What are acupuncture points?

Acupuncture points are areas of the body that reflect points used in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture practitioners find specific places that in TCM theory can improve Qi(energy flow) through the body. The original Chinese pictographs for acupuncture indicated that there were caves in the body through which Qi could flow. Some people tried to use neuroscience to explain acupuncture but all failed.

Twelve Primary Meridians

Lung meridian

ZHONGFU LU-1
On the lateral aspect of the chest, in the first intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the midline, 1 cun inferior to Yunrnen LU-2.
YUNMEN LU-2
On the antero-lateral aspect of the chest, below the lateral extremity of the clavicle, 6 cun lateral to the midline, in the centre of the hollow of the delto-pectoral triangle.
CHlZE LU-5
On the cubital crease of the elbow, in the depression at the radial side of the tendon of biceps brachi.
KONGZUI LU-6
On the flexor aspect of the forearm, 7 cun proximal to Taiyuan LU-9, on the line connecting Taiyuan LU-9 with Chize LU-5.
JINCQU LU-8
Above the wrist, 1 cun proximal to Taiyuan LU-9, on the line connecting Taiyuan LU-9 with Kongzui LU-6, in the depression at the base of the styloid process of the radius and on the radial side of the radial artery
TAIYUAN LU-9
At the wrist joint, in the depression between the radial artery and the tendon of abductor pollicis longus, level with Shenmen HE-7 (the proximal border of the pisiform bone).
YUJl LU-10
On the thenar eminence of the hand, in a depression between the midpoint of the shaft of the first metacarpal bone and the thenar muscles.
SHAOSHANG LU-11
On the extensor aspect of the thumb, at the junction of lines drawn along the radial border of the nail and the base of the nail, approximately 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail.

Large intestine meridian

Stomach meridian

CHENGQI ST-1
With the eyes looking directly forwards, this point is located directly below the pupil between the eyeball and the infraorbital ridge.
SIBAI ST-2
With the eyes looking directly forwards, this point is located 1 cun directly below the pupil, in the depression at the infraorbital foramen.
DICANG ST-4
0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth.
JIACHE ST-6
Approximately 1 fingerbreadth anterior and superior to the angle of the jaw at the prominence of the masseter muscle.
XIAGUAN ST-7
At the lower border of the zygomatic arch, in the depression anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible.
TOUWEI ST-8
At the corner of the forehead, 4.5 cun lateral to Shenting DU-24 and 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline.
RENYING ST-9
Level with the tip of and 1.5 cun lateral to the laryngeal prominence, in the depression between the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the lateral border of the thyroid cartilage. Note: the carotid artery lies just deep to, and can be readily palpated at, the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This point therefore lies between the carotid artery and the lateral border of the thyroid cartilage.
SHUPTU ST-1 8
On the neck, at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, midway between Renying ST-9 and Qishe ST-11.
RUGEN ST-1 8
Directly below the nipple, in the fifth intercostal space.
BURONG ST-I9
On the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 6 cun superior to the umbilicus, level with Juque REN-14.
CHENGMAN ST-20
On the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 5 cun superior to the umbilicus, level with Shangwan REN-13.
LIANGMEN ST-21
On the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 4 cun superior to the umbilicus, level with
Zhongwan REN-12.
GUANMEN ST-22
On the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 3 cun superior to the umbilicus, level with Jianli REN-11.
TAIYI ST-23
On the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 2 cun superior to the umbilicus, level with Xiawan REN-10.
HUAROUMEN ST-24
On the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 1 cun superior to the umbilicus, level with
Shuifen REN-9.
TIANSHU ST-25
On the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus.
WAILING ST-26
On the lower abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 1 cun inferior to the umbilicus, level with Yinjiao REN-7.
DAJU ST-27
On the lower abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 2 cun inferior to the umbilicus, level with Shimen REN-5.
SHUIDAQ ST-28
On the lower abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 3 cun inferior to the umbilicus,level with Guanyuan REN-4.
GUILAI ST-29
On the lower abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline and 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus, level with Zhongji REN-3.
QICHONC ST-30
On the lower abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the midline, level with the superior border of the pubic symphysis (Qugu REN-2).
BIGUAN ST-31
On the upper thigh, in a depression just lateral to the sartorius muscle, at the junction of a vertical line drawn downward from the anterior superior iliac spine, and a horizontal line drawn level with the lower border of the pubic symphysis.
FUTU ST-32
On the thigh, on a line drawn between the lateral border of the patella and the anterior superior iliac spine, in a depression 6 cun proximal to the superior border of the patella.
YINSHI ST-33
On the thigh, on a line drawn between the lateral border of the patella and the anterior superior iliac spine, in a depression 3 cun proximal to the superior border of the patella.
LlANCQIU ST-34
On the thigh, on a line drawn between the lateral border of the patella and the anterior superior iliac spine, in a depression 2 cun proximal to the superior border of the patella.
DUBI ST-35
On the knee, in the hollow formed when the 4 knee is flexed, immediately below the patella and lateral to the patellar ligament.
ZUSANLI ST-36
Below the knee, 3 cun inferior to Dubi ST-35, one finger breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.
SHANGJUXU ST-37
On the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to Zusanli ST -36, one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior
crest of the tibia.
TIAOKOU ST-38
On the lower leg, midway between the tibioul femoral joint line (level with the popliteal crease)
and the prominence of the lateral malleolus, one fingerbreadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.
XIAJUXU ST-39
On the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to Shangjuxu ST-37, one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior
crest of the tibia.
FENGLONG ST-40
On the lower leg, midway between the tibiofemoral joint line (level with the popliteal crease) and the lateral malleolus, two finger-breadths lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia (i.e. one finger-breadth lateral to Tiaokou ST-38).
JIEXI ST-41
On the ankle, level with the prominence of the lateral malleolus, in a depression between the tendons of extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus.
CHONGYANG ST-42
On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression formed by the junction of the second and third metatarsal bones and the cuneiform bones (second and third), 1.5 cun distal to Jiexi ST-41, on the line drawn between Jiexi ST-41 and Xiangu ST-43, at the point where the pulsation of the dorsalis pedis artery may be palpated.
XIANGU ST-43
On the dorsum of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, in a depression 1 cun proximal to Neiting ST-44.
NEITING ST-44
On the dorsum of the foot, between the second and third toes, 0.5 cun proximal to the margin of the web.

