Acupuncture Points for Qi Deficiency

23 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Qi Deficiency:

Points cited for Qi Deficiency

How often each point appears across the 27 entries ranked highest for Qi Deficiency. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian20 of 27
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel12 of 27
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian11 of 27
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel10 of 27
  • BL20Spleen Shu PointBladder Meridian9 of 27
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel7 of 27
  • CV12Stomach CentreConception Vessel6 of 27
  • BL13Lung Shu PointBladder Meridian4 of 27
  • BL23Kidney Shu PointBladder Meridian4 of 27
  • KD03Great StreamKidney Meridian4 of 27
  • BL21Stomach Shu PointBladder Meridian3 of 27
  • CV17Chest CentreConception Vessel3 of 27

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (13 points)

100%

LI04 · LI10 · LI11 · LI15 · ST32 · ST36 · BL17 · BL60 · TB05 · GB34 · GB39 · CV04 · CV06

Point 1 of 13

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:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007080

Protocol (5 points)

100%

ST36 · PC08 · GB20 · CV06 · CV12

Point 1 of 5

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0660-y

Protocol (5 points)

100%

ST25 · CV04 · CV06 · CV08 · CV19

Point 1 of 5

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2022/5835569

Single-point entry

100%

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103184

Single-point entry

100%

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103184

Protocol (2 points)

100%

ST36 · CV04

Point 1 of 2

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103184
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Using Acupoints for Qi Deficiency

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 Qi Deficiency
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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