# Acupoints for Dysmenorrhea

65 sourced protocols for Dysmenorrhea. Canonical page: https://acuiq.com/symptoms/dysmenorrhea

## Protocols

| # | Points | Dosage | Frequency | Source | Kind | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LI04 (Junction Valley), ST25 (Celestial Pivot), ST29 (Return), ST30 (Qi Surge), ST36 (Leg Three Miles), SP04 (Grandfather Grandson), HT07 (Spirit Gate), BL62 (Extending Vessel), KD03 (Great Stream), PC06 (Inner Gate), LV03 (Great Surge), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi) | – | – | doi:10.1093/ecam/nem020 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 2 | LI04 (Junction Valley), SP04 (Grandfather Grandson), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP08 (Earth'S Cure), SP10 (Sea Of Blood), BL32 (Second Bone Hole), LV03 (Great Surge), CV03 (Central Pivot), CV06 (Sea Of Qi) | – | – | doi:10.1093/ecam/nep239 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 3 | ST36 (Leg Three Miles), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP08 (Earth'S Cure), BL17 (Diaphragm Shu Point), BL20 (Spleen Shu Point), BL32 (Second Bone Hole), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi) | – | – | doi:10.1093/ecam/nep239 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 4 | LU07 (Interrupted Sequence), ST36 (Leg Three Miles), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), KD06 (Shining Sea), CV03 (Central Pivot), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi), GV04 (Life Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1093/ecam/nep239 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 5 | LI11 (Pond At The Bend), ST28 (Waterway), ST29 (Return), ST40 (Abundant Bulge), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP09 (Yin Mound Spring), BL22 (Sanjiao Shu Point), BL32 (Second Bone Hole), GB34 (Yang Mound Spring), LV02 (Passing Between) | – | – | doi:10.1093/ecam/nep239 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 6 | ST36 (Leg Three Miles), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), BL17 (Diaphragm Shu Point), BL18 (Liver Shu Point), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), KD03 (Great Stream), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi) | – | – | doi:10.1093/ecam/nep239 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 7 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), KD03 (Great Stream), CV04 (Original Qi Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2012/543943 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 8 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2012/543943 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 9 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2013/493038 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 10 | LI04 (Junction Valley) | – | – | doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(14)60008-x | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 11 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi), CV08 (Spirit Palace Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2014/434978 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 12 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.1016/j.jams.2014.01.004 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 13 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), CV04 (Original Qi Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0552-1 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 14 | ST36 (Leg Three Miles), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP08 (Earth'S Cure), SP10 (Sea Of Blood), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL32 (Second Bone Hole), LV03 (Great Surge), CV03 (Central Pivot), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2015/752194 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 15 | CV08 (Spirit Palace Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2015/621490 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 16 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2015/621490 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 17 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2015/238790 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 18 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP08 (Earth'S Cure), CV03 (Central Pivot), CV06 (Sea Of Qi) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2015/735690 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 19 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008166 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 20 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi), CV08 (Spirit Palace Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0170952 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 21 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.1136/acupmed-2016-011228 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 22 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2017/1791258 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 23 | LU07 (Interrupted Sequence), LI04 (Junction Valley), LI11 (Pond At The Bend), ST29 (Return), ST36 (Leg Three Miles), ST40 (Abundant Bulge), ST44 (Inner Court), SP04 (Grandfather Grandson), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP08 (Earth'S Cure), SP09 (Yin Mound Spring), SP10 (Sea Of Blood), SI03 (Back Stream), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL32 (Second Bone Hole), BL62 (Extending Vessel), KD03 (Great Stream), KD06 (Shining Sea), KD07 (Returning Flow), KD14 (Fourfold Fullness), GB41 (Foot Governor Of Tears), GB43 (Narrow Stream), LV03 (Great Surge), CV03 (Central Pivot), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi), GV04 (Life Gate), GV20 (100 