Spleen meridian

YINBAI SP-1
On the dorsal aspect of the big toe, at the junction of lines drawn along the medial border of the nail and the base of the nail, approximately 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail.
DADU SP-2
On the medial side of the big toe, in the depression distal and inferior to the first metatarso-phalangeal joint.
TAIBAI SP-3
On the medial side of the foot in the depression proximal and inferior to the head of the first metatarsal bone.
GONGSUN SP-4
On the medial side of the foot, in the depression distal and inferior to the base of the first metatarsal bone.
SHANGQlU SP-5
On the medial side of the ankle, in the depression which lies at the junction of straight lines drawn along the anterior and inferior borders of the medial malleolus.
SANYINJIAO SP-6
On the medial side of the lower leg, 3 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, in a depression close to the medial crest of the tibia.
DlJl SP-8
On the medial side of the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to Yinlingquan SP-9, in a depression just posterior to the medial crest of the tibia.
YlNLlNCQUAN SP-9
On the medial side of the lower leg, in a depression in the angle formed by the medial condyle of the tibia and the posterior border of the tibia.
XUEHAl SP-10
2 cun proximal to the superior border of the patella, in the tender depression on the bulge of the vastus medialis muscle, directly above Yinlingquan SP-9.
FUSHE SP-13
On the lower abdomen, 0.7 cun superior and 0.5 cun lateral to Chongmen SP-12,4 cun lateral to the midline. This point is also defined as lying 4.3 cun inferior to Daheng SP-15.
FUJIE SP-14
On the lower abdomen, 1.3 cun inferior to Daheng SP-15,4 cun lateral to the midline.
DAHENG SP-15
On the abdomen, in the depression at the lateral border of the rectus abdominis muscle level with the umbilicus.
DABAO SP-21
On the mid-axillary line, in the seventh intercostal space.
Note: some sources locate this point in the sixth intercostal space.

