Acupuncture Points for Back Pain

253 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Back Pain:

Points cited for Back Pain

How often each point appears across the 50 entries ranked highest for Back Pain. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • BL25Large Intestine Shu PointBladder Meridian26 of 50
  • BL40Middle Of The CreaseBladder Meridian25 of 50
  • BL23Kidney Shu PointBladder Meridian24 of 50
  • BL24Sea Of Qi Shu PointBladder Meridian15 of 50
  • GB30Jumping CircleGallbladder Meridian15 of 50
  • GV03Yang Lumbar GateGoverning Vessel13 of 50
  • GV04Life GateGoverning Vessel11 of 50
  • BL60Kunlun (Mountains)Bladder Meridian9 of 50
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian9 of 50
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian8 of 50
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian8 of 50
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian7 of 50

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (5 points)

100%

BL23 · BL25 · BL40 · GV03 · GV04

Point 1 of 5

BL23Kidney Shu Point

BL23 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腎俞 (shèn yú)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV04 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Asthma, Tinnitus, Qi Deficiency

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000919

Protocol (5 points)

100%

BL23 · BL25 · BL40 · GV03 · GV04

Point 1 of 5

BL23Kidney Shu Point

BL23 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腎俞 (shèn yú)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV04 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Asthma, Tinnitus, Qi Deficiency

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000919

Protocol (11 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · SP12 · BL26 · BL32 · BL33 · BL54 · BL60 · KD11 · GB30 · GV20

Point 1 of 11

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-8-34

Protocol (6 points)

100%

LI11 · ST36 · SP06 · SP09 · TB05 · GV20

Point 1 of 6

LI11Pond At The Bend

LI11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 曲池 (qū chí)

🎯 Location: When elbow is flexed point is in the depression the at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease midway between LU05 and lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

⚠️ Cautions: Monitor blood pressure and avoid strong stimulation where hypertension is uncontrolled or unstable; hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency. Avoid excessive stimulation in weak patients.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Heat, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1177/1534735409343446

Protocol (12 points)

100%

BL23 · BL24 · BL25 · BL26 · BL31 · BL32 · BL33 · BL34 · BL40 · BL57 · BL60 · GB30

Point 1 of 12

BL23Kidney Shu Point

BL23 acupoint
Click to enlarge

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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腎俞 (shèn yú)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV04 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Asthma, Tinnitus, Qi Deficiency

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1093/ecam/nep085

Single-point entry

100%

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 合谷 (hé gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

⚠️ Cautions: Traditionally forbidden in pregnancy – these are the points used to bring on labour at term. Controlled data show no excess of preterm birth or stillbirth (Carr 2015), but in pregnancy needle only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Release Exterior, Absent Periods, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2009.09.013
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Back Pain
The most-searched complaint on AcuiQ. Four conditions, every point illustrated.$5, free updates for life

Using Acupoints for Back 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 Back Pain
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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