AcuiQ

Acupuncture Points for Edema

16 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Edema:

Ankle PainSwellingAnkle SwellingEdemaAttack External WindAttack External Wind

Points cited for Edema

How often each point appears across the 36 entries ranked highest for Edema. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian15 of 36
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian12 of 36
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian10 of 36
  • SP09Yin Mound SpringSpleen Meridian8 of 36
  • KD06Shining SeaKidney Meridian7 of 36
  • BL60Kunlun (Mountains)Bladder Meridian6 of 36
  • KD03Great StreamKidney Meridian6 of 36
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian6 of 36
  • ST41Dividing CleftStomach Meridian6 of 36
  • BL23Kidney Shu PointBladder Meridian5 of 36
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel5 of 36
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian5 of 36

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (24 points)

100%

LU05 · LU09 · LI02 · LI11 · ST41 · ST45 · SP02 · SP05 · HT07 · HT09 · SI03 · SI08 · BL65 · BL67 · KD01 · KD07 · PC07 · PC09 · TB03 · TB10 · GB38 · GB43 · LV02 · LV08

FatigueDizzinessTinnitusHeadacheConstipationDepressionInsomniaItchinessEdemaPalpitationKnee PainBack PainVision BlurredCervical PainStiffness ShoulderCramp LegLower-limb PainUpper-limb NumbnessLower-limb NumbnessHemodialysis Complication
Point 1 of 24

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2015/802846 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST41, SP05, HT07 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-241 ↗

Protocol (6 points)

100%

ST36 · ST37 · SP06 · KD03 · PC05 · PC06

EdemaDyspneaHeart Failure Acute DecompensatedEdema Pulmonary
Point 1 of 6

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/s12906-017-1864-3 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, SP06, KD03 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-241 ↗

Protocol (2 points)

100%

ST36 · SP06

EdemaCold Intolerance
Point 1 of 2

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.jams.2016.12.008 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, SP06 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1864-3 ↗

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI13 · LI14 · SI09 · BL23 · TB05

FatigueArm SwellingEdema Upper LimbLymphedema Breast Cancer Related
Point 1 of 5

LI13Arm Five Li

LI13 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 手五里 (shǒu wǔ lǐ)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the upper arm on the line connecting LI11 and LI15, 3 thumb widths above the LI11.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth and angle.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Anxiety, Phlegm, Jaundice, Qi Deficiency

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1177/1534735419866919 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. BL23 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20250207 ↗

Protocol (3 points)

100%

ST28 · SP14 · CV04

FatigueEdemaObesityWeight GainAmenorrhea Post-pillDigestion Poor
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:10.1097/MD.0000000000016996 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. CV04 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20250207 ↗

Protocol (2 points)

100%

SP09 · BL40

EdemaBack PainDyspnea
Point 1 of 2

SP09Yin Mound Spring

SP09 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陰陵泉 (yīn líng quán)

🎯 Location: 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.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in cases of knee inflammation.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Fever, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Jaundice

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.11604/pamj.2022.42.99.32513 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. SP09 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.3389/fphar.2026.1693269 ↗
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Using Acupoints for Edema

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

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