Acupuncture Points for Hip Pain

9 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Hip Pain

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

  • GB30Jumping CircleGallbladder Meridian5 of 9
  • GB31Wind MarketGallbladder Meridian3 of 9
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian3 of 9
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 9
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian3 of 9
  • GB29Squatting Bone HoleGallbladder Meridian2 of 9
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian2 of 9
  • GB08Leading ValleyGallbladder Meridian1 of 9
  • GB09Heavenly SurgeGallbladder Meridian1 of 9
  • GB39Suspended BellGallbladder Meridian1 of 9
  • GV23Upper StarGoverning Vessel1 of 9
  • GV24Spirit CourtGoverning Vessel1 of 9

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · GB31 · LV03

Point 1 of 4

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:10.2147/ijgm.s3670
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, GB31 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.1416

Protocol (4 points)

100%

GB08 · GB09 · GV23 · GV24

Point 1 of 4

GB08Leading Valley

GB08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 率谷 (shuài gǔ)

🎯 Location: Superior to the apex of the auricle 1.5 thumb widths within the hairline.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications for head points.

🛡️ Treats: Phlegm, Dizziness, Vomiting, Wind, Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.034
Not corroborated. No other study in the index uses any of these points for this search.

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI04 · GB30 · GB31 · GB34

Point 1 of 4

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:10.1589/jpts.29.1416
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, GB31 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.2147/ijgm.s3670

Protocol (5 points)

100%

ST40 · SP08 · GB29 · GB30 · GB34

Point 1 of 5

ST40Abundant Bulge

ST40 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 豐隆 (fēng lóng)

🎯 Location: 8 thumb widths superior to the tip of the external malleolus, lateral to the ST38 about 2 finger breadth (middle finger) lateral to the anterior border of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.7759/cureus.109641
Corroborated by a second study. GB30, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.1416

Protocol (5 points)

100%

ST36 · GB30 · GB34 · XL01A · XL01B

Point 1 of 5

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:10.13702/j.1000-0607.20241048
Corroborated by a second study. GB30, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.1416

Single-point entry

100%

GB30Jumping Circle

GB30 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 環跳 (huán tiào)

🎯 Location: At the junction of the lateral ⅓ and medial ⅔ of the distance between prominence of the greater trochanter and hiatus of the sacrum, GV02; when locating point put patient in the lateral recumbent position the with thigh flexed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with sciatic nerve.

🛡️ Treats: Knee Pain, Back Pain, Leg Pain, Hip Pain, Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20250403-k0001
Corroborated by a second study. GB30 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.1416
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Using Acupoints for Hip Pain

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 Hip Pain
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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