Acupuncture Points for Upper Limb Pain

4 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Points cited for Upper Limb Pain

How often each point appears across the 4 entries ranked highest for Upper Limb Pain. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • GB21Shoulder WellGallbladder Meridian3 of 4
  • LI04Junction ValleyLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 4
  • LI15Shoulder And ClavicleLarge Intestine Meridian3 of 4
  • BL60Kunlun (Mountains)Bladder Meridian2 of 4
  • CV03Central PivotConception Vessel2 of 4
  • KD07Returning FlowKidney Meridian2 of 4
  • LU05Cubit MarshLung Meridian2 of 4
  • LV03Great SurgeLiver Meridian2 of 4
  • SP09Yin Mound SpringSpleen Meridian2 of 4
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian2 of 4
  • ST38Ribbon OpeningStomach Meridian2 of 4
  • HT01Highest SpringHeart Meridian1 of 4

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (6 points)

100%

LU02 · LI05 · HT01 · SI10 · SI11 · GB21

Point 1 of 6

LU02Cloud Gate

LU02 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 雲門 (yún mén)

🎯 Location: In the superior lateral part of the anterior thoracic wall superior to the coracoid process of the scapula in the depression of the infraclavicular fossa 6 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid deep needling due to proximity to lungs and blood vessels; contraindicated in hemoptysis.

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

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1016/j.jams.2014.03.004

Protocol (11 points)

100%

LU05 · LI04 · LI15 · ST36 · ST38 · SP09 · BL60 · KD07 · GB21 · LV03 · CV03

Point 1 of 11

LU05Cubit Marsh

LU05 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 尺澤 (chǐ zé)

🎯 Location: On the cubital crease in the depression of the radial side of the biceps brachii tendon; point is located with elbow slightly flexed.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in cases of severe vascular disease; caution with depth at cubital fossa.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Asthma, Knee Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.3.809

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LI04 · LI11 · LI15

Point 1 of 3

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:10.1177/2164956119870444

Protocol (11 points)

100%

LU05 · LI04 · LI15 · ST36 · ST38 · SP09 · BL60 · KD07 · GB21 · LV03 · CV03

Point 1 of 11

LU05Cubit Marsh

LU05 acupoint
Click to enlarge

Click to view all layers

🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 尺澤 (chǐ zé)

🎯 Location: On the cubital crease in the depression of the radial side of the biceps brachii tendon; point is located with elbow slightly flexed.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in cases of severe vascular disease; caution with depth at cubital fossa.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Asthma, Knee Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.3.809
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Using Acupoints for Upper Limb Pain

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 Upper Limb Pain
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

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