Acupuncture Points for Obesity Simple

29 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (33 points)

100%

LI04 · LI11 · ST21 · ST24 · ST25 · ST26 · ST27 · ST28 · ST32 · ST34 · ST36 · ST37 · ST39 · ST40 · ST44 · SP04 · SP06 · SP09 · SP14 · SP15 · SP16 · BL20 · BL21 · TB06 · GB26 · LV13 · CV04 · CV06 · CV07 · CV09 · CV10 · CV12 · CV13

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

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

ST21Ridge Gate

ST21 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 梁門 (liáng mén)

🎯 Location: 4 thumb widths above the umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV12.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in acute abdominal conditions.

🛡️ Treats: Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Qi Deficiency, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

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

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

ST26Outer Mound

ST26 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 外陵 (wài líng)

🎯 Location: 1 thumb width below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV07.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Abdominal Bloating, Abdominal Pain, Absent Periods, Pain, Shan Disorder

ST27Great Bulge

ST27 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大巨 (dà jù)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV05.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Palpitations, Insomnia, Urinary Retention, Agitation, Fullness

ST28Waterway

ST28 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 水道 (shuǐ dào)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV04.

⚠️ 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: Constipation, Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Edema, Urinary Retention

ST32Crouching Rabbit

ST32 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 伏兔 (fú tù)

🎯 Location: On the line connecting asis and lateral border of the patella 6 thumb widths above the laterosuperior border of the patella.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Knee Pain, Common Cold, Pain, Lower Back Pain, Channel Stagnation

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

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

ST37Upper Great Hollow

ST37 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 上巨虛 (shàng jù xū)

🎯 Location: 6 thumb widths below ST35, 1 finger breadth (middle finger) from anterior border of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Spleen Weakness, Stomach Weakness, Common Cold

ST39Lower Great Hollow

ST39 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 下巨虛 (xià jù xū)

🎯 Location: 9 thumb widths below ST35, 1 finger breadth (middle finger) from anterior border of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Pain, Breast Abscess, Dysentery, Pharyngitis

ST40Abundant Bulge

ST40 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 豐隆 (fēng lóng)

🎯 Location: 8 thumb widths superior to the tip of the external malleolus, lateral to the ST38 about 2 finger breadth (middle finger) lateral to the anterior border of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

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

ST44Inner Court

ST44 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內庭 (nèi tíng)

🎯 Location: Proximal to the web margin the between 2nd and 3rd toes in the depression the distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Anticoagulant therapy or a coagulopathy raises the risk of haematoma at the needling site – apply prolonged pressure on withdrawal. The precaution governs technique; bleeding disorders remain a treatable indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Constipation, Abdominal Pain

SP04Grandfather Grandson

SP04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 公孫 (gōng sūn)

🎯 Location: In the depression the distal and inferior to the base of the 1st metatarsal bone at the junction of the red and white skin.

⚠️ Cautions: Contraindicated during pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Jaundice, Depression, Vomiting, Abdominal Bloating

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

SP09Yin Mound Spring

SP09 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陰陵泉 (yīn líng quán)

🎯 Location: On the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia in the depression the posterior and inferior to the medial condyle of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in cases of knee inflammation.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Fever, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Jaundice

SP14Abdominal Bind

SP14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腹結 (fù jié)

🎯 Location: 13 thumb widths below SP15, 4 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline, on the lateral side of the rectus abdominis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Constipation, Abdominal Bloating, Dysentery

SP15Great Horizontal

SP15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大橫 (dà héng)

🎯 Location: 4 thumb widths lateral to the center of the umbilicus lateral to the rectus abdominis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Common Cold, Constipation, Qi Stagnation, Damp

SP16Abdominal Lament

SP16 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腹哀 (fù āi)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths above the center of the umbilicus, 4 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Constipation, Dysentery, Pain Around Navel, Blood in Stool, Undigested Food in Stool

BL20Spleen Shu Point

BL20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 脾俞 (pí shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV06 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Spleen Qi Deficiency

BL21Stomach Shu Point

BL21 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 胃俞 (wèi shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the du mai at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Jaundice, Vomiting

TB06Branch Ditch

TB06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 支溝 (zhī gōu)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist on the line connecting TB04 and tip of the olecranon the between radius and ulna on the radial side of the extensor digitorum.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Tinnitus, Constipation, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain

GB26Girdle Vessel

GB26 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 帶脈 (dài mài)

🎯 Location: Directly below lr13 (zhangmen) at the crossing point of the vertical line through free end of the 11th rib and horizontal line through umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Pain, Channel Stagnation, Period / Menstruation Irregular, Vaginal Discharge, Regulate Damp

LV13Bright Gate

LV13 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 章門 (zhāng mén)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the abdomen below free end of the 11th rib.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling; caution with spleen.

