Acupuncture Points for Migraine

24 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Migraine:

Points cited for Migraine

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

  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian21 of 50
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel21 of 50
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian19 of 50
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian17 of 50
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian12 of 50
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian11 of 50
  • GB08Leading ValleyGallbladder Meridian10 of 50
  • TB05Outer GateTriple Burner Meridian9 of 50
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian8 of 50
  • BL10Celestial PillarBladder Meridian7 of 50
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian7 of 50
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel6 of 50

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (21 points)

100%

LI04 · ST08 · ST36 · ST40 · ST44 · SP06 · BL02 · BL10 · BL11 · BL60 · PC06 · TB05 · GB02 · GB08 · GB14 · GB34 · GB41 · LV02 · LV03 · GV18 · GV23

Point 1 of 21

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:10.1186/1745-6215-12-241

Protocol (3 points)

100%

ST25 · SP06 · CV04

Point 1 of 3

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:10.1186/1745-6215-15-242

Protocol (7 points)

100%

LI04 · ST08 · BL10 · GB08 · GB20 · LV03 · GV20

Point 1 of 7

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:10.1136/bmj.m697

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI04 · GB20 · GV16 · GV20

Point 1 of 4

LI04Junction Valley

LI04 acupoint
Click to enlarge

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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:10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103168

Protocol (24 points)

100%

LI04 · ST25 · ST28 · ST36 · ST40 · SP09 · SI03 · BL10 · TB05 · TB17 · GB04 · GB08 · GB15 · GB18 · GB20 · GB34 · GB41 · GB43 · LV03 · CV04 · CV06 · CV12 · GV20 · GV24

Point 1 of 24

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:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30417

Protocol (3 points)

100%

GB08 · GB20 · GV20

Point 1 of 3

GB08Leading Valley

GB08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 率谷 (shuài gǔ)

🎯 Location: Superior to the apex of the auricle 1.5 thumb widths within the hairline.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications for head points.

🛡️ Treats: Phlegm, Dizziness, Vomiting, Wind, Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1002/brb3.70536
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Using Acupoints for Migraine

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

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