Acupuncture Points for Myofascial Pain

13 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Myofascial Pain

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

  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian10 of 13
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian8 of 13
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian7 of 13
  • SI19Palace Of HearingSmall Intestine Meridian5 of 13
  • ST06Jaw BoneStomach Meridian5 of 13
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian4 of 13
  • GB21Shoulder WellGallbladder Meridian3 of 13
  • SI03Back StreamSmall Intestine Meridian3 of 13
  • ST07Below The ArchStomach Meridian3 of 13
  • TB21Ear GateTriple Burner Meridian3 of 13
  • BL02Gathered BambooBladder Meridian2 of 13
  • BL40Middle Of The CreaseBladder Meridian2 of 13

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (12 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · SP06 · SI03 · BL62 · KD03 · TB05 · GB20 · GB29 · GB30 · GB40 · GB43

Point 1 of 12

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:10.1186/1472-6882-11-49

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LI04 · ST06 · ST36 · TB05 · TB17 · TB21 · GB02 · GB34

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:10.4317/medoral.17567

Protocol (2 points)

100%

BL40 · GB34

Point 1 of 2

BL40Middle Of The Crease

BL40 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 委中 (wěi zhōng)

🎯 Location: Midpoint of the transverse crease of the popliteal fossa between tendons of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in weakness/fatigue; avoid strong stimulation.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Diarrhea, Knee Pain, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2013/287184

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI04 · GB20 · GB21 · LV03

Point 1 of 4

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:10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0066

Protocol (10 points)

100%

LI04 · LI11 · SI19 · BL02 · TB23 · GB20 · GB21 · GB34 · LV02 · CV23

Point 1 of 10

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:10.1590/1678-7757-2020-1035

Protocol (7 points)

100%

LI04 · ST06 · SI19 · TB03 · GB20 · GB34 · LV03

Point 1 of 7

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.e32075
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Using Acupoints for Myofascial Pain

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 Myofascial Pain
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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