Chimai (Qimai) TE18: Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Indications

Nomenclature:

Chi: convulsion       Mai:collateral

Chimai is behind the ear, where the collaterals are distributed, and is good for treating convulsions. Also called as Qimai.

Point: TE18
Chinese Name: 瘛脉
Name: Qimai
English Name/Meaning: Spasm Vessel
Pinyin: qì mài
Han Geul 한글: gye maek 계맥
Romaji: kei myaku(?)
Vietnamese: Khế mạch

Location:

Posterior to the ear, in a small depression on the mastoid bone, 1/3 of the distance along a curved line drawn from SJ17 to SJ20 following the line of the rim of the ear.

Functions and Indications of Chimai /qimai:

• Dispels heat, opens channels and calms spasm so is beneficial in tetanus, neck rigidity, infantile convulsion.
• Benefits the ears so is beneficial for headache, tinnitus, deafness.

Method:

Subcutaneous insertion along the course of the channel 0.3 to 0.5 cun, or prick with a three edged needle to cause bleeding.

Remarks:

This is a painful point, more powerful than SJ17 (Yifeng).