Acupuncture Points for Lethargy

2 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Lethargy:

Points cited for Lethargy

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

  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian29 of 50
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel26 of 50
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian25 of 50
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian21 of 50
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian20 of 50
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian19 of 50
  • HT07Spirit GateHeart Meridian14 of 50
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel12 of 50
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian12 of 50
  • ST25Celestial PivotStomach Meridian11 of 50
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel9 of 50
  • CV12Stomach CentreConception Vessel9 of 50

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (14 points)

100%

LI04 · ST25 · ST27 · ST36 · SP06 · BL15 · BL18 · BL20 · PC06 · GB20 · GB21 · LV03 · CV04 · GV20

Point 1 of 14

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:10.1177/1179547620967379
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST36, SP06, BL18, BL20, PC06, GB20, CV04, GV20 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2022/6541600

Protocol (6 points)

100%

ST08 · SI19 · BL08 · GB01 · GB08 · GB18

Point 1 of 6

ST08Head Corner

ST08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頭維 (tóu wéi)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the head, 0.5 thumb widths above the anterior hairline at the corner of the forehead & 4.5 thumb widths lateral to the midline of the head.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Shortness of Breath, Dizziness, Vomiting, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.jams.2017.12.002
Corroborated by a second study. GB08, GB18 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30417

Protocol (2 points)

45%

PC06 · LV03

Point 1 of 2

PC06Inner Gate

PC06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內關 (nèi guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in severe deficiency conditions.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Dizziness, Spleen Qi Deficiency

Text or case report

Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report.

Zhang Li-ling, Zhang Gang, Zhang Li-ping. Prof. ZHANG Zhi-jun's Experience in the Combined Treatment with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs — A Report of 3 Illustrative Cases. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2009, 29(4): 279-281
Substantiated by a study. PC06, LV03 also appear in a study-reported protocol for the same search. That study did not test this prescription. doi:10.1177/1179547620967379

Protocol (9 points)

44%

SP06 · SP10 · BL18 · BL20 · BL23 · BL32 · KD16 · CV04 · CV06

Point 1 of 9

SP06Three Yin Intersection

SP06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 三陰交 (sān yīn jiāo)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus posterior to the medial border of the tibia.

⚠️ 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: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations, Abdominal Bloating

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1357824
Corroborated by a second study. SP06, BL18, BL20, BL23, CV04, CV06 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2022/6541600

Protocol (4 points)

43%

ST36 · SP06 · BL60 · GB41

Point 1 of 4

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:10.1002/ccr3.1619
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, SP06, GB41 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.0000000000009309

Protocol (11 points)

42%

LI04 · LI11 · LI14 · LI15 · ST36 · ST38 · ST41 · SP06 · KD03 · TB05 · GB34

Point 1 of 11

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:10.7453/gahmj.2014.069
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LI11, LI15, ST36, ST41, SP06, KD03, TB05, GB34 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2022/6541600
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Using Acupoints for Lethargy

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

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