Acupuncture Points for Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

5 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Gastrointestinal Dysfunction:

Points cited for Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

How often each point appears across the 9 entries ranked highest for Gastrointestinal Dysfunction. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian9 of 9
  • ST25Celestial PivotStomach Meridian5 of 9
  • CV12Stomach CentreConception Vessel4 of 9
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian4 of 9
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel3 of 9
  • ST37Upper Great HollowStomach Meridian3 of 9
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel2 of 9
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian2 of 9
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian2 of 9
  • ST39Lower Great HollowStomach Meridian2 of 9
  • BL20Spleen Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 9
  • BL21Stomach Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 9

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (2 points)

100%

ST36 · PC06

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:10.1155/2020/7509481

Protocol (11 points)

100%

ST25 · ST36 · ST37 · ST39 · SP15 · PC06 · CV04 · CV06 · CV10 · CV12 · CV13

Point 1 of 11

ST25Celestial Pivot

ST25 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 天樞 (tiān shū)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency – treatment here is adjunctive at most and must never delay surgical assessment. Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Constipation, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20221172

Protocol (4 points)

100%

ST25 · ST36 · ST37 · PC06

Point 1 of 4

ST25Celestial Pivot

ST25 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 天樞 (tiān shū)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency – treatment here is adjunctive at most and must never delay surgical assessment. Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Constipation, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108309

Protocol (11 points)

100%

ST25 · ST36 · BL20 · BL21 · BL23 · BL25 · TB06 · CV04 · CV06 · CV12 · GV01

Point 1 of 11

ST25Celestial Pivot

ST25 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 天樞 (tiān shū)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency – treatment here is adjunctive at most and must never delay surgical assessment. Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Constipation, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108309

Protocol (3 points)

90%

LI04 · ST36 · LV03

Point 1 of 3

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

Text or case report

Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report.

宁凤华贾鹏宋美美. 足三里、太冲、合谷穴位针刺辅助治疗对全麻妇科腹腔镜手术后康复效果、中医证候积分和并发症的影响. 临床误诊误治 ., 2024 [CNKI]

Protocol (3 points)

78%

LI04 · ST36 · SP06

Point 1 of 3

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:10.1245/s10434-025-17239-3
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Using Acupoints for Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

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 Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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