Acupuncture Points for Stiffness Neck

23 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (3 points)

100%

SI14 · SI15 · GB21

SI14Outer Shoulder Point

SI14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩外俞 (jiān wài shū)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra where GV13 is located.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Wind, Shoulder Blade Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain

SI15Middle Shoulder Point

SI15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩中俞 (jiān zhōng shū)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (GV14).

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling; risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Shoulder Blade Pain, Shoulder Pain, Pain

GB21Shoulder Well

GB21 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩井 (jiān jǐng)

🎯 Location: On the shoulder directly above the nipple at the midpoint of the line connecting GV14 and acromion the at the highest point of the shoulder.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling – risk of pneumothorax. 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: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm, Kidney Deficiency, Depression

Study-reported

Acupressure

Did better than a waitlist

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2011/543291 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. SI14, SI15, GB21 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2018.01.002 ↗
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Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI04 · LI10 · LI11

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

LI10Arm Three Miles

LI10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 手三里 (shǒu sān lǐ)

🎯 Location: On the line joining LI05 and LI11, 2 thumb widths below cubital crease.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in cases of local inflammation or injury.

🛡️ Treats: Diarrhea, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Pain, Facial Droop

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

Acupressure

Did better than a waitlist

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2011/543291 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LI10, LI11 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1330054 ↗
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Protocol (4 points)

100%

BL10 · GB20 · GB21 · GV16

BL10Celestial Pillar

BL10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 天柱 (tiān zhù)

🎯 Location: 1.3 thumb widths lateral to the midpoint of the posterior hairline and in the depression on the lateral aspect of the trapezius.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with vertebral artery.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Wind, Pain, Epilepsy, Nasal Congestion

GB20Wind Pool

GB20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 風池 (fēng chí)

🎯 Location: In the depression the between upper portion of the scm and trapezius on the same level with GV16.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with vertebral artery; avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Stress, Fever, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Wind

GB21Shoulder Well

GB21 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩井 (jiān jǐng)

🎯 Location: On the shoulder directly above the nipple at the midpoint of the line connecting GV14 and acromion the at the highest point of the shoulder.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling – risk of pneumothorax. 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: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm, Kidney Deficiency, Depression

GV16Wind Mansion

GV16 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 風府 (fēng fǔ)

🎯 Location: 1 thumb width directly above the midpoint of the posterior hairline directly below external occipital protuberance in the depression the between trapezius of the both sides.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution; proximity to foramen magnum.

🛡️ Treats: Stress, Heat Chest, Anxiety, Sweating, Dizziness

Study-reported

Acupressure · a 4-week course

Improved from baseline; no control group

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2016/4943204 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. BL10, GB20, GB21, GV16 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2018.01.002 ↗
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Protocol (4 points)

100%

ST24 · KD17 · CV04 · CV12

ST24Slippery Flesh Gate

ST24 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 滑肉門 (huá ròu mén)

🎯 Location: 1 thumb width above the umbilicus 2 thumb widths lateral to the CV09.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Phlegm, Depression, Vomiting, Upper Stomach Pain, Vomiting Blood

KD17Shang Bend

KD17 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 商曲 (shāng qū)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths above the umbilicus 0.5 thumb widths lateral to the CV10.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Constipation, Vomiting, Pain

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

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 · 6 sessions

Did better than sham needling

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0181360 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. CV04 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1330054 ↗
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Protocol (3 points)

100%

GB20 · GB21 · GV14

GB20Wind Pool

GB20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 風池 (fēng chí)

🎯 Location: In the depression the between upper portion of the scm and trapezius on the same level with GV16.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with vertebral artery; avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Stress, Fever, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Wind

GB21Shoulder Well

GB21 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩井 (jiān jǐng)

🎯 Location: On the shoulder directly above the nipple at the midpoint of the line connecting GV14 and acromion the at the highest point of the shoulder.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling – risk of pneumothorax. 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: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm, Kidney Deficiency, Depression

GV14Great Vertebra

GV14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 大椎 (dà zhuī)

🎯 Location: Below spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra approximately at the level of the shoulders.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with C7 vertebra.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Shortness of Breath, Weakness, Heat, Chest Fullness

Study-reported

Electroacupuncture · 28 sessions over 4 weeks

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000028540 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. GB20, GB21, GV14 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2018.01.002 ↗

Protocol (4 points)

100%

SI11 · BL10 · GB20 · GB21

SI11Heavenly Gathering

SI11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 天宗 (tiān zōng)

🎯 Location: On the scapula in the depression of the center of the subscapular fossa and at the level of the 4th thoracic vertebra.

