Acupuncture Points for Liver Qi Stagnation

16 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

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Points cited for Liver Qi Stagnation

How often each point appears across the 16 entries ranked highest for Liver Qi Stagnation. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian10 of 16
  • CV17Chest CentreConception Vessel7 of 16
  • LV05Woodworm ChannelLiver Meridian5 of 16
  • LV14Qi Cycle GateLiver Meridian5 of 16
  • SI01Lesser MarshSmall Intestine Meridian4 of 16
  • ST18Breast RootStomach Meridian4 of 16
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel3 of 16
  • GB21Shoulder WellGallbladder Meridian3 of 16
  • KD14Fourfold FullnessKidney Meridian3 of 16
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 16
  • PC05Intermediary MessengerPericardium Meridian3 of 16
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian3 of 16

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (4 points)

100%

SP08 · SP10 · LV02 · LV05

Point 1 of 4

SP08Earth'S Cure

SP08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 地機 (dì jī)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths below SP09 on the line connecting tip of the medial malleolus and SP09.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Abdominal Bloating, Abdominal Pain, Blood Stagnation

SP10Sea Of Blood

SP10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 血海 (xuè hǎi)

🎯 Location: When knee is flexed point is 2 thumb widths above the mediosuperior border of the patella on the bulge of the medial portion of the quadriceps femoris.

⚠️ Cautions: Anticoagulant therapy or a coagulopathy raises the risk of haematoma at the needling site – apply prolonged pressure on withdrawal. The precaution governs technique; bleeding disorders remain a treatable indication.

🛡️ Treats: Knee Pain, Absent Periods, Blood Stagnation, Pain, Hives

LV02Passing Between

LV02 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 行間 (xíng jiān)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot between 1st and 2nd toe proximal to the margin of the web at the junction of the red and white skin.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Dizziness, Coughing Blood

LV05Woodworm Channel

LV05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 蠡溝 (lí gōu)

🎯 Location: 5 thumb widths above the tip of the medial malleolus on the midline of the medial surface of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Anxiety, Palpitations, Common Cold, Depression, Swelling

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60028-5 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LV02 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.19917/j.cnki.1005-0779.023178 ↗

Protocol (6 points)

100%

HT07 · PC06 · LV03 · LV14 · CV17 · GV20

Point 1 of 6

HT07Spirit Gate

HT07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Heart Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 神門 (shén mén)

🎯 Location: At the ulnar end of the transverse crease of the wrist in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in cardiac arrhythmias.

🛡️ Treats: Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Palpitations, Common Cold, Heat

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

LV03Great Surge

LV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太衝 (tài chōng)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot in the depression the distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.

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

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Sweating

LV14Qi Cycle Gate

LV14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 期門 (qī mén)

🎯 Location: Directly below nipple in the 6th intercostal space 4 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Cough, Fever, Shortness of Breath, Jaundice

CV17Chest Centre

CV17 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 膻中 (dàn zhōng)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline at the level with 4th intercostal space, midway between nipples.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling – needle transversely along the sternum. New, worsening or unstable cardiac symptoms need medical assessment before treatment.

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

GV20100 Convergences

GV20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 百會 (bǎi huì)

🎯 Location: On the midline of the head 5 thumb widths directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline approximately on the midpoint of the line connecting apex of the ears.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Palpitations, Jaundice, Qi Deficiency

Study-reported

Needling

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.2147/NDT.S525238 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. PC06, LV03 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1177/2164956119870444 ↗

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI04 · PC06 · LV03

Point 1 of 3

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

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

LV03Great Surge

LV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太衝 (tài chōng)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot in the depression the distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.

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

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Sweating

Study-reported

Acupressure

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1177/2164956119870444 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. PC06, LV03 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.2147/NDT.S525238 ↗

Protocol (9 points)

100%

LI04 · GB12 · GB20 · LV03 · CV04 · CV12 · GV16 · GV20 · GV24

Point 1 of 9

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

GB12Mastoid Process

GB12 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 完骨 (wán gǔ)

🎯 Location: In the depression the posterior and inferior to the mastoid process.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications for head points.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Pain, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop, Epilepsy

GB20Wind Pool

GB20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 風池 (fēng chí)

🎯 Location: In the depression the between upper portion of the scm and trapezius on the same level with GV16.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with vertebral artery; avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Stress, Fever, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Wind

LV03Great Surge

LV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太衝 (tài chōng)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot in the depression the distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.

