Acupuncture Points for Acute Neck Pain

4 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Acute Neck Pain

How often each point appears across the 4 entries ranked highest for Acute Neck Pain. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian3 of 4
  • SI15Middle Shoulder PointSmall Intestine Meridian3 of 4
  • GB21Shoulder WellGallbladder Meridian2 of 4
  • GV14Great VertebraGoverning Vessel2 of 4
  • LI16Great BoneLarge Intestine Meridian2 of 4
  • SI14Outer Shoulder PointSmall Intestine Meridian2 of 4
  • TB15Heavenly Bone HoleTriple Burner Meridian2 of 4
  • BL10Celestial PillarBladder Meridian1 of 4
  • BL60Kunlun (Mountains)Bladder Meridian1 of 4
  • BL62Extending VesselBladder Meridian1 of 4
  • GB40MoundGallbladder Meridian1 of 4
  • LU07Interrupted SequenceLung Meridian1 of 4

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (9 points)

100%

SI14 · GB20 · GB21 · GV14 · XB02C4 · XB02C5 · XB02C6 · XB02C7 · XH15

Point 1 of 9

SI14Outer Shoulder Point

SI14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩外俞 (jiān wài yú)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra where GV13 is located.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Wind, Shoulder Blade Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20241126-k0001
Corroborated by a second study. SI14, GB20, GV14 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/s13020-026-01332-0

Protocol (7 points)

100%

LI16 · SI14 · SI15 · BL10 · TB15 · GB20 · GV14

Point 1 of 7

LI16Great Bone

LI16 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 巨骨 (jù gǔ)

🎯 Location: In the upper aspect of the shoulder in the depression the between acromial extremity of the clavicle and scapular spine.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling due to risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Epilepsy, Goiter

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/s13020-026-01332-0
Corroborated by a second study. SI14, GB20, GV14 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20241126-k0001

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI16 · SI15 · TB15

Point 1 of 3

LI16Great Bone

LI16 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 巨骨 (jù gǔ)

🎯 Location: In the upper aspect of the shoulder in the depression the between acromial extremity of the clavicle and scapular spine.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling due to risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Epilepsy, Goiter

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/s13020-026-01332-0
Not corroborated. No other study in the index uses any of these points for this search.

Protocol (10 points)

90%

LU07 · SI03 · SI05 · SI15 · BL60 · BL62 · TB04 · GB20 · GB21 · GB40

Point 1 of 10

LU07Interrupted Sequence

LU07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 列缺 (liè quē)

🎯 Location: Superior to the styloid process of the radius 1.5 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist between brachioradialis and tendon of the abductor policis longus.

⚠️ Cautions: Use with caution in patients with radial nerve sensitivity.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Cough, Fever, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm

Text or case report

Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report.

Comparison of Manual Acupuncture at Distal Acupoints Versus Electroacupuncture at Local Acupoints in Patients With Acute Neck Pain Due to Cervical Spondylosis. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07240623
Substantiated by a study. GB20, GB21 also appear in a study-reported protocol for the same search. That study did not test this prescription. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20241126-k0001
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Using Acupoints for Acute Neck Pain

Self-Treatment Guidelines

  • Locate acupoints using anatomical landmarks
  • Apply firm, steady pressure for 1-3 minutes
  • Treat 2-3 times daily for best results

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Severe or persistent Acute Neck Pain
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

Disclaimer: The acupoint information provided is for educational purposes only.