Acupuncture Points for Mood Depressed

6 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Mood Depressed:

Points cited for Mood Depressed

How often each point appears across the 6 entries ranked highest for Mood Depressed. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel5 of 6
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian4 of 6
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel3 of 6
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel3 of 6
  • CV12Stomach CentreConception Vessel3 of 6
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 6
  • CV10Lower StomachConception Vessel2 of 6
  • HT07Spirit GateHeart Meridian2 of 6
  • GB08Leading ValleyGallbladder Meridian1 of 6
  • GB15Head Governor Of TearsGallbladder Meridian1 of 6
  • GV24Spirit CourtGoverning Vessel1 of 6
  • KD17Shang BendKidney Meridian1 of 6

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (4 points)

100%

ST08 · GB08 · GB15 · GV20

Point 1 of 4

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:10.1371/journal.pone.0029651

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI04 · LV03 · GV20

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60037-6

Protocol (6 points)

100%

ST24 · KD17 · CV04 · CV06 · CV10 · CV12

Point 1 of 6

ST24Slippery Flesh Gate

ST24 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 滑肉門 (huá ròu mén)

🎯 Location: 1 thumb width above the umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV09.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Phlegm, Depression, Vomiting, Upper Stomach Pain, Vomiting Blood

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.nicl.2016.07.011

Protocol (9 points)

100%

LI04 · SP06 · HT07 · PC06 · LV03 · CV04 · CV06 · CV12 · GV20

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.2147/JIR.S436907

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LI04 · LV03 · CV04 · CV06 · CV10 · CV12 · GV20 · GV24

Point 1 of 8

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:10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1743771

Protocol (6 points)

100%

ST25 · ST36 · HT07 · LV03 · GV20 · XH03

Point 1 of 6

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/s12906-025-05165-6
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Using Acupoints for Mood Depressed

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 Mood Depressed
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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