Acupuncture Points for Headache

109 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Headache:

Points cited for Headache

How often each point appears across the 50 entries ranked highest for Headache. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian22 of 50
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian19 of 50
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel17 of 50
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian15 of 50
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian13 of 50
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian12 of 50
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian8 of 50
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian8 of 50
  • BL10Celestial PillarBladder Meridian7 of 50
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel7 of 50
  • LU07Interrupted SequenceLung Meridian7 of 50
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel6 of 50

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (3 points)

100%

ST32 · PC07 · PC08

Point 1 of 3

ST32Crouching Rabbit

ST32 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 伏兔 (fú tù)

🎯 Location: On the line connecting asis and lateral border of the patella 6 thumb widths above the laterosuperior border of the patella.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Knee Pain, Common Cold, Pain, Lower Back Pain, Channel Stagnation

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1093/ecam/nel012

Protocol (7 points)

100%

LI04 · LI11 · SP06 · KD07 · GB20 · CV04 · GV14

Point 1 of 7

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:10.1093/ecam/nep001

Protocol (21 points)

100%

LI04 · ST08 · ST36 · ST40 · ST44 · SP06 · BL02 · BL10 · BL11 · BL60 · PC06 · TB05 · GB02 · GB08 · GB14 · GB34 · GB41 · LV02 · LV03 · GV18 · GV23

Point 1 of 21

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:10.1186/1745-6215-12-241

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LI04 · ST06 · ST36 · TB05 · TB17 · TB21 · GB02 · GB34

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:10.4317/medoral.17567

Protocol (8 points)

100%

BL11 · BL13 · BL15 · BL18 · BL20 · BL23 · GB20 · GV20

Point 1 of 8

BL11Great Shuttle

BL11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大杼 (dà zhù)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV13 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Cough, Fever, Shortness of Breath, Knee Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/1745-6215-14-147

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LU08 · SP03 · HT08 · BL15 · CV06

Point 1 of 5

LU08Channels Ditch

LU08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 經渠 (jīng qú)

🎯 Location: 1 thumb width above the transverse crease of the wrist in the depression on the lateral side of the radial artery.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Asthma, Vomiting

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/1745-6215-14-147
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Using Acupoints for Headache

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

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