Acupuncture Points for Traumatic Brain Injury

35 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (13 points)

100%

LI04 · LI11 · LI14 · LI15 · ST36 · ST38 · ST41 · SP06 · KD03 · TB05 · GB34 · MS06 · MS07

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

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

LI14Upper Arm Prominence

LI14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 臂臑 (bì nào)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the upper arm on the line connecting LI11 and LI15, 7 thumb widths above the LI11 at the insertion of the deltoid muscle.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth to avoid nerve damage.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Redness, Swelling, Pain, Goiter

LI15Shoulder And Clavicle

LI15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩髃 (jiān yú)

🎯 Location: Anteroinferior to the acromion on the upper portion of the deltoid muscle; when arm is in the full abduction the point is in the depression the appearing at the anterior border of the acromioclavicular joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling due to risk of pneumothorax; caution in shoulder injuries.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Goiter, Hemiplegia

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

ST38Ribbon Opening

ST38 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 條口 (tiáo kǒu)

🎯 Location: 8 thumb widths below ST35, 1 finger breadth (middle finger) from anterior border of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Common Cold, Abdominal Pain, Numbness, Swelling, Pain

ST41Dividing Cleft

ST41 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 解谿 (jiě xī)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot at the midpoint of the transverse crease of the ankle joint in the depression the between tendons of the extensor digitorum longus and hallucis longus approximately at the level of the tip of the external malleolus.

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

🛡️ Treats: Knee Pain, Dizziness, Palpitations, Constipation, Abdominal Bloating

SP06Three Yin Intersection

SP06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 三陰交 (sān yīn jiāo)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus posterior to the medial border of the tibia.

⚠️ 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: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations, Abdominal Bloating

KD03Great Stream

KD03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太谿 (tài xī)

🎯 Location: In the depression the between tip of the medial malleolus and achilles tendon.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Heat Deficiency, Asthma

TB05Outer Gate

TB05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 外關 (wài guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist on the line connecting TB04 and tip of the olecranon the between radius and ulna.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Sweating, Kidney Deficiency, Dizziness, Tinnitus

GB34Yang Mound Spring

GB34 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陽陵泉 (yáng líng quán)

🎯 Location: In the depression the anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Knee Pain, Jaundice, Constipation, Vomiting

MS06Anterior Oblique Line of Vertex-Temporal

MS06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Scalp Lines

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頂顳前斜線 (dǐng niè qián xié xiàn)

🎯 Location: From Qianshencong (1 cun anterior to GV20) obliquely to GB06 Xuanli, crossing the bladder and gallbladder meridians.

MS07Posterior Oblique Line of Vertex-Temporal

MS07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Scalp Lines

🇨🇳 Chinese: 頂顳後斜線 (dǐng niè hòu xié xiàn)

🎯 Location: From GV20 Baihui obliquely to GB07 Qubin.

Study-reported

Needling + Electroacupuncture

Improved from baseline; no control group

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.069 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LI11, LI14, LI15, SP06, TB05 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
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1 box, $19.99

Protocol (7 points)

100%

LU11 · LI01 · HT09 · SI01 · PC09 · TB01 · GV26

LU11Lesser Metal

LU11 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 少商 (shào shāng)

🎯 Location: On the radial side of the thumb about 0.1 thumb width posterior to the corner of the nail.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders; caution with depth.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Sweating, Common Cold, Heat

LI01Metal Yang

LI01 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 商陽 (shāng yáng)

🎯 Location: On the radial side of the index finger about 0.1 thumb width posterior to the corner of the nail.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders; contraindicated in serious infections of finger.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Tinnitus, Heat, Chest Fullness

HT09Lesser Surge

HT09 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Heart Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 少衝 (shào chōng)

🎯 Location: On the radial side of the little finger about 0.1 thumb width from corner of the nail.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Palpitations, Jaundice, Qi Deficiency, Heat

SI01Lesser Marsh

SI01 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 少澤 (shào zé)

🎯 Location: On the ulnar side of the little finger about 0.1 thumb width from corner of the nail.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Fever, Dizziness, Tinnitus

PC09Central Surge

PC09 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Pericardium Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中衝 (zhōng chōng)

🎯 Location: In the center of the tip of the middle finger.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Diarrhea, Tinnitus, Heat, Vomiting

TB01Surge Gate

TB01 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 關衝 (guān chōng)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the ring finger about 0.1 thumb width from corner of the nail.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders.

