Acupuncture Points for Cancer Pain

29 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Cancer Pain

How often each point appears across the 29 entries ranked highest for Cancer Pain. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian20 of 29
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian17 of 29
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian15 of 29
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian14 of 29
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian10 of 29
  • BL18Liver Shu PointBladder Meridian4 of 29
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian4 of 29
  • BL17Diaphragm Shu PointBladder Meridian3 of 29
  • CV12Stomach CentreConception Vessel3 of 29
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian3 of 29
  • LV14Qi Cycle GateLiver Meridian3 of 29
  • BL19Gallbladder Shu PointBladder Meridian2 of 29

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (3 points)

100%

BL18 · BL19 · LV14

Point 1 of 3

BL18Liver Shu Point

BL18 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肝俞 (gān yú)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV08 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Dizziness, Coughing Blood, Jaundice

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(13)60121-1
Corroborated by a second study. BL18, LV14 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.2147/JPR.S456874

Single-point entry

100%

ST36Leg Three Miles

ST36 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 足三里 (zú sān lǐ)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths below ST35, 1 finger breadth (middle finger) from anterior border of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in cases of severe varicose veins.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2014/804746
Corroborated by a second study. ST36 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1838-5

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LU01 · LU02 · BL13 · BL17

Point 1 of 4

LU01Central Mansion

LU01 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中府 (zhōng fǔ)

🎯 Location: Laterosuperior to the sternum 1 thumb width below LU02 at the level of the 1st intercostal space 6 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline.

⚠️ Cautions: Needle obliquely or laterally, never deeply or medially – risk of pneumothorax.

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2014/804746
Corroborated by a second study. BL17 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.2147/JPR.S456874

Protocol (2 points)

100%

LI04 · LV03

Point 1 of 2

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/s12906-017-1838-5
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LV03 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1177/1534735418786797

Protocol (3 points)

100%

ST36 · SP06 · PC06

Point 1 of 3

ST36Leg Three Miles

ST36 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 足三里 (zú sān lǐ)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths below ST35, 1 finger breadth (middle finger) from anterior border of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in cases of severe varicose veins.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1838-5
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, SP06, PC06 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1007/s40122-023-00549-3

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · SP06 · PC06 · LV03

Point 1 of 5

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/s12906-017-1838-5
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST36, SP06, PC06, LV03 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1177/15347354231192017
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Using Acupoints for Cancer 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 Cancer Pain
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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