Convergences), GV24 (Spirit Court) | – | – | doi:10.1136/bcr-2018-224725 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 24 | ST28 (Waterway), ST36 (Leg Three Miles), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP09 (Yin Mound Spring), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi), GV20 (100 Convergences) | – | – | doi:10.1016/j.imr.2018.07.003 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 25 | ST08 (Head Corner), ST25 (Celestial Pivot), ST36 (Leg Three Miles), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), GB16 (Eye Windows), CV02 (Curved Bone), CV03 (Central Pivot), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV08 (Spirit Palace Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1016/j.imr.2018.10.003 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 26 | LI04 (Junction Valley), ST28 (Waterway), ST36 (Leg Three Miles), SP10 (Sea Of Blood), BL20 (Spleen Shu Point), BL32 (Second Bone Hole), BL54 (Lowermost In Order), LV03 (Great Surge) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2019/7978180 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 27 | LI04 (Junction Valley), ST36 (Leg Three Miles), LV03 (Great Surge), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV12 (Stomach Centre), CV17 (Chest Centre) | – | – | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000019737 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 28 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), CV04 (Original Qi Gate) | – | – | doi:10.2147/JPR.S270698 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 29 | ST25 (Celestial Pivot), ST29 (Return), CV03 (Central Pivot), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi), CV08 (Spirit Palace Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000023798 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 30 | CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi) | – | – | doi:10.1007/s10103-021-03490-z | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 31 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), CV03 (Central Pivot), CV04 (Original Qi Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2022/3518179 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 32 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), LV03 (Great Surge), CV03 (Central Pivot) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2022/3518179 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 33 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), BL31 (Upper Bone Hole), BL32 (Second Bone Hole), BL33 (Middle Bone Hole), BL34 (Lower Bone Hole), CV04 (Original Qi Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2022/1281336 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 34 | ST24 (Slippery Flesh Gate), ST25 (Celestial Pivot), ST27 (Great Bulge), SP05 (Metal Hill), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP09 (Yin Mound Spring), SP15 (Great Horizontal), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), GV20 (100 Convergences), GV24 (Spirit Court) | – | – | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000036572 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 35 | ST25 (Celestial Pivot), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL32 (Second Bone Hole), GB26 (Girdle Vessel) | – | – | doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230575 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 36 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP10 (Sea Of Blood), BL18 (Liver Shu Point), BL20 (Spleen Shu Point), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL32 (Second Bone Hole), KD16 (Vital Point), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi) | – | – | doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1357824 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 37 | SI11 (Heavenly Gathering), SI12 (Grasping The Wind), SI13 (Crooked Wall), BL54 (Lowermost In Order), BL60 (Kunlun (Mountains)), TB17 (Hurricane), TB18 (Spasm Vessel), TB19 (Skull Rest), TB20 (Angle Vertex), GB30 (Jumping Circle), GB34 (Yang Mound Spring), LV04 (Mound Centre) | – | – | doi:10.12998/wjcc.v13.i21.103200 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 38 | SP04 (Grandfather Grandson), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP10 (Sea Of Blood), PC06 (Inner Gate), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi) | – | – | doi:10.1155/prm/3494216 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 39 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP10 (Sea Of Blood), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV08 (Spirit Palace Gate) | – | – | doi:10.3389/fendo.2026.1728199 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 40 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP08 (Earth'S Cure), SP10 (Sea Of Blood) | – | – | doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230026 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 41 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-88 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 42 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.2147/PPA.S27127 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 43 | SP08 (Earth'S Cure) | – | – | doi:10.2147/PPA.S27127 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 44 | LV03 (Great Surge) | – | – | doi:10.4103/1735-9066.178233 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 45 | CV02 (Curved Bone), CV04 (Original Qi Gate) | – | – | doi:10.4103/1735-1995.193176 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 46 | LI04 (Junction Valley), LI10 (Arm Three Miles), ST36 (Leg Three Miles), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), SP15 (Great Horizontal), HT07 (Spirit Gate), PC06 (Inner Gate), GB26 (Girdle Vessel), LV03 (Great Surge) | – | – | doi:10.5935/1518-0557.20180083 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 47 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection) | – | – | doi:10.5935/1518-0557.20180083 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 48 | CV02 (Curved Bone), CV04 (Original Qi Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1186/s12906-019-2433-8 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 49 | ST28 (Waterway), SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), BL54 (Lowermost In Order) | – | – | doi:10.2147/IJWH.S264023 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 50 | SP10 (Sea Of Blood) | – | – | doi:10.1089/acu.2021.0084 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |

