Acupuncture Points for Depression Mild-to-moderate

3 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Depression Mild-to-moderate

How often each point appears across the 3 entries ranked highest for Depression Mild-to-moderate. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel2 of 3
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel2 of 3
  • CV12Stomach CentreConception Vessel2 of 3
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel2 of 3
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian2 of 3
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian2 of 3
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian2 of 3
  • ST25Celestial PivotStomach Meridian2 of 3
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian2 of 3
  • BL15Heart Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 3
  • BL17Diaphragm Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 3
  • BL18Liver Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 3

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (6 points)

100%

LI04 · ST25 · SP06 · LV03 · CV04 · GV20

Point 1 of 6

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:10.1155/2018/5351210

Protocol (9 points)

100%

LU11 · ST36 · SP01 · SP06 · PC07 · CV06 · CV12 · GV23 · GV26

Point 1 of 9

LU11Lesser Metal

LU11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 少商 (shǎo shāng)

🎯 Location: On the radial side of the thumb about 0.1 thumb width posterior to the corner of the nail.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders; caution with depth.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Sweating, Common Cold, Heat

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230243

Protocol (19 points)

100%

LI04 · ST25 · ST36 · ST37 · ST39 · SP09 · BL15 · BL17 · BL18 · BL19 · BL25 · LV03 · CV04 · CV06 · CV09 · CV10 · CV12 · GV20 · XH03

Point 1 of 19

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:10.27044/d.cnki.ggzzu.2024.000867
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Using Acupoints for Depression Mild-to-moderate

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 Depression Mild-to-moderate
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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