⚠️ Cautions: Rule out fracture, dislocation and joint instability before needling, and do not needle into an acutely swollen joint or a haemarthrosis.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Qi Stagnation, Chest Fullness, Elbow Pain, Shoulder Blade Pain

BL10Celestial Pillar

BL10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 天柱 (tiān zhù)

🎯 Location: 1.3 thumb widths lateral to the midpoint of the posterior hairline and in the depression on the lateral aspect of the trapezius.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with vertebral artery.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Wind, Pain, Epilepsy, Nasal Congestion

GB20Wind Pool

GB20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 風池 (fēng chí)

🎯 Location: In the depression the between upper portion of the scm and trapezius on the same level with GV16.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with vertebral artery; avoid deep perpendicular needling.

🛡️ Treats: Stress, Fever, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Wind

GB21Shoulder Well

GB21 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩井 (jiān jǐng)

🎯 Location: On the shoulder directly above the nipple at the midpoint of the line connecting GV14 and acromion the at the highest point of the shoulder.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling – risk of pneumothorax. 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: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm, Kidney Deficiency, Depression

Study-reported

Needling · 10 sessions over 5 weeks

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3233/THC-228048 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. BL10, GB20, GB21 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1155/2016/4943204 ↗
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40 needles for this course · 1 box, $19.99
Neck, Shoulder and Joints
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Related symptoms

Often treated alongside Stiffness Neck:

Points cited for Stiffness Neck

How often each point appears across the 23 entries ranked highest for Stiffness Neck. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian12 of 23
  • GB21Shoulder WellGallbladder Meridian12 of 23
  • BL10Celestial PillarBladder Meridian10 of 23
  • GV14Great VertebraGoverning Vessel5 of 23
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian5 of 23
  • SI03Back StreamSmall Intestine Meridian4 of 23
  • SI14Outer Shoulder PointSmall Intestine Meridian4 of 23
  • GV16Wind MansionGoverning Vessel3 of 23
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 23
  • SI11Heavenly GatheringSmall Intestine Meridian3 of 23
  • SI15Middle Shoulder PointSmall Intestine Meridian3 of 23
  • TB05Outer GateTriple Burner Meridian3 of 23

Tested, no effect found

These studies tested the points below for Stiffness Neck and found no effect. They are not counted above.

SI03 · SI04 · SI09 · SI10 · SI11 · SI12 · SI14 · BL11 · BL12 · BL65 · TB14 · TB15 · TB16 · TB17 · GB21 – doi:10.1136/acupmed-2013-010410 – No better than another treatment

Registered, results not reported

These trials registered a protocol for Stiffness Neck and have not reported results. They are not counted above.

SI15 · TB03 · GV14 – doi:10.1186/1745-6215-13-107

SI14 · BL10 · BL42 · GB21 – doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-246

SI03 – doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006236

LI11 · TB05 – doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0623-3

LI11 · HT07 · SI03 · SI15 · BL10 · BL65 · PC06 · TB03 · TB15 · GB20 · GB34 · GB39 · GB41 · CV14 – doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1027-y

BL10 · GB12 · GB20 · GB21 · GV14 · GV15 · GV16 – doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2418-1

LI10 · SI03 · TB03 – doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080793

How the studies delivered it

What the 12 studies behind the entries above ran, counted once per study. A record of the trials, not a recommendation.

  • Needling7 of 12
  • Acupressure3 of 12
  • Electroacupuncture2 of 12

Sessions: the 6 studies that gave a count ran a median of 8 (middle half 4 to 24).

Course: the 6 studies that gave a length ran a median of 4 weeks (middle half 11 days to 30 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.