Acupuncture Points for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

21 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (2 points)

100%

PC07 · TB05

PC07Great Mound

PC07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大陵 (dà líng)

🎯 Location: In the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Fever, Anxiety, Palpitations, Jaundice

TB05Outer Gate

TB05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 外關 (wài guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist on the line connecting TB04 and tip of the olecranon the between radius and ulna.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Sweating, Kidney Deficiency, Dizziness, Tinnitus

Study-reported

Electroacupuncture · 1 session

Did better than sham needling

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2013/795906 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. PC07, TB05 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.S551446 ↗

Protocol (2 points)

100%

SP06 · LV04

SP06Three Yin Intersection

SP06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 三陰交 (sān yīn jiāo)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus posterior to the medial border of the tibia.

⚠️ 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: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations, Abdominal Bloating

LV04Mound Centre

LV04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中封 (zhōng fēng)

🎯 Location: Anterior to the medial malleolus midway between SP05 and ST41 in the depression on the medial side of the tendon of the tibialis anterior.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Jaundice, Qi Deficiency, Heaviness, Numbness, Pain

Study-reported

Electroacupuncture · 1 session

Did better than sham needling

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2013/795906 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LV04 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.2017.05.007 ↗

Protocol (9 points)

100%

LU09 · LI11 · HT02 · HT07 · HT08 · PC04 · PC06 · PC07 · PC08

LU09Great Source

LU09 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太淵 (tài yuān)

🎯 Location: At the radial end of the transverse crease of the wrist in the depression on the lateral side of the radial artery.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in patients with cardiac arrhythmias; avoid excessive stimulation.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Asthma, Coughing Blood, Common Cold

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

HT02Cyan Spirit

HT02 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Heart Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 青靈 (qīng líng)

🎯 Location: When elbow is flexed point is 3 thumb widths above the medial end of the transverse cubital crease in the groove medial to the biceps brachii.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth; proximity to brachial artery.

🛡️ Treats: Swelling, Pain, Channel Stagnation, Shivering, Rib Pain

HT07Spirit Gate

HT07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Heart Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 神門 (shén mén)

🎯 Location: At the ulnar end of the transverse crease of the wrist in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in cardiac arrhythmias.

🛡️ Treats: Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Palpitations, Common Cold, Heat

HT08Lesser Mansion

HT08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Heart Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 少府 (shào fǔ)

🎯 Location: When palm faces upward, point is between 4th and 5th metacarpal bones; when fist is made point is where tip of the little finger rests.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Anxiety, Palpitations, Qi Deficiency, Common Cold

PC04Cleft Gate

PC04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 郄門 (xì mén)

🎯 Location: 5 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist on the line connecting PC03 and PC07 between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Anxiety, Coughing Blood, Vomiting, Blood Stagnation

PC06Inner Gate

PC06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內關 (nèi guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in severe deficiency conditions.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Dizziness, Spleen Qi Deficiency

PC07Great Mound

PC07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大陵 (dà líng)

🎯 Location: In the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Fever, Anxiety, Palpitations, Jaundice

PC08Palace Of Toil

PC08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 勞宮 (láo gōng)

🎯 Location: At the center of the palm between 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones but closer to the latter and in the part touching tip of the middle finger when fist is made.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Fever, Jaundice, Depression

Study-reported

Needling

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2017/7420648 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LU09, LI11, HT02, HT07, PC04, PC06, PC07, PC08 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1089/photob.2024.0106 ↗
Press Needles
1 box, $19.99

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI05 · SI05 · PC06 · PC07

LI05Yang Stream

LI05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陽谿 (yáng xī)

🎯 Location: On the radial side of the wrist; when thumb is tilted upward it is in the depression the between tendons of the extensor pollicus longus and brevis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Heat

SI05Yang Valley

SI05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陽谷 (yáng gǔ)

🎯 Location: At the ulnar end of the transverse crease on the dorsal aspect of the wrist in the depression the between styloid process of the ulna and triquetral bone.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Fever, Tinnitus, Heat, Redness

PC06Inner Gate

PC06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內關 (nèi guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in severe deficiency conditions.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Dizziness, Spleen Qi Deficiency

PC07Great Mound

PC07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大陵 (dà líng)

🎯 Location: In the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Fever, Anxiety, Palpitations, Jaundice

Study-reported

Point injection + Needling + Electroacupuncture

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3831/KPI.2021.24.2.76 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI05, PC06, PC07 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.s452618 ↗
Press Needles
1 box, $19.99

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LU05 · LI05 · LI10 · HT03 · SI04 · PC03 · PC07 · TB05

LU05Cubit Marsh

LU05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 尺澤 (chǐ zé)

🎯 Location: On the cubital crease in the depression of the radial side of the biceps brachii tendon; point is located with elbow slightly flexed.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in cases of severe vascular disease; caution with depth at cubital fossa.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Asthma, Knee Pain

LI05Yang Stream

LI05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陽谿 (yáng xī)

🎯 Location: On the radial side of the wrist; when thumb is tilted upward it is in the depression the between tendons of the extensor pollicus longus and brevis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Heat

LI10Arm Three Miles

LI10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 手三里 (shǒu sān lǐ)

🎯 Location: On the line joining LI05 and LI11, 2 thumb widths below cubital crease.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in cases of local inflammation or injury.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Pain, Facial Droop

HT03Lesser Sea

HT03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Heart Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 少海 (shào hǎi)

🎯 Location: With elbow flexed, at the midpoint of the line connecting medial end of the cubital crease and medial epicondyle of the humerus.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with ulnar nerve.