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

CV04Original Qi Gate

CV04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 關元 (guān yuán)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 3 thumb widths below umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication. Bleeding in pregnancy requires obstetric assessment.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Kidney Deficiency

CV06Sea Of Qi

CV06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 氣海 (qì hǎi)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 1.5 thumb widths below umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Constipation, Yang Weakness, Abdominal Bloating

CV07Yin Intersection

CV07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陰交 (yīn jiāo)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 1 thumb width below umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Knee Pain, Constipation, Abdominal Pain, Absent Periods

CV09Water Separation

CV09 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 水分 (shuǐ fēn)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 1 thumb width above the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Edema, Stomach Deficiency, Breathing Problems, Heart Pain

CV10Lower Stomach

CV10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 下脘 (xià wǎn)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 2 thumb widths above the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Upper Stomach Pain, Nausea, Food Stagnation, Abdominal Fullness, Urine Dark

CV12Stomach Centre

CV12 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中脘 (zhōng wǎn)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 4 thumb widths above the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: 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, Shortness of Breath, Common Cold, Depression

CV13Upper Stomach

CV13 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 上脘 (shàng wǎn)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 5 thumb widths above the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Phlegm, Palpitations, Jaundice, Heat, Vomiting

Study-reported

Electroacupuncture

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2020/2367610 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LI11, ST24, ST25, ST27, ST32, ST34, ST36, ST40, SP04, SP06, SP15, BL20, BL21, CV04, CV06, CV10, CV12 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(08)60033-3 ↗

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · ST44

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

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

ST44Inner Court

ST44 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內庭 (nèi tíng)

🎯 Location: Proximal to the web margin the between 2nd and 3rd toes in the depression the distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Anticoagulant therapy or a coagulopathy raises the risk of haematoma at the needling site – apply prolonged pressure on withdrawal. The precaution governs technique; bleeding disorders remain a treatable indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Tinnitus, Common Cold, Constipation, Abdominal Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2022/7252213 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST36, ST44 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2020/2367610 ↗

Protocol (12 points)

100%

LI04 · LI11 · ST25 · ST28 · ST36 · SP06 · SP14 · TB06 · GB26 · LV03 · CV06 · CV12

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

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

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

ST28Waterway

ST28 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 水道 (shuǐ dào)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV04.

⚠️ 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: Constipation, Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Edema, Urinary Retention

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

SP14Abdominal Bind

SP14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腹結 (fù jié)

🎯 Location: 13 thumb widths below SP15, 4 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline, on the lateral side of the rectus abdominis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Constipation, Abdominal Bloating, Dysentery

TB06Branch Ditch

TB06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 支溝 (zhī gōu)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist on the line connecting TB04 and tip of the olecranon the between radius and ulna on the radial side of the extensor digitorum.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Tinnitus, Constipation, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain

GB26Girdle Vessel

GB26 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 帶脈 (dài mài)

🎯 Location: Directly below lr13 (zhangmen) at the crossing point of the vertical line through free end of the 11th rib and horizontal line through umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Pain, Channel Stagnation, Period / Menstruation Irregular, Vaginal Discharge, Regulate Damp

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

CV06Sea Of Qi

CV06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 氣海 (qì hǎi)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 1.5 thumb widths below umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Constipation, Yang Weakness, Abdominal Bloating

CV12Stomach Centre

CV12 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中脘 (zhōng wǎn)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 4 thumb widths above the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: 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, Shortness of Breath, Common Cold, Depression

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.27253/d.cnki.gnjzu.2025.000776 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LI11, ST25, ST28, ST36, SP06, SP14, TB06, GB26, CV06, CV12 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2020/2367610 ↗

Protocol (2 points)

100%

CV06 · CV12

CV06Sea Of Qi

CV06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 氣海 (qì hǎi)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 1.5 thumb widths below umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Constipation, Yang Weakness, Abdominal Bloating

CV12Stomach Centre

CV12 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中脘 (zhōng wǎn)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 4 thumb widths above the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: 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, Shortness of Breath, Common Cold, Depression

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.27253/d.cnki.gnjzu.2024.000762 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. CV06, CV12 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2020/2367610 ↗

Protocol (4 points)

100%

ST25 · CV04 · CV06 · CV12

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

CV04Original Qi Gate

CV04 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 關元 (guān yuán)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 3 thumb widths below umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication. Bleeding in pregnancy requires obstetric assessment.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Kidney Deficiency

CV06Sea Of Qi

CV06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 氣海 (qì hǎi)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 1.5 thumb widths below umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Constipation, Yang Weakness, Abdominal Bloating

CV12Stomach Centre

CV12 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中脘 (zhōng wǎn)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 4 thumb widths above the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: 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, Shortness of Breath, Common Cold, Depression

Study-reported

Moxibustion · 20 sessions

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20250113-k0003 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST25, CV04, CV06, CV12 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2020/2367610 ↗

Protocol (12 points)

100%

BL25 · BL26 · BL27 · BL28 · BL30 · KD03 · KD11 · KD12 · KD13 · KD14 · KD15 · TB06

BL25Large Intestine Shu Point

BL25 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大腸俞 (dà cháng shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV03 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Common Cold, Constipation, Abdominal Bloating, Abdominal Pain

