Acupuncture Points for Pain

33 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Pain:

Points cited for Pain

How often each point appears across the 50 entries ranked highest for Pain. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian21 of 50
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian15 of 50
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian12 of 50
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel7 of 50
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian6 of 50
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian6 of 50
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian6 of 50
  • TB05Outer GateTriple Burner Meridian6 of 50
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian5 of 50
  • ST06Jaw BoneStomach Meridian5 of 50
  • ST44Inner CourtStomach Meridian5 of 50
  • TB17HurricaneTriple Burner Meridian5 of 50

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (3 points)

100%

SP04 · PC06 · GV20

Point 1 of 3

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3748/wjg.v13.i40.5360

Protocol (7 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · SP06 · KD07 · PC05 · GB20 · GV14

Point 1 of 7

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:10.1177/0961203308093921

Protocol (6 points)

100%

LI11 · ST36 · SP06 · SP09 · TB05 · GV20

Point 1 of 6

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:10.1177/1534735409343446

Protocol (12 points)

100%

BL23 · BL24 · BL25 · BL26 · BL31 · BL32 · BL33 · BL34 · BL40 · BL57 · BL60 · GB30

Point 1 of 12

BL23Kidney Shu Point

BL23 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腎俞 (shèn yú)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV04 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Asthma, Tinnitus, Qi Deficiency

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1093/ecam/nep085

Single-point entry

100%

PC07Great Mound

PC07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大陵 (dà líng)

🎯 Location: In the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Fever, Anxiety, Palpitations, Jaundice

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1093/ecam/nep186

Single-point entry

100%

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:10.1093/ecam/nep186
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Using Acupoints for 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 Pain
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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