## Point locations

| Point | Name | Meridian | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI04 | Junction Valley | Large Intestine Meridian | On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side. |
| ST25 | Celestial Pivot | Stomach Meridian | 2 thumb widths lateral to the center of the umbilicus. |
| ST29 | Return | Stomach Meridian | 4 thumb widths below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV03. |
| ST30 | Qi Surge | Stomach Meridian | 5 thumb widths below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV02. |
| ST36 | Leg Three Miles | Stomach Meridian | 3 thumb widths below ST35, 1 finger breadth (middle finger) from anterior border of the tibia. |
| SP04 | Grandfather Grandson | Spleen Meridian | In the depression the distal and inferior to the base of the 1st metatarsal bone at the junction of the red and white skin. |
| HT07 | Spirit Gate | Heart Meridian | 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. |
| BL62 | Extending Vessel | Bladder Meridian | In the depression the directly below external malleolus. |
| KD03 | Great Stream | Kidney Meridian | In the depression the between tip of the medial malleolus and achilles tendon. |
| PC06 | Inner Gate | Pericardium Meridian | 2 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis. |
| LV03 | Great Surge | Liver Meridian | On the dorsum of the foot in the depression the distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. |
| CV04 | Original Qi Gate | Conception Vessel | On the anterior midline 3 thumb widths below umbilicus. |
| CV06 | Sea Of Qi | Conception Vessel | On the anterior midline 1.5 thumb widths below umbilicus. |
| SP06 | Three Yin Intersection | Spleen Meridian | 3 thumb widths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus posterior to the medial border of the tibia. |
| SP08 | Earth'S Cure | Spleen Meridian | 3 thumb widths below SP09 on the line connecting tip of the medial malleolus and SP09. |
| SP10 | Sea Of Blood | Spleen Meridian | When knee is flexed point is 2 thumb widths above the mediosuperior border of the patella on the bulge of the medial portion of the quadriceps femoris. |
| BL32 | Second Bone Hole | Bladder Meridian | On the sacrum medial and inferior to the posterior superior iliac spine just at the 2nd posterior sacral foramen. |
| CV03 | Central Pivot | Conception Vessel | On the anterior midline 4 thumb widths below umbilicus. |
| BL17 | Diaphragm Shu Point | Bladder Meridian | 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV09 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra. |
| BL20 | Spleen Shu Point | Bladder Meridian | 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV06 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra. |
| LU07 | Interrupted Sequence | Lung Meridian | Superior to the styloid process of the radius 1.5 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist between brachioradialis and tendon of the abductor policis longus. |
| BL23 | Kidney Shu Point | Bladder Meridian | 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV04 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra. |
| KD06 | Shining Sea | Kidney Meridian | In the depression the below tip of the medial malleolus. |
| GV04 | Life Gate | Governing Vessel | Below spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra. |
| LI11 | Pond At The Bend | Large Intestine Meridian | 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. |
| ST28 | Waterway | Stomach Meridian | 3 thumb widths below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV04. |
| ST40 | Abundant Bulge | Stomach Meridian | 8 thumb widths superior to the tip of the external malleolus, lateral to the ST38 about 2 finger breadth (middle finger) lateral to the anterior border of the tibia. |
| SP09 | Yin Mound Spring | Spleen Meridian | On the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia in the depression the posterior and inferior to the medial condyle of the tibia. |
| BL22 | Sanjiao Shu Point | Bladder Meridian | 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV05 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra. |
| GB34 | Yang Mound Spring | Gallbladder Meridian | In the depression the anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula. |
| LV02 | Passing Between | Liver Meridian | On the dorsum of the foot between 1st and 2nd toe proximal to the margin of the web at the junction of the red and white skin. |
| BL18 | Liver Shu Point | Bladder Meridian | 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV08 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra. |
| CV08 | Spirit Palace Gate | Conception Vessel | In the center of the umbilicus. |
| ST44 | Inner Court | Stomach Meridian | Proximal to the web margin the between 2nd and 3rd toes in the depression the distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint. |