BL26Original Qi Gate Shu Point

BL26 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 關元俞 (guān yuán shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the du mai at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th lumbar vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Constipation, Abdominal Bloating, Lower Back Pain, Bedwetting

BL27Small Intestine Shu Point

BL27 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 小腸俞 (xiǎo cháng shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the du mai at the level of the 1st posterior sacral foramen.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Constipation, Dysentery, Urinary Retention, Hemorrhoids

BL28Bladder Shu Point

BL28 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 膀胱俞 (páng guāng shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the du mai at the level of the 2nd posterior sacral foramen.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Qi Deficiency, Constipation, Abdominal Pain, Swelling

BL30White Ring Shu Point

BL30 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 白環俞 (bái huán shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the du mai at the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

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

KD03Great Stream

KD03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太谿 (tài xī)

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

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Heat Deficiency, Asthma

KD11Pubic Bone

KD11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 橫骨 (héng gǔ)

🎯 Location: 5 thumb widths below umbilicus on the superior border of the symphysis pubis 0.5 thumb widths lateral to the CV02.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid needling over the gravid uterus after the first trimester; where used in pregnancy, needle shallowly and only on a clear obstetric indication.

🛡️ Treats: Abdominal Pain, Rectal Prolapse, Uterine Prolapse, Urinary Retention, Benefit Digestion

KD12Great Manifestation

KD12 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大赫 (dà hè)

🎯 Location: 4 thumb widths below umbilicus 0.5 thumb widths lateral to the CV03.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Deficiency, Uterine Prolapse, Penis Pain, Genital Pain, Eye Canthus Medial Redness

KD13Qi Hole

KD13 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 氣穴 (qì xué)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths below umbilicus 0.5 thumb widths lateral to the CV04.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Abdominal Pain, Absent Periods, Lower Back Pain, Urinary Problems, Diarrhoea Persistent

KD14Fourfold Fullness

KD14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 四滿 (sì mǎn)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths below umbilicus 0.5 thumb widths lateral to the CV05.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Abdominal Pain, Absent Periods, Blood Stagnation, Uterine Prolapse, Urinary Problems

KD15Central Flow

KD15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中注 (zhōng zhù)

🎯 Location: 1 thumb width below umbilicus 0.5 thumb widths lateral to the CV07.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Stools Dry, Constipation, Abdominal Pain, Dysentery

TB06Branch Ditch

TB06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 支溝 (zhī gōu)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist on the line connecting TB04 and tip of the olecranon the between radius and ulna on the radial side of the extensor digitorum.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Tinnitus, Constipation, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(08)60033-3 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. TB06 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2020/2367610 ↗
AcuiQ Self-Treatment Guide
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Points cited for Obesity Simple

How often each point appears across the 29 entries ranked highest for Obesity Simple. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • ST25Celestial PivotStomach Meridian19 of 29
  • CV12Stomach CentreConception Vessel14 of 29
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian14 of 29
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian12 of 29
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel9 of 29
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel9 of 29
  • SP04Grandfather GrandsonSpleen Meridian8 of 29
  • ST40Abundant BulgeStomach Meridian8 of 29
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian6 of 29
  • SP09Yin Mound SpringSpleen Meridian6 of 29
  • ST34Ridge MoundStomach Meridian6 of 29
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian5 of 29

Tested, no effect found

These studies tested the points below for Obesity Simple and found no effect. They are not counted above.

ST25 · ST36 · ST40 · SP06 · CV04 · CVC06 · CVC09 · CYC01 · CYC05 · IN01 · TF10 – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – No better than another treatment

ST25 · SP06 · CV04 · CVC06 · IN01 · TF10 – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – No better than another treatment

CV04 · CV06 · CV12 – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – No better than another treatment

CV03 · CV04 · CV06 – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – No better than another treatment

ST25 · ST36 · SP15 · CV04 · CV06 · CV09 · CV12 – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – No better than another treatment – Catgut-embedding arm

ST25 · ST28 · ST36 · ST40 · SP06 · SP09 · SP15 · TB06 · GB26 · CV12 – doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.170768 – No better than another treatment

ST25 · ST34 · ST40 · CV09 · CV12 – CHEN Feng et al.. Effect of Acupoint Catgut Embedding on TNF-α and Insulin Resistance in Simple Obesity Patients. 针刺研究, 2007 – No better than another treatment

Registered, results not reported

These trials registered a protocol for Obesity Simple and have not reported results. They are not counted above.

ST25 · ST36 · BL20 · BL23 · CV12 – doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000023758

How the studies delivered it

What the 11 studies behind the entries above ran, counted once per study. A record of the trials, not a recommendation.

  • Needling4 of 11
  • Electroacupuncture2 of 11
  • Moxibustion2 of 11

Course: the 3 studies that gave a length ran a median of 10 weeks (middle half 50 days to 80 days).

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

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