Acupuncture Points for Neck Chronic Pain

25 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (3 points)

100%

SI14 · SI15 · GB21

SI14Outer Shoulder Point

SI14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩外俞 (jiān wài shū)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra where GV13 is located.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Wind, Shoulder Blade Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain

SI15Middle Shoulder Point

SI15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩中俞 (jiān zhōng shū)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (GV14).

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Shoulder Blade Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain

GB21Shoulder Well

GB21 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩井 (jiān jǐng)

🎯 Location: On the shoulder directly above the nipple at the midpoint of the line connecting GV14 and acromion the at the highest point of the shoulder.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling – risk of pneumothorax. 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: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm, Kidney Deficiency, Depression

Study-reported

Acupressure

Did better than a waitlist

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2011/543291 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. SI14, SI15, GB21 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1267952 ↗
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Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI04 · LI10 · LI11

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

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

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

Acupressure

Did better than a waitlist

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2011/543291 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI10, LI11 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(10)60063-5 ↗
Press Needles
1 box, $19.99

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI15 · SI15 · GB21

LI15Shoulder And Clavicle

LI15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩髃 (jiān yú)

🎯 Location: Anteroinferior to the acromion on the upper portion of the deltoid muscle; when arm is in the full abduction the point is in the depression the appearing at the anterior border of the acromioclavicular joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling due to risk of pneumothorax; caution in shoulder injuries.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Goiter, Hemiplegia

SI15Middle Shoulder Point

SI15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩中俞 (jiān zhōng shū)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (GV14).

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Shoulder Blade Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain

GB21Shoulder Well

GB21 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩井 (jiān jǐng)

🎯 Location: On the shoulder directly above the nipple at the midpoint of the line connecting GV14 and acromion the at the highest point of the shoulder.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling – risk of pneumothorax. 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: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm, Kidney Deficiency, Depression

Study-reported

Cupping · 1 session

Did better than a waitlist

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2016/7358918 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. SI15, GB21 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2011/543291 ↗

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI16 · SI14 · SI15 · BL11 · TB15

LI16Great Bone

LI16 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 巨骨 (jù gǔ)

🎯 Location: In the upper aspect of the shoulder in the depression the between acromial extremity of the clavicle and scapular spine.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling due to risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Epilepsy, Goiter

SI14Outer Shoulder Point

SI14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩外俞 (jiān wài shū)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra where GV13 is located.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Wind, Shoulder Blade Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain

SI15Middle Shoulder Point

SI15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩中俞 (jiān zhōng shū)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (GV14).

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Shoulder Blade Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain

BL11Great Shuttle

BL11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大杼 (dà zhù)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV13 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Cough, Fever, Shortness of Breath, Knee Pain

TB15Heavenly Bone Hole

TB15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 天髎 (tiān liáo)

🎯 Location: Midway between GB21 and SI13 on the superior angle of the scapula.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Heat, Chest Fullness, Shoulder Pain, Pain

Study-reported

Needling · 12 sessions over 4 weeks

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1111/cns.14335 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. SI14, SI15 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2011/543291 ↗
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60 needles for this course · 1 box, $19.99

Protocol (4 points)

100%

SI14 · BL10 · BL42 · GB21

SI14Outer Shoulder Point

SI14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩外俞 (jiān wài shū)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra where GV13 is located.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Wind, Shoulder Blade Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain

BL10Celestial Pillar

BL10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 天柱 (tiān zhù)

🎯 Location: 1.3 thumb widths lateral to the midpoint of the posterior hairline and in the depression on the lateral aspect of the trapezius.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with vertebral artery.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Wind, Pain, Epilepsy, Nasal Congestion

BL42Door Of The Corporeal Soul

BL42 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 魄戶 (pò hù)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths lateral to the du mai at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra on the spinal border of the scapula.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling due to risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Fever, Shortness of Breath, Asthma

GB21Shoulder Well

GB21 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩井 (jiān jǐng)

🎯 Location: On the shoulder directly above the nipple at the midpoint of the line connecting GV14 and acromion the at the highest point of the shoulder.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling – risk of pneumothorax. 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: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm, Kidney Deficiency, Depression

Study-reported

Needling

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3390/medicina59122141 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. SI14, BL10, GB21 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1267952 ↗
Press Needles
1 box, $19.99

Protocol (14 points)

100%

LI04 · ST06 · ST07 · ST36 · SP06 · SI18 · SI19 · BL60 · TB17 · GB14 · GB20 · GB34 · LV03 · GV26

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

ST06Jaw Bone

ST06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頰車 (jiá chē)

🎯 Location: One finger breadth (middle finger) anterior & superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter is prominent when teeth are clenched & depressive when it is pressed.

⚠️ Cautions: Needle shallowly and obliquely; avoid the facial artery and deep needling into the joint capsule.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Pain, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop, Mumps

ST07Below The Arch

ST07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 下關 (xià guān)

🎯 Location: On the face anterior to the ear in the depression the between zygomatic arch and mandibular notch; point is located with mouth closed.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with temporal artery.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Swelling, Pain, Deafness, Deviation Eye

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

SP06Three Yin Intersection

SP06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 三陰交 (sān yīn jiāo)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus posterior to the medial border of the tibia.

