Acupuncture Points for Intestinal Dysfunction

3 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Intestinal Dysfunction

How often each point appears across the 8 entries ranked highest for Intestinal Dysfunction. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian8 of 8
  • ST25Celestial PivotStomach Meridian4 of 8
  • ST37Upper Great HollowStomach Meridian4 of 8
  • CV12Stomach CentreConception Vessel2 of 8
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian2 of 8
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian2 of 8
  • BL20Spleen Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 8
  • BL23Kidney Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 8
  • BL25Large Intestine Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 8
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel1 of 8
  • CV09Water SeparationConception Vessel1 of 8
  • GV04Life GateGoverning Vessel1 of 8

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (2 points)

100%

ST36 · ST37

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:10.1097/MD.0000000000010555
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, ST37 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2018/8293594

Protocol (2 points)

100%

ST36 · ST37

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:10.1155/2018/8293594
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, ST37 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000010555

Protocol (6 points)

100%

ST25 · ST36 · BL20 · BL23 · BL25 · GV04

Point 1 of 6

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:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20191205-0005
Corroborated by a second study. ST25, ST36 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20231109-k0009

Protocol (7 points)

88%

ST25 · ST36 · ST37 · ST39 · CV04 · CV12 · MS06

Point 1 of 7

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:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20231109-k0009
Corroborated by a second study. ST25, ST36, CV12 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20220730-0002

Protocol (3 points)

88%

ST36 · PC06 · LV03

Point 1 of 3

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:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20250324-k0006
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, PC06 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1080/08941939.2024.2434093

Protocol (7 points)

88%

LU05 · LU07 · ST25 · ST36 · SP09 · CV09 · CV12

Point 1 of 7

LU05Cubit Marsh

LU05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 尺澤 (chǐ zé)

🎯 Location: On the cubital crease in the depression of the radial side of the biceps brachii tendon; point is located with elbow slightly flexed.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in cases of severe vascular disease; caution with depth at cubital fossa.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Asthma, Knee Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20220730-0002
Corroborated by a second study. ST25, ST36, CV12 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20231109-k0009
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Using Acupoints for Intestinal 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 Intestinal Dysfunction
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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