Acupuncture Points for Sarcopenia

6 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Sarcopenia

How often each point appears across the 6 entries ranked highest for Sarcopenia. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian5 of 6
  • ST32Crouching RabbitStomach Meridian4 of 6
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian3 of 6
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 6
  • LI14Upper Arm ProminenceLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 6
  • ST34Ridge MoundStomach Meridian3 of 6
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian2 of 6
  • LI10Arm Three MilesLarge Intestine Meridian2 of 6
  • ST41Dividing CleftStomach Meridian2 of 6
  • BL18Liver Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 6
  • BL23Kidney Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 6
  • BL25Large Intestine Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 6

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LI04 · LI10 · LI11 · LI14 · ST32 · ST34 · ST36 · ST41

Point 1 of 8

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:10.1186/s12906-024-04723-8

Protocol (4 points)

100%

ST31 · ST32 · ST36 · GB34

Point 1 of 4

ST31Thigh Gate

ST31 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 髀關 (bì guān)

🎯 Location: On the anterior side of the thigh on the line connecting asis and laterosuperior corner of the patella on the level of the inferior pubis symphasis when thigh is fixed in the depression the lateral to the sartorius.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth near femoral vessels.

🛡️ Treats: Jaundice, Pain, Thigh Pain, Sciatica, Lower Back Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000049033

Protocol (7 points)

100%

ST32 · ST34 · ST36 · SP06 · SP09 · KD03 · GB34

Point 1 of 7

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1002/jcsm.70345

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI11 · LI14 · ST36 · GB34

Point 1 of 4

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 lu5 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:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20221202-k0001

Protocol (5 points)

100%

BL18 · BL23 · BL25 · GV03 · GV04

Point 1 of 5

BL18Liver Shu Point

BL18 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肝俞 (gān yú)

🎯 Location: 1.5 thumb widths lateral to the du8 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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20231229-0002

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LI04 · LI10 · LI11 · LI14 · ST32 · ST34 · ST36 · ST41

Point 1 of 8

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:10.1186/s12906-024-04723-8
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Using Acupoints for Sarcopenia

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 Sarcopenia
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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