⚠️ 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: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations, Abdominal Bloating

SI18Cheek Bone Hole

SI18 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 顴髎 (quán liáo)

🎯 Location: Directly below outer canthus in the depression on the lower border of the zygoma.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with facial nerve.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Heat, Wind, Swelling, Leg Pain

SI19Palace Of Hearing

SI19 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 聽宮 (tīng gōng)

🎯 Location: Anterior to the tragus and posterior to the condyloid process of the mandible in the depression the formed when mouth is open.

⚠️ Cautions: Needle with the mouth open, and avoid deep needling towards the tympanic membrane.

🛡️ Treats: Tinnitus, Deafness, Epilepsy, Voice Loss, Toothache

BL60Kunlun (Mountains)

BL60 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 崑崙 (kūn lún)

🎯 Location: In the depression the between tip of the external malleolus and achilles tendon.

⚠️ 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: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Heat, Chest Fullness, Abdominal Pain

TB17Hurricane

TB17 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 翳風 (yì fēng)

🎯 Location: Posterior to the lobule of the ear in the depression the between mandible and mastoid process.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution near facial nerve.

🛡️ Treats: Heat, Wind, Pain, Deviation Eye, Facial Droop

GB14Yang Bright

GB14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陽白 (yáng bái)

🎯 Location: On the forehead directly above the pupil, 1 thumb width directly above the midpoint of the eyebrow.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications for head points.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Wind, Pain, Chills, Deviation Eye

GB20Wind Pool

GB20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 風池 (fēng chí)

🎯 Location: In the depression the between upper portion of the scm and trapezius on the same level with GV16.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with vertebral artery; avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Stress, Fever, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Wind

GB34Yang Mound Spring

GB34 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陽陵泉 (yáng líng quán)

🎯 Location: In the depression the anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Knee Pain, Jaundice, Constipation, Vomiting

LV03Great Surge

LV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太衝 (tài chōng)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot in the depression the distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.

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

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Sweating

GV26Philtrum

GV26 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 水溝 (shuǐ gōu)

🎯 Location: At the junction of the upper ⅓ and middle ⅓ of the philtrum.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Jaundice, Depression, Wind, Chills

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, BL60, GB20 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.2147/JPR.S567154 ↗
Neck, Shoulder and Joints
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Points cited for Neck Chronic Pain

How often each point appears across the 25 entries ranked highest for Neck Chronic Pain. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • GB21Shoulder WellGallbladder Meridian14 of 25
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian11 of 25
  • BL10Celestial PillarBladder Meridian9 of 25
  • SI15Middle Shoulder PointSmall Intestine Meridian9 of 25
  • SI14Outer Shoulder PointSmall Intestine Meridian6 of 25
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian4 of 25
  • TB05Outer GateTriple Burner Meridian4 of 25
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 25
  • SI03Back StreamSmall Intestine Meridian3 of 25
  • BL42Door Of The Corporeal SoulBladder Meridian2 of 25
  • BL60Kunlun (Mountains)Bladder Meridian2 of 25
  • GV16Wind MansionGoverning Vessel2 of 25

Tested, no effect found

These studies tested the points below for Neck Chronic Pain and found no effect. They are not counted above.

SI03 · SI04 · SI09 · SI10 · SI11 · SI12 · SI14 · BL11 · BL12 · BL65 · TB14 · TB15 · TB16 · TB17 · GB21 – doi:10.1136/acupmed-2013-010410 – No better than another treatment

Registered, results not reported

These trials registered a protocol for Neck Chronic Pain and have not reported results. They are not counted above.

SI12 · SI14 · BL11 · BL12 · TB15 · GB21 – doi:10.1186/1745-6215-15-132

LI11 · HT07 · SI03 · SI15 · BL10 · BL65 · PC06 · TB03 · TB15 · GB20 · GB34 · GB39 · GB41 · CV14 – doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1027-y

SI15 – doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2009-1

BL10 · GB12 · GB20 · GB21 · GV14 · GV15 · GV16 – doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2418-1

HT07 · KD03 · GB12 · GV20 · XH03 · XH15 – doi:10.2147/JPR.S598575

HT07 · SI15 · BL10 · PC06 · TB15 · GB20 · CV14 – doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1027-y – Source prints CV14 among bilateral posterior-neck points; a bilateral neck point (e.g. GV14 region) is likely intended

LI17 · SI14 · TB16 · GB20 · GB21 · XB02C5 · XB02C7 – doi:10.1186/s13063-018-3058-9

How the studies delivered it

What the 17 studies behind the entries above ran, counted once per study. A record of the trials, not a recommendation.

  • Needling9 of 17
  • Acupressure2 of 17
  • Electroacupuncture2 of 17
  • Cupping1 of 17
  • Moxibustion1 of 17
  • Press needles1 of 17

Sessions: the 8 studies that gave a count ran a median of 9 (middle half 5 to 11).

Course: the 10 studies that gave a length ran a median of 4 weeks (middle half 12 days to 4 weeks).

After a treatment: what large safety surveys recorded, and which reactions need a doctor.

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