Heart meridian

JIQUAN HT-1
In the depression at the centre of the axilla.
SHAOHAI HT-3
Midway between Quze P-3 and the medial epicondyle of the humerus, at the medial end of the transverse cubital crease when the elbow is fully flexed.
LINGDAO HT-4
On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris, 1.5 cun proximal to Shenrnen HT-7.
TONGLI HT-5
On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris, 1 cun proximal to Shenmen HT-7.
YlNXl HT-6
On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris, 0.5 cun proximal to Shenmen HT-7.
SHENMEN HT-7
At the wrist joint, on the radial side of flexor carpi ulnaris, in the depression at the proximal border of the pisiform bone.
SHAOFU HT-8
On the palm, in the depression between the 4th and 5^th metacarpal bones, where the tip of the little finger rests when a fist is made.
SHAOCHONG HT-9
On the dorsal aspect of the little finger, at the junction of lines drawn along the radial border of the nail and the base of the nail, approximately 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail.

Small intestine meridian

SHAOZE SI-1
On the dorsal aspect of the little finger, at the junction of lines drawn along the ulnar border of the nail and the base of the nail, approximately 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail.
QIANGU SI-2
On the ulnar border of the little finger, in a depression just distal to the metacarpo-phalangeal joint.
HOUXl SI-3
On the ulnar border of the hand, in the substantial depression proximal to the head of the fifth metacarpal bone.
WANGU SI-4
On the ulnar border of the hand, in the depression between the base of the fifth metacarpal bone and the triquetral bone.
YANGGU SI-5
At the ulnar border of the wrist, in the depression between the head of the ulna and the triquetral bone.
YANGLAO SI-6
When the palm of the hand is placed on the chest, this point is located on the dorsal aspect of the head of the ulna, in a cleft level with and to the radial side of the high point of the styloid process of the ulna.
ZHIZHENG SI-7
On a line connecting Yanggu SI-5 and Xiaohai SI-8,5 cun proximal to Yanggu SI-5, in the groove between the anterior border of the ulna and the muscle belly of flexor carpi ulnaris.
XlAOHAl SI-8
In the depression between the tip of the olecranon process of the ulna and the tip of the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
JIANZHEN SI-9
On the posterior aspect of the shoulder, 1 cun superior to the posterior axillary crease when the arm hangs in the adducted position.
NAOSHU SI-I 8
On the posterior aspect of the shoulder, in the depression inferior to the scapular spine, directly superior to the posterior axillary crease when the arm hangs in the adducted position.
TIANZONG SI-11
On the scapula, in a tender depression one third of the distance from the midpoint of the inferior border of the scapular spine to the inferior angle of the scapula.
BINGFENG SI-12
In the centre of the suprascapular fossa, directly above Tianzong SI-11, in a depression formed when the arm is raised.
QUYUAN SI-13
In the tender depression superior to the medial end of the scapular spine, midway between Naoshu SI-10 and the spinous process of T2.
JIANWAISHU SI-14
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of T1 (Taodao DU-13).
JIANZHONGZHU SI-15
2 cunlateral to the lower border of the spinous process of C7 (Dazhui DU-14).
TIANCHUANG SI-16
On the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with the laryngeal prominence
TIANRONG SI-I 7
In the depression between the angle of the mandible and the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
QUANLIAO SI-18
Directly below the outer canthus, in the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic bone.
TINGGONG SI-19
With the mouth open, this point is located in the depression between the middle of the tragus and the condyloid process of the mandible.

