly 5-10 times.
Intensity: Use the standard of “slightly painful but feels good.” Some discomfort is appropriate, but avoid unbearable pain.
Duration: Approximately 30-60 seconds per session, repeated 2-3 times daily is standard.
Advanced Acupressure: Circular Massage
Method: Fix your finger on ST7, then rub in small circular motions while applying pressure. Perform each direction — clockwise and counterclockwise — for 1 minute each.
Effect: More effective than vertical compression in deeply relaxing surrounding muscles and releasing tension in the jaw joint.
Pressure Intensity Adjustment by Symptom
| Symptom | Intensity | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute Toothache | Medium to Strong (with discomfort) | As needed | 1-2 minutes |
| Chronic Jaw Pain | Medium (slight tenderness) | 2-3 times daily | 1-2 minutes |
| Tinnitus Symptoms | Mild to Medium | Daily consistently | 2-3 minutes |
Main Effects of ST7 Acupressure
1. Toothache Relief — Fastest Effect
Pain from front or side teeth and discomfort when chewing often diminish within 1-2 minutes. This is particularly more immediate with inflammatory toothache than with neurogenic pain.
Caution: If the toothache is caused by cavities or gum disease, acupressure provides only temporary relief. You must receive a dental examination.
2. Improvement of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain
Effective for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) where the jaw makes sounds or hurts when opening, or causes pain when clenching. This is because acupressure releases tension in the chewing muscles.
3. Improvement of Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears)
For persistent tinnitus, consistent daily acupressure may result in gradual improvement after 2-4 weeks. However, since tinnitus has various causes (auditory nerve damage, high blood pressure, stress, etc.), if there is no improvement after 3 weeks or more, an otolaryngology examination is necessary.
4. Soothing Facial Nerve Pain
Shows an effect of alleviating nerve irritation in facial neuralgia, including trigeminal neuralgia.
5. Reduction of Facial Swelling
Also effective for reducing facial puffiness. When your face is swollen upon waking in the morning, acupressing for 2-3 minutes can help reduce the swelling.
Optimal Timing for Acupressure — When is Best?
Symptom-Based Timing
- Toothache: Immediately upon feeling pain. For acute pain, acupressing without delay is effective.
- Jaw pain: Each time you move your jaw — when chewing, yawning, etc. — acupressing also provides preventive benefits.
- Tinnitus: Though good when symptoms are severe, consistent acupressure immediately after waking or before bed is more effective.
Optimal Times of Day
| Time of Day | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| After Waking in the Morning | Reduce facial swelling, start the day feeling energized |
| After Lunch | Promote postprandial digestion, recover from afternoon fatigue |
| Evening 7-9 PM | Relieve stress, induce deep sleep |
| 1 Hour Before Bed | Release tension, improve sleep quality (recommended when experiencing tinnitus) |
Precautions When Acupressing ST7 — Safe Practice
1. Excessive Pressure is Prohibited
Reason: The facial nerve and trigeminal nerve pass through the area around ST7. Pressing too hard can cause nerve damage or even temporary paralysis.
Correct Intensity: Stop at the level where you feel “painful but pleasant” tenderness.
2. Avoid Infected Areas
Contraindications: Abscesses, acute inflammation, or open wounds. Acupressing in these conditions can worsen infection.
3. Rule Out Dental Disease First
Procedure: If toothache persists for 3 weeks or more, you must have a dental examination to rule out cavities, gum disease, or nerve inflammation before acupressing. Ignoring structural problems and acupressing alone can delay diagnosis.
4. Pregnant Women Caution
ST7 itself is safe: ST7 itself does not induce uterine contractions and is safe during pregnancy. However, if your face is swollen during pregnancy, perform acupressure only at weak intensity and avoid strong stimulation.
Acupoints to Avoid: Acupoints like SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu), and LR3 (Taichong) can induce uterine contractions in pregnant women, so these should be completely avoided.
5. Consult a Professional if You Have Medical Conditions
Consultation Needed: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, neurological disorders, autoimmune disorders, or are currently taking medications, consult a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before beginning acupressure.
Have Other Symptoms? — Related Acupoints
While ST7 is sufficient for toothache or jaw pain, if symptoms are more complex, combining with other acupoints is effective.
When experiencing tinnitus along with other ear problems: Acupressing ST12 (Quepen) — an acupoint near the neck below the ear together can yield better results.
When experiencing jaw pain with neck stiffness: Combine acupressing GB20 (Fengchi) — located at the base of the skull behind the neck to more effectively release tense muscles.
When experiencing facial swelling along with overall fatigue: Stimulating ST36 (Zusanli) — located on the lower leg below the knee together can improve whole-body energy circulation.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
- 3 Weeks or More: If symptoms persist for 3 weeks or longer, acupressure alone is insufficient. Seek professional medical evaluation.
- Worsening Pain: If pain actually worsens after acupressing, stop immediately and consult a professional.
- Neurological Symptoms: If facial numbness, sensory abnormalities around the mouth, or diarrhea appear, otolaryngology or neurology examination is necessary.
- Widespread Pain: If your entire face is swollen with pain or accompanied by fever, it may be an infection — seek immediate medical attention.
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