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

GV26Philtrum

GV26 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 水溝 (shuǐ gōu)

🎯 Location: At the junction of the upper ⅓ and middle ⅓ of the philtrum.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Jaundice, Depression, Wind, Chills

Study-reported

Needling · 9 sessions over 3 weeks

Improved from baseline; no control group

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1089/acm.2012.0163 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. GV26 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000021218 ↗
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63 needles for this course · 1 box, $19.99

Protocol (5 points)

100%

GV20 · XH01A · XH01B · XH01C · XH01D

GV20100 Convergences

GV20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 百會 (bǎi huì)

🎯 Location: On the midline of the head 5 thumb widths directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline approximately on the midpoint of the line connecting apex of the ears.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Palpitations, Jaundice, Qi Deficiency

XH01AFour Spirit Brightness

XH01A acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Extra Points: Head

🇨🇳 Chinese: 四神聰 (sì shén cōng)

🎯 Location: Four points at the vertex of the scalp, grouped around baihui du-20 & located 1 thumb width anterior, posterior & lateral to the it.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Depression, Wind, Deafness, Epilepsy

XH01BFour Spirit Brightness

XH01B acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Extra Points: Head

🇨🇳 Chinese: 四神聰 (sì shén cōng)

🎯 Location: Four points at the vertex of the scalp, grouped around baihui du-20 & located 1 thumb width anterior, posterior & lateral to the it.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Depression, Wind, Deafness, Epilepsy

XH01CFour Spirit Brightness

XH01C acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Extra Points: Head

🇨🇳 Chinese: 四神聰 (sì shén cōng)

🎯 Location: Four points at the vertex of the scalp, grouped around baihui du-20 & located 1 thumb width anterior, posterior & lateral to the it.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Depression, Wind, Deafness, Epilepsy

XH01DFour Spirit Brightness

XH01D acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Extra Points: Head

🇨🇳 Chinese: 四神聰 (sì shén cōng)

🎯 Location: Four points at the vertex of the scalp, grouped around baihui du-20 & located 1 thumb width anterior, posterior & lateral to the it.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Depression, Wind, Deafness, Epilepsy

Study-reported

Needling · a 90-day course

Did better than usual care

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20191205-0002 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. GV20, XH01A, XH01B, XH01C, XH01D also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000021218 ↗
Press Needles
1 box, $19.99

Protocol (11 points)

100%

LI04 · LI11 · LI14 · LI15 · SP06 · SP09 · SP10 · PC06 · TB05 · GB31 · LV03

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

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

LI14Upper Arm Prominence

LI14 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 臂臑 (bì nào)

🎯 Location: On the lateral side of the upper arm on the line connecting LI11 and LI15, 7 thumb widths above the LI11 at the insertion of the deltoid muscle.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution with depth to avoid nerve damage.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Redness, Swelling, Pain, Goiter

LI15Shoulder And Clavicle

LI15 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Large Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 肩髃 (jiān yú)

🎯 Location: Anteroinferior to the acromion on the upper portion of the deltoid muscle; when arm is in the full abduction the point is in the depression the appearing at the anterior border of the acromioclavicular joint.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep perpendicular needling due to risk of pneumothorax; caution in shoulder injuries.

🛡️ Treats: Wind, Shoulder Pain, Pain, Goiter, Hemiplegia

SP06Three Yin Intersection

SP06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 三陰交 (sān yīn jiāo)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus posterior to the medial border of the tibia.

⚠️ 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: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations, Abdominal Bloating

SP09Yin Mound Spring

SP09 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 陰陵泉 (yīn líng quán)

🎯 Location: On the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia in the depression the posterior and inferior to the medial condyle of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in cases of knee inflammation.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Fever, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Jaundice

SP10Sea Of Blood

SP10 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 血海 (xuè hǎi)

🎯 Location: When knee is flexed point is 2 thumb widths above the mediosuperior border of the patella on the bulge of the medial portion of the quadriceps femoris.

