Acupuncture Points for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

53 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (6 points)

100%

BL18 · BL23 · CV03 · CV04 · CV09 · CV12

BL18Liver Shu Point

BL18 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肝俞 (gān shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV08 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Dizziness, Coughing Blood, Jaundice

BL23Kidney Shu Point

BL23 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腎俞 (shèn shū)

🎯 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

CV03Central Pivot

CV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中極 (zhōng jí)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 4 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. Empty the bladder before needling.

🛡️ Treats: Absent Periods, Back Pain, Pain, Damp, Edema

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

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

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

Needling · 36 sessions over 12 weeks

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1002/brb3.71129 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. BL23, CV03, CV04, CV12 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.3892/etm.2016.3715 ↗
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216 needles for this course · 3 boxes, $59.97

Protocol (15 points)

100%

LU07 · LI04 · ST28 · ST29 · ST36 · SP04 · SP06 · SP10 · KD06 · PC06 · LV03 · CV03 · CV04 · CV06 · XC01

LU07Interrupted Sequence

LU07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 列缺 (liè quē)

🎯 Location: Superior to the styloid process of the radius 1.5 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist between brachioradialis and tendon of the abductor policis longus.

⚠️ Cautions: Use with caution in patients with radial nerve sensitivity.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Cough, Fever, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm

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

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

ST29Return

ST29 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 歸來 (guī lái)

🎯 Location: 4 thumb widths below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV03.

⚠️ 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: Absent Periods, Swelling, Pain, Uterine Prolapse, Infertility

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

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

SP10Sea Of Blood

SP10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 血海 (xuè hǎi)

🎯 Location: When knee is flexed point is 2 thumb widths above the mediosuperior border of the patella on the bulge of the medial portion of the quadriceps femoris.

⚠️ 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: Knee Pain, Absent Periods, Blood Stagnation, Pain, Hives

KD06Shining Sea

KD06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 照海 (zhào hǎi)

🎯 Location: In the depression the below tip of the medial malleolus.

⚠️ 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: Heat Deficiency, Dizziness, Constipation, Chest Fullness, Abdominal Bloating

PC06Inner Gate

PC06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內關 (nèi guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in severe deficiency conditions.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Dizziness, Spleen Qi Deficiency

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

CV03Central Pivot

CV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中極 (zhōng jí)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 4 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. Empty the bladder before needling.

🛡️ Treats: Absent Periods, Back Pain, Pain, Damp, Edema

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

XC01Child Palace (Uterus)

XC01 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Extra Points: Chest & Abdomen

🇨🇳 Chinese: 子宮 (zǐ gōng)

🎯 Location: On the abdomen, 3 thumb widths lateral to the midline, level with zongji ren-3.

⚠️ Cautions: Contraindicated during pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Qi Deficiency, Pain, Uterine Prolapse, Infertility, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Study-reported

Needling + Electroacupuncture

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1002/hsr2.72673 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST29, ST36, SP06, LV03, CV04, CV06 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.3389/fmed.2026.1738629 ↗
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Protocol (15 points)

100%

LU07 · LI04 · ST28 · ST29 · ST36 · SP04 · SP06 · SP10 · KD06 · PC06 · LV03 · CV03 · CV04 · CV06 · XC01

LU07Interrupted Sequence

LU07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 列缺 (liè quē)

🎯 Location: Superior to the styloid process of the radius 1.5 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist between brachioradialis and tendon of the abductor policis longus.

⚠️ Cautions: Use with caution in patients with radial nerve sensitivity.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Cough, Fever, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm

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

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

ST29Return

ST29 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 歸來 (guī lái)

🎯 Location: 4 thumb widths below umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV03.

⚠️ 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: Absent Periods, Swelling, Pain, Uterine Prolapse, Infertility

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

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

SP10Sea Of Blood

SP10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 血海 (xuè hǎi)

🎯 Location: When knee is flexed point is 2 thumb widths above the mediosuperior border of the patella on the bulge of the medial portion of the quadriceps femoris.

⚠️ 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: Knee Pain, Absent Periods, Blood Stagnation, Pain, Hives

KD06Shining Sea

KD06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 照海 (zhào hǎi)

🎯 Location: In the depression the below tip of the medial malleolus.

