# Acupoints for Low Back Chronic Pain

29 sourced protocols for Low Back Chronic Pain. Canonical page: https://acuiq.com/symptoms/low-back-chronic-pain

## Protocols

| # | Points | Dosage | Frequency | Source | Kind | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ST04 (Earth Granary), ST36 (Leg Three Miles), SP13 (Bowel Abode), SP14 (Abdominal Bind), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL37 (Gate Of Abundance), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), GB12 (Mastoid Process), GB26 (Girdle Vessel), GB30 (Jumping Circle), GB34 (Yang Mound Spring), GB41 (Foot Governor Of Tears), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV04 (Life Gate), GV05 (Suspended Pivot), GV24 (Spirit Court), GV26 (Philtrum) | – | – | doi:10.1186/1471-2474-11-118 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 2 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), GB30 (Jumping Circle), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV04 (Life Gate), GV05 (Suspended Pivot) | – | – | doi:10.1186/1745-6215-14-16 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 3 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), BL60 (Kunlun (Mountains)), KD03 (Great Stream), GB34 (Yang Mound Spring) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2013/125937 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 4 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL26 (Original Qi Gate Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), BL60 (Kunlun (Mountains)), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000010790 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 5 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point) | – | – | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013047 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 6 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL26 (Original Qi Gate Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), BL60 (Kunlun (Mountains)), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000022526 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 7 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), GB30 (Jumping Circle) | – | – | doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0269282 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 8 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point) | – | – | doi:10.1016/j.jams.2019.04.005 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 9 | BL20 (Spleen Shu Point), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), BL60 (Kunlun (Mountains)), GB30 (Jumping Circle), GB34 (Yang Mound Spring), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV04 (Life Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1016/j.imr.2025.101180 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 10 | BL20 (Spleen Shu Point), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), BL60 (Kunlun (Mountains)), GB30 (Jumping Circle), GB34 (Yang Mound Spring), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV04 (Life Gate), AH03 (Lumbar), AT12 (Nervous Subcortex), TF10 (Shenmen) | – | – | doi:10.1016/j.imr.2025.101180 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 11 | AH03 (Lumbar), AT12 (Nervous Subcortex), TF10 (Shenmen) | – | – | doi:10.1016/j.imr.2025.101180 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 12 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL32 (Second Bone Hole), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), BL60 (Kunlun (Mountains)), GB30 (Jumping Circle), GB34 (Yang Mound Spring), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV04 (Life Gate) | – | – | doi:10.2147/JPR.S587367 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 13 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate) | – | – | doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240522-k0002 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 14 | ST25 (Celestial Pivot), KD12 (Great Manifestation), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi), CV12 (Stomach Centre), GV20 (100 Convergences) | – | – | doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240522-k0002 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 15 | GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV06 (Spine Centre), GV14 (Great Vertebra), GV20 (100 Convergences) | – | – | doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240522-k0002 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 16 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease) | – | – | doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240924-k0001 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 17 | SP06 (Three Yin Intersection), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), KD03 (Great Stream) | – | – | doi:10.1007/s11302-026-10163-5 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 18 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV04 (Life Gate) | – | – | doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20210622-k0001 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 19 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL26 (Original Qi Gate Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), BL60 (Kunlun (Mountains)), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), XB05 (Lower Shu Point) | – | – | doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000022526 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 20 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease) | – | – | doi:10.3233/BMR-230095 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 21 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), XB02L3 (Hua Tuo's Para-Vertebral Point - L3), XB02L4 (Hua Tuo's Para-Vertebral Point - L4), XB02L5 (Hua Tuo's Para-Vertebral Point - L5) | – | – | doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240522-k0002 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 22 | ST25 (Celestial Pivot), KD12 (Great Manifestation), CV04 (Original Qi Gate), CV06 (Sea Of Qi), CV12 (Stomach Centre), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV06 (Spine Centre), GV14 (Great Vertebra), GV20 (100 Convergences) | – | – | doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240522-k0002 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 23 | BL20 (Spleen Shu Point), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), BL60 (Kunlun (Mountains)), GB30 (Jumping Circle), GB34 (Yang Mound Spring), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV04 (Life Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1016/j.imr.2025.101180 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 24 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), BL60 (Kunlun (Mountains)) | – | – | doi:10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.211 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 25 | BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), BL57 (Mountain Support), GB30 (Jumping Circle), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate) | – | – | doi:10.1186/s12913-026-15077-x | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 26 | BL20 (Spleen Shu Point), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), GB30 (Jumping Circle), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV04 (Life Gate), GV05 (Suspended Pivot) | – | – | doi:10.3389/fmed.2026.1857622 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 27 | BL20 (Spleen Shu Point), BL23 (Kidney Shu Point), BL24 (Sea Of Qi Shu Point), BL25 (Large Intestine Shu Point), BL40 (Middle Of The Crease), GB30 (Jumping Circle), GV03 (Yang Lumbar Gate), GV04 (Life Gate), GV05 (Suspended Pivot) | – | – | doi:10.2147/JMDH.S625298 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 28 | LI04 (Junction Valley) | – | – | doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2009.09.013 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |
| 29 | BL40 (Middle Of The Crease) | – | – | doi:10.1155/2017/3140403 | trial | Point selection reported in a published study. |

