Acupuncture Points for Joint Swelling

14 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Joint Swelling

How often each point appears across the 14 entries ranked highest for Joint Swelling. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian11 of 14
  • BL23Kidney Shu PointBladder Meridian8 of 14
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian3 of 14
  • SP09Yin Mound SpringSpleen Meridian3 of 14
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian2 of 14
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian2 of 14
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian2 of 14
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian2 of 14
  • SP02Great CapitalSpleen Meridian2 of 14
  • SP03Great WhiteSpleen Meridian2 of 14
  • ST44Inner CourtStomach Meridian2 of 14
  • TB05Outer GateTriple Burner Meridian2 of 14

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI05 · BL60 · GB30 · GB34 · CV22

Point 1 of 5

LI05Yang Stream

LI05 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陽谿 (yáng xī )

🎯 Location: On the radial side of the wrist; when thumb is tilted upward it is in the depression the between tendons of the extensor pollicus longus and brevis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Heat

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1093/ecam/nel012
Corroborated by a second study. GB34 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-7-35

Protocol (6 points)

100%

LI04 · LI11 · ST36 · TB05 · GB34 · GB39

Point 1 of 6

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:10.1186/1472-6882-7-35
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, TB05 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.0255-2930.20231119-k0001

Protocol (2 points)

100%

ST36 · BL23

Point 1 of 2

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:10.1155/2019/4705247
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, BL23 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2020/7150605

Protocol (2 points)

100%

ST36 · BL23

Point 1 of 2

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:10.1155/2020/7150605
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, BL23 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2019/4705247

Protocol (2 points)

100%

ST36 · BL23

Point 1 of 2

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:10.1155/2021/6637554
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, BL23 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2019/4705247

Protocol (2 points)

100%

ST36 · BL23

Point 1 of 2

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:10.1155/2021/7466313
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, BL23 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2019/4705247
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 Joint Swelling

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 Joint Swelling
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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