⚠️ 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: Heat Deficiency, Dizziness, Constipation, Chest Fullness, Abdominal Bloating

PC06Inner Gate

PC06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 內關 (nèi guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths above the transverse crease of the wrist between tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in severe deficiency conditions.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Dizziness, Spleen Qi Deficiency

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

CV03Central Pivot

CV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中極 (zhōng jí)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 4 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. Empty the bladder before needling.

🛡️ Treats: Absent Periods, Back Pain, Pain, Damp, Edema

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

XC01Child Palace (Uterus)

XC01 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Extra Points: Chest & Abdomen

🇨🇳 Chinese: 子宮 (zǐ gōng)

🎯 Location: On the abdomen, 3 thumb widths lateral to the midline, level with zongji ren-3.

⚠️ Cautions: Contraindicated during pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Qi Deficiency, Pain, Uterine Prolapse, Infertility, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Study-reported

Needling + Electroacupuncture

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1002/hsr2.72673 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, ST29, ST36, SP06, LV03, CV04, CV06 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.3389/fmed.2026.1738629 ↗
Press Needles
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Protocol (6 points)

100%

CVC02 · CYC08 · CYC11 · IN02 · TF08 · TF10

CVC02Lung

CVC02 acupoint
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Click to enlarge

🗺️ Meridian: Auricular Points

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肺 (fèi)

🎯 Location: Occupies the lower area adjacent to the Heart area. Lower Lung is the Ipsilateral Lung.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in severe respiratory conditions.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Phlegm, Asthma, Pneumonia

CYC08Liver

CYC08 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

🗺️ Meridian: Auricular Points

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肝 (gān)

🎯 Location: In the lateral inferior area of the Cymba Conchae.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in acute hepatitis.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Neurosis, Hypertension, Vertex Headache, Facial Spasm

CYC11Kidney

CYC11 acupoint
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Click to enlarge

🗺️ Meridian: Auricular Points

🇨🇳 Chinese: 腎 (shèn)

🎯 Location: At the superanterior corner of Cymba Concha.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Absent Periods, Impotence, Indigestion, Ascites, Nephritis

IN02Ovary

IN02 acupoint
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Click to enlarge

🗺️ Meridian: Auricular Points

🇨🇳 Chinese: 卵巢 (luǎn cháo)

🎯 Location: On both ears, at the outer edge of the lateral portion of the intertragic notch.

⚠️ Cautions: Contraindicated during pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Absent Periods, Infertility, Adnexitis, Functional Metorrhagia, Ovarian Cysts

TF08Uterus (Female) / Male Internal Genital (Male)

TF08 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

🗺️ Meridian: Auricular Points

🇨🇳 Chinese: 子宮(女)/ 內生殖器(男) (zǐ gōng ( nǚ )/ nèi shēng zhí qì ( nán ))

🎯 Location: At the front edge of the depression in the Triangular Fossa.

⚠️ Cautions: Contraindicated during pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Absent Periods, Dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis, Leukorrhea, Endometrial Hyperplasia

TF10Shenmen

TF10 acupoint
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Click to enlarge

🗺️ Meridian: Auricular Points

🇨🇳 Chinese: 神門 (shén mén)

🎯 Location: At the midpoint between Pelvis and Hepatitis.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Pain, Inflammation, Restless Spirit, Emotional And Mental Disorders

Study-reported

Acupressure · a 90-day course

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.4103/abr.abr_111_23 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. CYC11, TF08 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
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Protocol (8 points)

100%

ST25 · ST36 · ST40 · SP06 · SP09 · SP10 · 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

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

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

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

SP10Sea Of Blood

SP10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 血海 (xuè hǎi)

🎯 Location: When knee is flexed point is 2 thumb widths above the mediosuperior border of the patella on the bulge of the medial portion of the quadriceps femoris.

⚠️ 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: Knee Pain, Absent Periods, Blood Stagnation, Pain, Hives

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

Electroacupuncture · 6 sessions over 3 weeks

Did better than sham needling

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1007/s11655-025-4216-z ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST25, ST36, ST40, SP09, SP10, CV06, CV12 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1007/s11655-020-3219-z ↗

Protocol (6 points)

100%

ST25 · SP06 · BL17 · BL32 · 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

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

BL17Diaphragm Shu Point

BL17 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 膈俞 (gé shū)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the GV09 at the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Shortness of Breath, Sweating, Dizziness

BL32Second Bone Hole

BL32 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 次髎 (cì liáo)

🎯 Location: On the sacrum medial and inferior to the posterior superior iliac spine just at the 2nd posterior sacral foramen.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in sacroiliac dysfunction.