## Point locations

| Point | Name | Meridian | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST04 | Earth Granary | Stomach Meridian | Lateral to the corner of the mouth directly below pupil. |
| ST36 | Leg Three Miles | Stomach Meridian | 3 thumb widths below ST35, 1 finger breadth (middle finger) from anterior border of the tibia. |
| SP13 | Bowel Abode | Spleen Meridian | 4 thumb widths below center of the umbilicus 0.7 thumb widths superior to the SP12, 4 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline. |
| SP14 | Abdominal Bind | Spleen Meridian | 13 thumb widths below SP15, 4 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline, on the lateral side of the rectus abdominis. |
| BL23 | Kidney Shu Point | Bladder Meridian | 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV04 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra. |
| BL24 | Sea Of Qi Shu Point | Bladder Meridian | 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the du mai at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd lumbar vertebra. |
| BL25 | Large Intestine Shu Point | Bladder Meridian | 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV03 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra. |
| BL37 | Gate Of Abundance | Bladder Meridian | 6 thumb widths below BL36 on the line joining BL36 and BL40. |
| BL40 | Middle Of The Crease | Bladder Meridian | Midpoint of the transverse crease of the popliteal fossa between tendons of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus. |
| GB12 | Mastoid Process | Gallbladder Meridian | In the depression the posterior and inferior to the mastoid process. |
| GB26 | Girdle Vessel | Gallbladder Meridian | Directly below lr13 (zhangmen) at the crossing point of the vertical line through free end of the 11th rib and horizontal line through umbilicus. |
| GB30 | Jumping Circle | Gallbladder Meridian | 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. |
| GB34 | Yang Mound Spring | Gallbladder Meridian | In the depression the anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula. |
| GB41 | Foot Governor Of Tears | Gallbladder Meridian | Posterior to the 4th metatarsophalangeal joint in the depression the lateral to the tendon of the extensor digiti minimi of the foot. |
| GV03 | Yang Lumbar Gate | Governing Vessel | Below spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra at the level with iliac crest. |
| GV04 | Life Gate | Governing Vessel | Below spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra. |
| GV05 | Suspended Pivot | Governing Vessel | Below spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra. |
| GV24 | Spirit Court | Governing Vessel | 0.5 thumb widths directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline. |
| GV26 | Philtrum | Governing Vessel | At the junction of the upper ⅓ and middle ⅓ of the philtrum. |
| BL60 | Kunlun (Mountains) | Bladder Meridian | In the depression the between tip of the external malleolus and achilles tendon. |
| KD03 | Great Stream | Kidney Meridian | In the depression the between tip of the medial malleolus and achilles tendon. |
| BL26 | Original Qi Gate Shu Point | Bladder Meridian | 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the du mai at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th lumbar vertebra. |
| BL20 | Spleen Shu Point | Bladder Meridian | 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV06 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra. |
| AH03 | Lumbar | Auricular Points | At the upper 2/5 part of the midline of the Antihelix |
| AT12 | Nervous Subcortex | Auricular Points | On both ears, at the lower 1/2 of the interior wall of the Antitragus; in the midpoint between Thalamus and the beginning of the medial lower line of the interior Antitragus. |
| TF10 | Shenmen | Auricular Points | At the midpoint between Pelvis and Hepatitis. |
| SP06 | Three Yin Intersection | Spleen Meridian | 3 thumb widths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus posterior to the medial border of the tibia. |
| BL32 | Second Bone Hole | Bladder Meridian | On the sacrum medial and inferior to the posterior superior iliac spine just at the 2nd posterior sacral foramen. |
| ST25 | Celestial Pivot | Stomach Meridian | 2 thumb widths lateral to the center of the umbilicus. |
| KD12 | Great Manifestation | Kidney Meridian | 4 thumb widths below umbilicus 0.5 thumb widths lateral to the CV03. |
| CV04 | Original Qi Gate | Conception Vessel | On the anterior midline 3 thumb widths below umbilicus. |
| CV06 | Sea Of Qi | Conception Vessel | On the anterior midline 1.5 thumb widths below umbilicus. |
| CV12 | Stomach Centre | Conception Vessel | On the anterior midline 4 thumb widths above the umbilicus. |
| GV20 | 100 Convergences | Governing Vessel | 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. |
| GV06 | Spine Centre | Governing Vessel | Below spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra. |
| GV14 | Great Vertebra | Governing Vessel | Below spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra approximately at the level of the shoulders. |
| XB05 | Lower Shu Point | Extra Points: Back | One point on the midline below the spinous process of the 3rd lumbar vertebra (l3) (this is the more common the and single location of the this extra point), complemented by two lateral points 3 thumb widths lateral to the centre point on the midline.. |
| XB02L3 | Hua Tuo's Para-Vertebral Point - L3 | Extra Points: Back | 0.5 - 1 thumb width lateral to the depressions below the spinous processes of the third lumbar vertebra. |
| XB02L4 | Hua Tuo's Para-Vertebral Point - L4 | Extra Points: Back | 0.5 - 1 thumb width lateral to the depressions below the spinous processes of the fourth lumbar vertebra. |
| XB02L5 | Hua Tuo's Para-Vertebral Point - L5 | Extra Points: Back | 0.5 - 1 thumb width lateral to the depressions below the spinous processes of the fifth lumbar vertebra. |
| BL57 | Mountain Support | Bladder Meridian | On the posterior midline of the leg between BL40 and BL60 in the pointed depression the formed below gastrocnemius belly when leg is stretched or heel is lifted. |
| LI04 | Junction Valley | Large Intestine Meridian | On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side. |

---

AcuiQ-authored prose (symptom and meridian descriptions, the wiki, the auricular crosswalk) is licensed CC-BY-4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The assembled protocol compilation is not: build on it with attribution, but do not redistribute it whole as a dataset – https://acuiq.com/terms. The underlying findings are the cited sources' claims – each entry carries its citation; verify against the source before relying on it. Not medical advice: https://acuiq.com/terms