Acupuncture Points for Spinal Stenosis

4 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Spinal Stenosis

How often each point appears across the 4 entries ranked highest for Spinal Stenosis. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian3 of 4
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian3 of 4
  • BL23Kidney Shu PointBladder Meridian2 of 4
  • BL40Middle Of The CreaseBladder Meridian2 of 4
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian2 of 4
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian2 of 4
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian2 of 4
  • BL25Large Intestine Shu PointBladder Meridian1 of 4
  • BL57Mountain SupportBladder Meridian1 of 4
  • GB30Jumping CircleGallbladder Meridian1 of 4
  • GB31Wind MarketGallbladder Meridian1 of 4
  • GB39Suspended BellGallbladder Meridian1 of 4

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (4 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · GB31 · LV03

Point 1 of 4

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:10.2147/ijgm.s3670

Protocol (4 points)

100%

ST36 · SP06 · PC06 · LV03

Point 1 of 4

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/s12871-022-01875-3

Protocol (5 points)

100%

BL23 · BL25 · BL40 · GB30 · GB34

Point 1 of 5

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:10.3831/KPI.2019.22.025

Protocol (14 points)

90%

LI04 · LI11 · ST36 · SP06 · SP09 · SI03 · BL23 · BL40 · BL57 · TB03 · TB05 · GB34 · GB39 · LV03

Point 1 of 14

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

Text or case report

Point selection recorded in a clinical text or case report.

Acupuncture for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01987622
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Using Acupoints for Spinal Stenosis

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 Spinal Stenosis
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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