Acupuncture Points for Encephalopathy

4 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Encephalopathy

How often each point appears across the 6 entries ranked highest for Encephalopathy. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel3 of 6
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 6
  • GV24Spirit CourtGoverning Vessel2 of 6
  • GV26PhiltrumGoverning Vessel2 of 6
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian2 of 6
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian2 of 6
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian2 of 6
  • ST40Abundant BulgeStomach Meridian2 of 6
  • XH01AFour Spirit BrightnessExtra Points: Head2 of 6
  • XH01BFour Spirit BrightnessExtra Points: Head2 of 6
  • XH01CFour Spirit BrightnessExtra Points: Head2 of 6
  • XH01DFour Spirit BrightnessExtra Points: Head2 of 6

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (3 points)

100%

ST34 · ST39 · GV20

Point 1 of 3

ST34Ridge Mound

ST34 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 梁丘 (liáng qiū)

🎯 Location: When knee is flexed point is 2 thumb widths above the laterosuperior border of the patella.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth.

🛡️ Treats: Knee Pain, Wind, Numbness, Leg Pain, Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1007/s10072-020-04980-8
Corroborated by a second study. GV20 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.0255-2930.20240401-k0007

Protocol (10 points)

100%

LI04 · ST40 · SP06 · PC06 · TB20 · GB04 · GB06 · GB09 · LV03 · GV26

Point 1 of 10

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:10.3389/fmed.2026.1818476
Corroborated by a second study. LI04 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.0255-2930.20240401-k0007

Protocol (14 points)

100%

LI04 · ST25 · SP15 · KD03 · TB05 · GB20 · GB34 · GB39 · GV20 · XH01A · XH01B · XH01C · XH01D · XH05

Point 1 of 14

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:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240401-k0007
Corroborated by a second study. GV20 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1007/s10072-020-04980-8

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LI04 · ST40 · SP06 · PC06 · LV03 · GV26 · MS10 · MS11

Point 1 of 8

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:10.3389/fmed.2026.1818476
Corroborated by a second study. LI04 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.0255-2930.20240401-k0007

Protocol (6 points)

90%

GB13 · GV24 · XH01A · XH01B · XH01C · XH01D

Point 1 of 6

GB13Spirit Root

GB13 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 本神 (běn shén)

🎯 Location: 0.5 thumb widths within the hairline of the forehead 3 thumb widths lateral to the GV24.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications for head points.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Phlegm, Wind, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop

Text or case report

Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report.

Lai Shugui et al.. [Clinical observation of sleeping disorder in children with encephalopathy treated with acupuncture at head points and seed-pressure at ear points].. Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion, 2015
Substantiated by a study. XH01A, XH01B, XH01C, XH01D also appear in a study-reported protocol for the same search. That study did not test this prescription. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240401-k0007

Protocol (2 points)

28%

GV20 · GV24

Point 1 of 2

GV20100 Convergences

GV20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 百會 (bǎi huì)

🎯 Location: 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.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Palpitations, Jaundice, Qi Deficiency

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20231123-0003
Corroborated by a second study. GV20 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1007/s10072-020-04980-8
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Using Acupoints for Encephalopathy

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

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