⚠️ Cautions: Anticoagulant therapy or a coagulopathy raises the risk of haematoma at the needling site – apply prolonged pressure on withdrawal. The precaution governs technique; bleeding disorders remain a treatable indication.

🛡️ Treats: Knee Pain, Absent Periods, Blood Stagnation, Pain, Hives

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

TB05Outer Gate

TB05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Triple Burner Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 外關 (wài guān)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist on the line connecting TB04 and tip of the olecranon the between radius and ulna.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Sweating, Kidney Deficiency, Dizziness, Tinnitus

GB31Wind Market

GB31 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 風市 (fēng shì)

🎯 Location: On the midline of the lateral aspect of the thigh, 7 thumb widths above the transverse popliteal crease; when patient is standing erect with hands close to the sides, point is where tip of the middle finger touches.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Knee Pain, Wind, Pain, Hives, Sciatica

LV03Great Surge

LV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太衝 (tài chōng)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot in the depression the distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.

⚠️ Cautions: Monitor blood pressure and avoid strong stimulation where hypertension is uncontrolled or unstable; hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Sweating

Study-reported

Needling · a 10-week course

Did better than usual care

Point selection reported in a published study.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
Corroborated by a second study. LI04, LI11, LI14, LI15, SP06, TB05 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.069 ↗
Press Needles
1 box, $19.99

Protocol (12 points)

100%

ST36 · SP06 · PC06 · GB20 · LV03 · GV14 · GV20 · GV26 · XH01A · XH01B · XH01C · XH01D

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

SP06Three Yin Intersection

SP06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 三陰交 (sān yīn jiāo)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus posterior to the medial border of the tibia.

⚠️ 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: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations, Abdominal Bloating

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

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

LV03Great Surge

LV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太衝 (tài chōng)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot in the depression the distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.

⚠️ Cautions: Monitor blood pressure and avoid strong stimulation where hypertension is uncontrolled or unstable; hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Sweating

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

GV20100 Convergences

GV20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 百會 (bǎi huì)

🎯 Location: On the midline of the head 5 thumb widths directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline approximately on the midpoint of the line connecting apex of the ears.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Palpitations, Jaundice, Qi Deficiency

GV26Philtrum

GV26 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 水溝 (shuǐ gōu)

🎯 Location: At the junction of the upper ⅓ and middle ⅓ of the philtrum.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Jaundice, Depression, Wind, Chills

XH01AFour Spirit Brightness

XH01A acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Extra Points: Head

🇨🇳 Chinese: 四神聰 (sì shén cōng)

🎯 Location: Four points at the vertex of the scalp, grouped around baihui du-20 & located 1 thumb width anterior, posterior & lateral to the it.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Depression, Wind, Deafness, Epilepsy

XH01BFour Spirit Brightness

XH01B acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Extra Points: Head

🇨🇳 Chinese: 四神聰 (sì shén cōng)

🎯 Location: Four points at the vertex of the scalp, grouped around baihui du-20 & located 1 thumb width anterior, posterior & lateral to the it.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Depression, Wind, Deafness, Epilepsy

XH01CFour Spirit Brightness

XH01C acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Extra Points: Head

🇨🇳 Chinese: 四神聰 (sì shén cōng)

🎯 Location: Four points at the vertex of the scalp, grouped around baihui du-20 & located 1 thumb width anterior, posterior & lateral to the it.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Depression, Wind, Deafness, Epilepsy

XH01DFour Spirit Brightness

XH01D acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Extra Points: Head

🇨🇳 Chinese: 四神聰 (sì shén cōng)

🎯 Location: Four points at the vertex of the scalp, grouped around baihui du-20 & located 1 thumb width anterior, posterior & lateral to the it.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Dizziness, Depression, Wind, Deafness, Epilepsy

Study-reported

Needling

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000021218 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, SP06, PC06, GB20, LV03, GV20, GV26 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000028959 ↗
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Protocol (12 points)

100%

LI04 · ST36 · ST40 · SP06 · KD07 · PC06 · GB20 · GB39 · LV03 · CV09 · GV20 · GV26

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

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

ST40Abundant Bulge

ST40 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 豐隆 (fēng lóng)

🎯 Location: 8 thumb widths superior to the tip of the external malleolus, lateral to the ST38 about 2 finger breadth (middle finger) lateral to the anterior border of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Phlegm, Asthma

SP06Three Yin Intersection

SP06 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Spleen Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 三陰交 (sān yīn jiāo)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus posterior to the medial border of the tibia.

