Acupuncture Points for Stress

9 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Stress:

Points cited for Stress

How often each point appears across the 11 entries ranked highest for Stress. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian7 of 11
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian6 of 11
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel4 of 11
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian4 of 11
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel3 of 11
  • HT07Spirit GateHeart Meridian3 of 11
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 11
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian3 of 11
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian3 of 11
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel2 of 11
  • CV12Stomach CentreConception Vessel2 of 11
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian2 of 11

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · SP06 · HT07 · PC06 · LV03 · CV06 · GV20

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:10.1186/1472-6882-13-308

Single-point entry

100%

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1155/2016/3925878

Protocol (5 points)

100%

ST08 · PC06 · GB08 · GB15 · GV20

Point 1 of 5

ST08Head Corner

ST08 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頭維 (tóu wéi)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the head, 0.5 thumb widths above the anterior hairline at the corner of the forehead & 4.5 thumb widths lateral to the midline of the head.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Shortness of Breath, Dizziness, Vomiting, Wind

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1186/s12906-025-05033-3

Protocol (6 points)

100%

LI11 · SI03 · KD01 · GB12 · GB21 · GV20

Point 1 of 6

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

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3390/ijerph18084199

Protocol (8 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · ST44 · SP06 · HT07 · PC06 · GB21 · LV03

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:10.1177/21649561211058076

Protocol (5 points)

100%

LI11 · ST36 · CV04 · CV06 · CV12

Point 1 of 5

LI11Pond At The Bend

LI11 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ 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

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.3390/healthcare11152182
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Using Acupoints for Stress

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

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