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

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Sweating

CV04Original Qi Gate

CV04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 關元 (guān yuán)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 3 thumb widths below umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication. Bleeding in pregnancy requires obstetric assessment.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Kidney Deficiency

CV12Stomach Centre

CV12 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中脘 (zhōng wǎn)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 4 thumb widths above the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: 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, Shortness of Breath, Common Cold, Depression

GV16Wind Mansion

GV16 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 風府 (fēng fǔ)

🎯 Location: 1 thumb width directly above the midpoint of the posterior hairline directly below external occipital protuberance in the depression the between trapezius of the both sides.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution; proximity to foramen magnum.

🛡️ Treats: Stress, Heat Chest, Anxiety, Sweating, Dizziness

GV20100 Convergences

GV20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 百會 (bǎi huì)

🎯 Location: On the midline of the head 5 thumb widths directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline approximately on the midpoint of the line connecting apex of the ears.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Palpitations, Jaundice, Qi Deficiency

GV24Spirit Court

GV24 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 神庭 (shén tíng)

🎯 Location: 0.5 thumb widths directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Shortness of Breath, Dizziness, Palpitations, Depression

Study-reported

Needling

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20241104-k0005 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LV03, GV20 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.2147/NDT.S525238 ↗

Protocol (4 points)

100%

ST40 · LV02 · LV14 · CV17

Point 1 of 4

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

LV02Passing Between

LV02 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 行間 (xíng jiān)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot between 1st and 2nd toe proximal to the margin of the web at the junction of the red and white skin.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Dizziness, Coughing Blood

LV14Qi Cycle Gate

LV14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 期門 (qī mén)

🎯 Location: Directly below nipple in the 6th intercostal space 4 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Cough, Fever, Shortness of Breath, Jaundice

CV17Chest Centre

CV17 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 膻中 (dàn zhōng)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline at the level with 4th intercostal space, midway between nipples.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling – needle transversely along the sternum. New, worsening or unstable cardiac symptoms need medical assessment before treatment.

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.19917/j.cnki.1005-0779.023178 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LV14, CV17 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.2147/NDT.S525238 ↗

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LV03 · LV05 · LV08 · LV12

Point 1 of 4

LV03Great Surge

LV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太衝 (tài chōng)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot in the depression the distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.

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

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Sweating

LV05Woodworm Channel

LV05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 蠡溝 (lí gōu)

🎯 Location: 5 thumb widths above the tip of the medial malleolus on the midline of the medial surface of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Anxiety, Palpitations, Common Cold, Depression, Swelling

LV08Spring At The Bend

LV08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 曲泉 (qū quán)

🎯 Location: When knee is flexed point is at the medial end of the transverse popliteal crease posterior to the medial epicondyle of the tibia in the depression of the anterior border of the insertions of the semimembranosus and semitendinosus.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Shortness of Breath, Knee Pain, Common Cold, Heat, Abdominal Pain

LV12Urgent Pulse

LV12 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 急脈 (jí mài)

🎯 Location: Lateral to the pubic tubercle, lateral and inferior to the ST30 in the inguinal groove where pulsation of the femoral artery is palpable 2.5 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Uterine Prolapse, Penis Pain, Genital Pain, Lower Abdominal Pain, Shan Disorder

Study-reported

Electroacupuncture

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230905-k0005 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LV05 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60028-5 ↗
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How the studies delivered it

What the 6 studies behind the entries above ran, counted once per study. A record of the trials, not a recommendation.

  • Needling2 of 6
  • Acupressure1 of 6
  • Electroacupuncture1 of 6

After a treatment: what large safety surveys recorded, and which reactions need a doctor.

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