Foot reflexology · zone
Shenmen — Right ear
Placement
Location: In the triangular fossa, in its posterior third, in the angle at the bifurcation where the antihelix divides into its superior and inferior crura.
Longitudinal zone(s): of 5
Side: right ear
Tradition: WHO auricular nomenclature
Traditional use
The best-known auricular point of all, standard in both the WHO and Chinese lists and one of the five points of the NADA protocol; traditionally described as a calming point.
Reflexology is a traditional practice, not an evidence-based medical treatment. Systematic reviews have not shown it to be effective for any medical condition. These maps document what practitioners traditionally use — they are not claims about how the body works.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the shenmen reflex area on the ear?
In the triangular fossa, in its posterior third, in the angle at the bifurcation where the antihelix divides into its superior and inferior crura.
Which tradition does this placement come from?
WHO auricular nomenclature. The major schools broadly agree on this placement.
Does pressing this area treat the organ it is named after?
No. Reflexology maps are traditional diagrams, not descriptions of anatomy or physiology. Systematic reviews have not found reflexology to be an effective treatment for any medical condition.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- World Health Organization, Report of the Working Group on Auricular Acupuncture Nomenclature (Lyon, 1990) Standard anatomical nomenclature of the auricle and the standard auricular point list agreed by the WHO working group
- GB/T 13734, Nomenclature and Location of Auricular Points (Chinese national standard) Auricular point names and anatomical locations, by auricular subregion
- National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) five-point auricular protocol Protocol point set: Shenmen, sympathetic, kidney, liver, lung