Acupuncture Points for Cramps

1 sourced protocol, each with its citation.

Points cited for Cramps

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

  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian38 of 50
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel24 of 50
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel14 of 50
  • SP08Earth'S CureSpleen Meridian12 of 50
  • BL32Second Bone HoleBladder Meridian10 of 50
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian10 of 50
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian9 of 50
  • CV03Central PivotConception Vessel8 of 50
  • SP10Sea Of BloodSpleen Meridian8 of 50
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian7 of 50
  • SP04Grandfather GrandsonSpleen Meridian5 of 50
  • ST29ReturnStomach Meridian5 of 50

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (2 points)

100%

KD01 · CV04

Point 1 of 2

KD01Bubbling Spring

KD01 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 涌泉 (yǒng quán)

🎯 Location: On the sole in the depression the when foot is in the plantar flexion the approximately at the junction of the anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of the line connecting base of the 2nd and 3rd toes and heel.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with severe deficiency conditions.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Dizziness, Coughing Blood

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009976

Protocol (3 points)

71%

ST28 · SP06 · BL54

Point 1 of 3

ST28Waterway

ST28 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 水道 (shuǐ dào)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV04.

⚠️ 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: Constipation, Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Edema, Urinary Retention

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.2147/IJWH.S264023

Protocol (3 points)

50%

SP06 · SP08 · CV04

Point 1 of 3

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.2147/jpr.s579686

Single-point entry

45%

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008166

Protocol (7 points)

45%

ST36 · SP06 · SP08 · BL32 · CV03 · CV04 · CV06

Point 1 of 7

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:10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.09.006

Protocol (2 points)

45%

SP06 · CV04

Point 1 of 2

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.61173/wrfn0540
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Using Acupoints for Cramps

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 Cramps
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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