| SI03 | Back Stream | Small Intestine Meridian | When loose fist is made point is on the ulnar end of the distal palmar crease proximal to the 5th metacarpophalangeal joint at the end of the transverse crease and junction of the red and white skin. |
| KD07 | Returning Flow | Kidney Meridian | 2 thumb widths directly above the KD03 on the anterior border of the achilles tendon. |
| KD14 | Fourfold Fullness | Kidney Meridian | 2 thumb widths below umbilicus 0.5 thumb widths lateral to the CV05. |
| GB41 | Foot Governor Of Tears | Gallbladder Meridian | Posterior to the 4th metatarsophalangeal joint in the depression the lateral to the tendon of the extensor digiti minimi of the foot. |
| GB43 | Narrow Stream | Gallbladder Meridian | On the dorsum of the foot between 4th and 5th toe proximal to the margin of the web at the junction of the red and white skin. |
| GV20 | 100 Convergences | Governing Vessel | On the midline of the head 5 thumb widths directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline approximately on the midpoint of the line connecting apex of the ears. |
| GV24 | Spirit Court | Governing Vessel | 0.5 thumb widths directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline. |
| ST08 | Head Corner | Stomach Meridian | On the lateral side of the head, 0.5 thumb widths above the anterior hairline at the corner of the forehead & 4.5 thumb widths lateral to the midline of the head. |
| GB16 | Eye Windows | Gallbladder Meridian | On the head, 1.5 thumb widths above the anterior hairline and 22.5 thumb widths lateral to the midline of the head. |
| CV02 | Curved Bone | Conception Vessel | On the midpoint of the upper border of the symphysis pubis. |
| BL54 | Lowermost In Order | Bladder Meridian | On the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen 3 thumb widths lateral to the median sacral crest. |
| CV12 | Stomach Centre | Conception Vessel | On the anterior midline 4 thumb widths above the umbilicus. |
| CV17 | Chest Centre | Conception Vessel | On the anterior midline at the level with 4th intercostal space, midway between nipples. |
| BL31 | Upper Bone Hole | Bladder Meridian | On the sacrum at the midpoint between posterior superior iliac spine and posterior midline just at the 1st posterior sacral foramen. |
| BL33 | Middle Bone Hole | Bladder Meridian | On the sacrum medial and inferior to the BL32 just at the 3rd posterior sacral foramen. |
| BL34 | Lower Bone Hole | Bladder Meridian | On the sacrum medial and inferior to the BL33 just at the 4th posterior sacral foramen. |
| ST24 | Slippery Flesh Gate | Stomach Meridian | 1 thumb width above the umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV09. |
| ST27 | Great Bulge | Stomach Meridian | 2 thumb widths below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV05. |
| SP05 | Metal Hill | Spleen Meridian | In the depression the distal and inferior to the medial malleolus midway between tuberosity of the navicular bone and tip of the medial malleolus. |
| SP15 | Great Horizontal | Spleen Meridian | 4 thumb widths lateral to the center of the umbilicus lateral to the rectus abdominis. |
| GB26 | Girdle Vessel | Gallbladder Meridian | Directly below lr13 (zhangmen) at the crossing point of the vertical line through free end of the 11th rib and horizontal line through umbilicus. |
| KD16 | Vital Point | Kidney Meridian | 0.5 thumb widths lateral to the umbilicus level with CV08. |
| SI11 | Heavenly Gathering | Small Intestine Meridian | On the scapula in the depression of the center of the subscapular fossa and at the level of the 4th thoracic vertebra. |
| SI12 | Grasping The Wind | Small Intestine Meridian | In the center of the suprascapular fossa directly above the SI11; when arm is lifted point is at the site of the depression. |
| SI13 | Crooked Wall | Small Intestine Meridian | On the medial extremity of the suprascapular fossa about midway between SI10 and spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra. |
| BL60 | Kunlun (Mountains) | Bladder Meridian | In the depression the between tip of the external malleolus and achilles tendon. |
| TB17 | Hurricane | Triple Burner Meridian | Posterior to the lobule of the ear in the depression the between mandible and mastoid process. |
| TB18 | Spasm Vessel | Triple Burner Meridian | In the center of the mastoid process at the junction of the middle and lower third of the curve formed by TB17 and TB20 posterior to the helix. |
| TB19 | Skull Rest | Triple Burner Meridian | Posterior to the ear at the junction of the upper and middle third of the curve formed by TB17 and TB20 behind helix. |
| TB20 | Angle Vertex | Triple Burner Meridian | Directly above the ear apex within the hair line. |
| GB30 | Jumping Circle | Gallbladder Meridian | At the junction of the lateral ⅓ and medial ⅔ of the distance between prominence of the greater trochanter and hiatus of the sacrum, GV02; when locating point put patient in the lateral recumbent position the with thigh flexed. |
| LV04 | Mound Centre | Liver Meridian | Anterior to the medial malleolus midway between SP05 and ST41 in the depression on the medial side of the tendon of the tibialis anterior. |
| LI10 | Arm Three Miles | Large Intestine Meridian | On the line joining LI05 and LI11, 2 thumb widths below cubital crease. |

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AcuiQ-authored content (the protocol compilation, symptom and meridian prose, research essays) is licensed CC-BY-4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The underlying findings are the cited sources' claims – each entry carries its citation; verify against the source before relying on it. Not medical advice: https://acuiq.com/terms