🛡️ Treats: Phlegm, Heat, Chest Fullness, Pain, Epilepsy

SI04Wrist Bone

SI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腕骨 (wàn gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the ulnar side of the palm in the depression the between base of the 5th metacarpal bone and hamate bone.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Jaundice, Heat, Spleen Deficiency

PC03Marsh At The Bend

PC03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 曲澤 (qū zé)

🎯 Location: On the transverse cubital crease at the ulnar side of the tendon of the biceps brachii.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with median nerve and brachial artery.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Coughing Blood, Palpitations

PC07Great Mound

PC07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大陵 (dà líng)

🎯 Location: In the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Fever, Anxiety, Palpitations, Jaundice

TB05Outer Gate

TB05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 外關 (wài guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist on the line connecting TB04 and tip of the olecranon the between radius and ulna.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Sweating, Kidney Deficiency, Dizziness, Tinnitus

Study-reported

Electroacupuncture · 13 sessions over 17 weeks

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.2147/JPR.S551446 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI05, SI04, TB05 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.27820/d.cnki.gszxy.2023.000394 ↗

Protocol (9 points)

100%

LI05 · SI04 · BL13 · BL15 · TB04 · TB05 · GV11 · GV12 · GV13

LI05Yang Stream

LI05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陽谿 (yáng xī)

🎯 Location: On the radial side of the wrist; when thumb is tilted upward it is in the depression the between tendons of the extensor pollicus longus and brevis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Heat

SI04Wrist Bone

SI04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腕骨 (wàn gǔ)

🎯 Location: On the ulnar side of the palm in the depression the between base of the 5th metacarpal bone and hamate bone.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Tinnitus, Jaundice, Heat, Spleen Deficiency

BL13Lung Shu Point

BL13 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肺俞 (fèi shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV12 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

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

BL15Heart Shu Point

BL15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 心俞 (xīn shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV11 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling – risk of pneumothorax. New, worsening or unstable cardiac symptoms need medical assessment before treatment.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Anxiety, Sweating, Coughing Blood

TB04Yang Pool

TB04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陽池 (yáng chí)

🎯 Location: On the transverse crease of the dorsum of the wrist in the depression the lateral to the tendon of the extensor digitorum communis.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Heat, Chest Fullness, Swelling, Shoulder Pain, Pain

TB05Outer Gate

TB05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 外關 (wài guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist on the line connecting TB04 and tip of the olecranon the between radius and ulna.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Sweating, Kidney Deficiency, Dizziness, Tinnitus

GV11Spirit Path

GV11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 神道 (shén dào)

🎯 Location: Below spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Anxiety, Dizziness, Palpitations

GV12Body Pillar

GV12 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 身柱 (shēn zhù)

🎯 Location: Below spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

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

GV13Way Of Happiness

GV13 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陶道 (táo dào)

🎯 Location: Below spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Heat, Depression, Chills, Malaria

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.27820/d.cnki.gszxy.2023.000394 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI05, SI04, TB05 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.S551446 ↗
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Related symptoms

Often treated alongside Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Points cited for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How often each point appears across the 21 entries ranked highest for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • PC07Great MoundPericardium Meridian15 of 21
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian13 of 21
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian8 of 21
  • LI05Yang StreamLarge Intestine Meridian6 of 21
  • PC08Palace Of ToilPericardium Meridian5 of 21
  • TB05Outer GateTriple Burner Meridian5 of 21
  • HT03Lesser SeaHeart Meridian4 of 21
  • HT07Spirit GateHeart Meridian4 of 21
  • LI10Arm Three MilesLarge Intestine Meridian4 of 21
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian4 of 21
  • LU10Fish BorderLung Meridian4 of 21
  • PC04Cleft GatePericardium Meridian3 of 21

Tested, no effect found

These studies tested the points below for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and found no effect. They are not counted above.

LU09 · LI11 · HT07 · PC04 · PC06 · PC07 – doi:10.1016/j.imr.2019.11.003 – No better than usual care

Registered, results not reported

These trials registered a protocol for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and have not reported results. They are not counted above.

LU10 · LI04 · LI10 · LI11 · HT03 · HT07 · PC04 · PC06 · PC07 · PC08 – doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016516

How the studies delivered it

What the 16 studies behind the entries above ran, counted once per study. A record of the trials, not a recommendation.

  • Needling6 of 16
  • Electroacupuncture4 of 16
  • Laser4 of 16
  • Point injection2 of 16

Sessions: the 7 studies that gave a count ran a median of 13 (middle half 10 to 22).

Course: the 8 studies that gave a length ran a median of 29 days (middle half 4 weeks to 37 days).

After a treatment: what large safety surveys recorded, and which reactions need a doctor.

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