⚠️ 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: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations, Abdominal Bloating

KD07Returning Flow

KD07 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Kidney Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 復溜 (fù liū)

🎯 Location: 2 thumb widths directly above the KD03 on the anterior border of the achilles tendon.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Fullness, Damp, Edema, Cough Pus

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

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

GB39Suspended Bell

GB39 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Gallbladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 懸鐘 (xuán zhōng)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths above the tip of the external malleolus on the anterior border of the fibula.

⚠️ Cautions: Contraindicated during pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Anxiety, Knee Pain, Dizziness, Heat

LV03Great Surge

LV03 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Liver Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 太衝 (tài chōng)

🎯 Location: On the dorsum of the foot in the depression the distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.

⚠️ Cautions: Monitor blood pressure and avoid strong stimulation where hypertension is uncontrolled or unstable; hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Shortness of Breath, Sweating

CV09Water Separation

CV09 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Conception Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 水分 (shuǐ fēn)

🎯 Location: On the anterior midline 1 thumb width above the umbilicus.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in pregnancy.

🛡️ Treats: Chest Pain, Edema, Stomach Deficiency, Breathing Problems, Heart Pain

GV20100 Convergences

GV20 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 百會 (bǎi huì)

🎯 Location: On the midline of the head 5 thumb widths directly above the midpoint of the anterior hairline approximately on the midpoint of the line connecting apex of the ears.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Palpitations, Jaundice, Qi Deficiency

GV26Philtrum

GV26 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Governing Vessel

🇨🇳 Chinese: 水溝 (shuǐ gōu)

🎯 Location: At the junction of the upper ⅓ and middle ⅓ of the philtrum.

⚠️ Cautions: No specific contraindications.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Jaundice, Depression, Wind, Chills

Study-reported

Needling

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000028959 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, SP06, PC06, GB20, LV03, GV20, GV26 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000021218 ↗
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Related symptoms

Often treated alongside Traumatic Brain Injury:

Points cited for Traumatic Brain Injury

How often each point appears across the 35 entries ranked highest for Traumatic Brain Injury. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian15 of 35
  • GV20100 ConvergencesGoverning Vessel14 of 35
  • GV26PhiltrumGoverning Vessel13 of 35
  • PC06Inner GatePericardium Meridian12 of 35
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian12 of 35
  • LI11Pond At The BendLarge Intestine Meridian10 of 35
  • SP06Three Yin IntersectionSpleen Meridian10 of 35
  • GB34Yang Mound SpringGallbladder Meridian7 of 35
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian7 of 35
  • GB20Wind PoolGallbladder Meridian6 of 35
  • HT07Spirit GateHeart Meridian6 of 35
  • KD07Returning FlowKidney Meridian5 of 35

Tested, no effect found

These studies tested the points below for Traumatic Brain Injury and found no effect. They are not counted above.

ST36 · CV12 – doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.2095-4352.2018.06.012 – No better than another treatment

Registered, results not reported

These trials registered a protocol for Traumatic Brain Injury and have not reported results. They are not counted above.

SP06 · PC06 · GV26 – doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016587

PC06 · GV26 – doi:10.1186/s13063-018-2687-3

LI11 · SP06 · SP10 · PC06 · GB20 · GV20 · GV26 · XH01A · XH01B · XH01C · XH01D – doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000022056

How the studies delivered it

What the 23 studies behind the entries above ran, counted once per study. A record of the trials, not a recommendation.

  • Needling17 of 23
  • Electroacupuncture6 of 23

Sessions: the 12 studies that gave a count ran a median of 14 (middle half 13 to 25).

Course: the 15 studies that gave a length ran a median of 3 weeks (middle half 10 days to 29 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.