Anyone who’s ever nursed a sore jaw or taken a painkiller while counting the hours until their next dental appointment knows the sheer desperation that comes with a toothache. The pain is relentless, and sometimes the only relief is knowing there’s a way to take some action, however small. That’s where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a helpful option. Right at the corner of your jaw lies Great Reception (da ying, ST5)—an acupoint that’s easy to find, easy to stimulate, and surprisingly effective not just for pain but for a variety of issues.
Ancient Knowledge
First recorded in the “Su Wen (Basic Questions)”—a classical TCM text that explores how energy circulates through the body—da ying sits along the stomach meridian. It lies at a key turning point where the meridian changes direction and starts to deliver “qi,” or vital energy, upward toward the head. Because it follows one of the key acupuncture principles—that acupoints treat the locations where the meridian travels—da ying is a go-to option for anything affecting the jaw, lower face, and even speech.
Beyond Pain Relief
The most common reason practitioners turn to da ying is a toothache. If there is swelling of the cheeks due to dental inflammation, da ying is frequently part of pain relief protocols. However, its influence doesn’t stop at temporary discomfort. It’s also indicated for conditions involving paralysis of the tongue or lower facial muscles, such as those resulting from neurological disorders or stroke. Da ying also addresses trismus, a condition in which the jaw muscles contract involuntarily, limiting the ability to open the mouth.
Scientific Evidence Backs the Tradition
Modern clinical studies are increasingly validating what TCM has practiced for centuries. One such study tested how well electroacupuncture works for managing postoperative pain after periodontal flap surgery. Patients who received electroacupuncture treatment at three facial points—one of which was da ying—reported significantly lower pain levels compared to those who didn’t receive acupuncture. The treatment was brief, only 30 minutes, yet still produced meaningful results in pain reduction. In this case, da ying was targeted specifically to address its proximity to the surgical area and its neural connections to the lower face.
However, da ying isn’t just for pain management. Another study investigated the potential benefits of combining stuck acupuncture with facial acupuncture in improving signs of facial aging in women. Da ying was included in both types of treatments and was credited with helping reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and minimize pore visibility. In this context, da ying acted as a muscle activator and circulation booster, reinforcing its reputation not just as a therapeutic point but also as a rejuvenating one.
How to Locate and Stimulate Da Ying
To locate da ying, look just in front of the angle of your jaw—specifically, along the front edge of the masseter muscle, in a small groove where the facial artery pulses. The easiest way to locate it is to clench your teeth to make the masseter muscle bulge, then feel forward from that point. You’ll know you’ve found it when pressing the spot gives a slightly sore or tender sensation—what TCM practitioners call an “ashi” point.
How to Stimulate Da Ying
If you want to stimulate da ying:
- Press firmly for three to five seconds, relax, and repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Massage the area in gentle circles using your index finger or thumb for another one to three minutes.
- Apply a soothing herbal patch overnight if you prefer passive stimulation.
- Seek a trained TCM practitioner for acupuncture or moxibustion to achieve deeper therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Avoid acupressure or advanced treatments if you have injuries in the jaw area or have recently undergone dental procedures and haven’t yet fully healed. If using herbal patches, avoid harsh artificial chemicals that can cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Why Da Ying Deserves a Place in Your Routine
Whether you’re waiting for a dental appointment or simply feeling worn down by facial tension or signs of aging, da ying is a valuable ally. On a physical level, it eases pain and supports muscle function. Energetically, it acts like a roundabout in a busy intersection—guiding and redirecting the energy along its path. So next time you feel tension building in your jaw—or you simply want to show your face a little love—consider making da ying a regular part of your self-care routine.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 14 June 2025