🛡️ Treats: Constipation, Pain, Urinary Retention, Infertility, Sciatica

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

Electroacupuncture · a 90-day course

Did better than another treatment

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(13)60166-1 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST25, SP06, BL32, CV06, CV12 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1730714 ↗
AcuiQ Self-Treatment Guide
Acupressure you can do at home, every protocol traced to a trial. – $12.99, free updates for life

Related symptoms

Often treated alongside Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

Points cited for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

How often each point appears across the 50 entries ranked highest for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel38 of 50
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian35 of 50
  • XC01Child Palace (Uterus)Extra Points: Chest & Abdomen23 of 50
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel22 of 50
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian22 of 50
  • CV03Central PivotConception Vessel19 of 50
  • ST25Celestial PivotStomach Meridian19 of 50
  • CV12Stomach CentreConception Vessel17 of 50
  • BL23Kidney Shu PointBladder Meridian15 of 50
  • BL32Second Bone HoleBladder Meridian12 of 50
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian12 of 50
  • ST29ReturnStomach Meridian12 of 50

Tested, no effect found

These studies tested the points below for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and found no effect. They are not counted above.

ST36 · BL20 · BL23 · BL32 · CV06 · CV12 · XB03 – doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20190903-k0003 – No better than another treatment

ST29 · SP06 · KD12 · CV03 · CV04 – doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.2017.08.007 – No better than another treatment

BL18 · BL23 · CV03 · CV04 · CV09 · CV12 – doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.2016.11.015 – No better than another treatment – Flying needling alone vs clomiphene

Registered, results not reported

These trials registered a protocol for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and have not reported results. They are not counted above.

LI04 · ST27 · ST29 · ST33 · ST34 · ST36 · SP06 · SP10 · PC06 · LV03 · CV03 · CV06 · CV10 · CV12 – doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007757

SP06 · SP10 · BL17 · BL26 · KD03 · LV03 · CV03 · GV04 – doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1375-4

LI04 · ST29 · ST33 · ST34 · ST36 · SP06 · CV03 · CV12 – doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1854-2

ST27 · SP06 · SP10 · PC06 · LV03 · CV06 · CV10 – doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1854-2

ST25 · SP06 · CV04 – doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000008828

LI04 · ST25 · ST29 · SP06 · SP09 · BL32 · LV03 · CV04 · GV20 – doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000028674

LI04 · LI11 · ST25 · ST28 · ST36 · ST40 · SP06 · SP09 · KD07 · KD13 · GB34 · LV03 · CV03 · CV04 · CV06 · CV09 · CV12 – doi:10.1186/s40814-020-00591-4

ST29 · ST36 · SP06 · CV04 · XC01 – doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3667-y

LI04 · ST29 · ST33 · ST34 · ST36 · SP06 · CV03 · CV12 – doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007757 – Alternates with 1 other formula across sessions in this trial

ST27 · SP06 · SP10 · PC06 · LV03 · CV06 · CV10 – doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007757 – Alternates with 1 other formula across sessions in this trial

AT12 · CVC06 · CYC08 · CYC11 · IN01 · TF08 – doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027498

ST25 · ST40 · SP06 · SP09 · CV04 · CV06 · CV12 · XC01 – doi:10.1186/s13063-020-4154-1

ST25 · ST36 · ST40 · SP06 · CV03 · CV04 · CV06 · CV12 · XC01 – doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000019045

ST36 · SP06 · KD12 · KD16 · CV04 · CV12 · XC01 – doi:10.3389/fendo.2026.1893429 – Alternates with 1 other formula across sessions in this trial (Set A, supine)

BL23 · BL33 · KD03 – doi:10.3389/fendo.2026.1893429 – Alternates with 1 other formula across sessions in this trial (Set B, prone)

How the studies delivered it

What the 36 studies behind the entries above ran, counted once per study. A record of the trials, not a recommendation.

  • Needling20 of 36
  • Electroacupuncture19 of 36
  • Acupressure3 of 36
  • Moxibustion2 of 36
  • Thread embedding1 of 36

Sessions: the 15 studies that gave a count ran a median of 36 (middle half 16 to 36).

Course: the 18 studies that gave a length ran a median of 12 weeks (middle half 12 weeks to 90 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.