Acupuncture Points for Hemodialysis

6 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Hemodialysis:

Points cited for Hemodialysis

How often each point appears across the 10 entries ranked highest for Hemodialysis. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian4 of 10
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian4 of 10
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian4 of 10
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 10
  • BL57Mountain SupportBladder Meridian2 of 10
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel2 of 10
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian2 of 10
  • KD01Bubbling SpringKidney Meridian2 of 10
  • KD03Great StreamKidney Meridian2 of 10
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian2 of 10
  • SP10Sea Of BloodSpleen Meridian2 of 10
  • XH03Hall Of Impression Or Seal HallExtra Points: Head2 of 10

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (4 points)

100%

ST36 · SP06 · BL57 · GB34

Point 1 of 4

ST36Leg Three Miles

ST36 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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:10.3389/fneph.2022.1006506
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, SP06, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/s12906-025-05203-3

Protocol (7 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · SP06 · HT07 · KD03 · PC06 · GB34

Point 1 of 7

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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/s12906-025-05203-3
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, SP06, KD03, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1002/jcsm.70345

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI11 · SP10 · XL03

Point 1 of 3

LI11Pond At The Bend

LI11 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 曲池 (qū chí)

🎯 Location: 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.

⚠️ Cautions: Monitor blood pressure and avoid strong stimulation where hypertension is uncontrolled or unstable; hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency. Avoid excessive stimulation in weak patients.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Heat, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2026.102054
Corroborated by a second study. LI11, SP10 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.6224/JN.202408_71(4).09

Protocol (7 points)

100%

ST32 · ST34 · ST36 · SP06 · SP09 · KD03 · GB34

Point 1 of 7

ST32Crouching Rabbit

ST32 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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:10.1002/jcsm.70345
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, SP06, KD03, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/s12906-025-05203-3

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI04 · GB20 · XH03 · XH05

Point 1 of 4

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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:10.1002/hsr2.72494
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:10.1186/s12906-025-05203-3

Protocol (3 points)

100%

ST36 · SP06 · KD01

Point 1 of 3

ST36Leg Three Miles

ST36 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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:10.1089/jicm.2022.0644
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:10.3389/fneph.2022.1006506
Hot Spots™ Press Needles
Sterile 1.5mm press needles on 3M backing tape · 100 per box
$19.99
per box · choose the quantity at checkout
AcuiQ Self-Treatment Guide
Acupressure you can do at home, every protocol traced to a trial.$12.99, free updates for life

Using Acupoints for Hemodialysis

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

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