Acupuncture Points for Muscle Weakness

13 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Muscle Weakness

How often each point appears across the 13 entries ranked highest for Muscle Weakness. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian12 of 13
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian5 of 13
  • ST32Crouching RabbitStomach Meridian5 of 13
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian4 of 13
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian4 of 13
  • ST34Ridge MoundStomach Meridian4 of 13
  • LI10Arm Three MilesLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 13
  • LI14Upper Arm ProminenceLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 13
  • SP10Sea Of BloodSpleen Meridian3 of 13
  • ST31Thigh GateStomach Meridian3 of 13
  • BL40Middle Of The CreaseBladder Meridian2 of 13
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian2 of 13

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (14 points)

100%

ST25 · ST36 · ST43 · SP06 · SP10 · BL13 · BL17 · BL58 · GB41 · LV03 · GV09 · GV11 · GV12 · GV14

Point 1 of 14

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/s12885-016-3037-z

Protocol (10 points)

100%

ST36 · SP06 · BL11 · BL20 · BL23 · BL40 · KD03 · CV04 · GV03 · GV04

Point 1 of 10

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:10.1155/2019/2705263

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI10 · ST36 · ST40 · GV20 · GV24

Point 1 of 5

LI10Arm Three Miles

LI10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 手三里 (shǒu sān lǐ)

🎯 Location: On the line joining LI05 and LI11, 2 thumb widths below cubital crease.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in cases of local inflammation or injury.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Pain, Facial Droop

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000020233

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI11 · LI15 · ST31 · ST36 · GB34

Point 1 of 5

LI11Pond At The Bend

LI11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 曲池 (qū chí)

🎯 Location: When elbow is flexed point is in the depression the at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease midway between LU05 and lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

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

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Heat, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2021/3539651

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LI04 · LI10 · LI11 · LI14 · ST32 · ST34 · ST36 · ST41

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:10.1186/s12906-024-04723-8

Protocol (6 points)

100%

ST34 · ST35 · ST36 · SP09 · SP10 · GB34

Point 1 of 6

ST34Ridge Mound

ST34 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 梁丘 (liáng qiū)

🎯 Location: When knee is flexed point is 2 thumb widths above the laterosuperior border of the patella.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth.

🛡️ Treats: Knee Pain, Wind, Numbness, Leg Pain, Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.jare.2013.02.003
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Using Acupoints for Muscle Weakness

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 Muscle Weakness
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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