Bladder meridian

JINGMING BL-1
0.1 cun medial and superior to the inner canthus of the eye, near the medial border of the orbit.
CUANZHU BL-2
Superior to the inner canthus, in a depression on the eyebrow, close to its medial end.
MEICHONG BL-3
Directly superior to Zanzhu BL-2,0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, level with Shenting DU-24.
QUCHAI BL-4
0.5 cun within the anterior hairline, 1.5 cun lateral to Shenting DU-24 and one third of the distance between Shenting DU-24 and Touwei ST-8.
LUOQUE BL-8
1.5 cun posterior to Tongtian BL-7, and 5.5 cun 1 within the anterior hairline, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline
TIANZHU BL-10
On the lateral aspect of the trapezius muscle, 1.3 cun lateral to Yamen DU-15.
DAZHU BL-11
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (TI).
FENGMEN BL-12
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra (T2).
FEISHU BL-13
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3).
JUEYINSHU BL-14
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth thoracic vertebra (T4).
XINSHU BL-15
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of fhe fifth thoracic vertebra (T5).
DUSHU BL-16
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6).
GESHU BL-17
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7).
GANSHU BL-18
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9)
DANSHU BL-19
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10).
PlSHU BL-20
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11).
WEISHU BL-21
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12).
SANJIAOSHU BL-22
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra (Ll).
SHENSHU BL-23
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2).
QlHAlSHU BL-24
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third lumbar vertebra (L3).
DACHANGSHU BL-25
1.5 cunlateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4).
GUANYUANSHU BL-26
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5).
XIAOCHANGSHU BL-27
1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the first posterior sacral foramen.
PANGCUANGSHU BL-28
1.5 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the second posterior sacral foramen.
CILIAO BL-32
Over the second posterior sacral foramen.
CHENGFU BL-36
Just below the buttock, on a line directly superior to Weizhong BL-40, in the centre of the transverse gluteal crease in a depression between the hamstring muscles.
YINMEN BL-37
On the back of the thigh, in the depression between the hamstring muscles, 6 cun distal to Chengfu BL-36, and 8 cun proximal to Weizhong BL-40, on the line connecting Chengfu BL-36 and Weizhong BL-40.
WEIYANG BL-39
At the back of the knee, on the popliteal crease and towards its lateral end, in the depression medial to the tendon of biceps fernoris.
WEIZHONG BL-40
At the back of the knee, on the popliteal crease, in a depression midway between the tendons of biceps femoris and semitendinosus.
POHU BL-42
3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra (T3) and level with Feishu BL-13.
SHENTANG BL-44
3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5) and level with Xinshu BL-15.
GEGUAN BL-46
3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7) and level with Geshu BL-17.
HUNMEN BL-47
3 curt lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9) and level with Ganshu BL-18.
YlSHE BL-49
3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the eleventh
thoracic vertebra (T11) and level with Pishu BL-20
ZHlSHl BL-52
3 cun lateral to the midline, level with the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2) and level with Shenshu BL-23.
BAOHUANC BL-53
3 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of the spinous process of the second sacral vertebra.
ZHlBlAN BL-54
On the buttock, in the depression 3 cun lateral to the sacro-coccygeal hiatus.
CHENGSHAN BL-57
On the lower leg, in the depression formed below the bellies of the gastrocnemius muscle when the muscle is flexed, approximately 8 cun distal to Weizhong BL-40, i.e. midway between Weizhong BL-40 and Kunlun BL-60.
FUYANC BL-59
On the lower leg, 3 cun directly superior to Kunlun BL-60.
KUNLUN BL-60
Behind the ankle joint, in the depression between the prominence of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon.
SHENMAl BL-62
On the lateral side of the foot, approximately 0.5 cun inferior to the inferior border of the lateral malleolus, in a depression posterior to the peroneal tendons.
JINMEN BL-63
On the lateral side of the foot, in the depression posterior to the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal bone.
JINGGU BL-64
On the lateral side of the foot, in the depression anterior and inferior to the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal bone.
SHUGU BL-65
On the lateral side of the foot, in the depression posterior and inferior to the head of the fifth metatarsal bone.
ZUTONGGU BL-66
On the lateral side of the foot, in the depression anterior and inferior to the fifth metatarso-phalangeal joint.
ZHlYlN BL-67
On the dorsal aspect of the little toe, at the junction of lines drawn along the lateral border of the nail and the base of the nail, approximately 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail.

Kidney meridian

Pericardium meridian

Triple burner meridian

Gallbladder meridian

Liver meridian

Types of Acupuncture Points

Lower He Sea Points

Where qi from the six Fu organs travel downward and gather in the six locations on the yang meridians around the knee region. They enhance the communications between the three yang meridians of the arm and the three yang meridians of the leg; they are the major points for diseases of the six Fu organs

Large Intestine	Shangjuxu ST-37
Stomach	Zusanli ST-36
Sanjiao	Weiyang BL-39
Gall Bladder	Yanglingquan GB-34
Small Intestine	Xiajuxu ST-39
Bladder	Weizhong BL-40

THE YUAN-SOURCE POINTS

Each of the twelve primary channels has a Yuan-source point where it is said the original qi surfaces and lingers. These points are normally around the wrist and ankle. On the yang channels, each channel has its own Yuan-source point, On the Yin channels, the Yuan-source points are the same as the Shu-stream points.

The Classic of Difficulties says:

"The dynamic qi below the navel, between the Kidneys of human life, and the root of the twelve channels is known as the original Qi. The Sanjiao is the envoy of the original Qi, it dominates the movement of the three Qi(upper/middle/lower Jiao) and passes through the five Zang and six Fu. The term 'source' is an honorary name for the Sanjiao, therefore the places where it resides are known as the Yuan-source point ".

Lung	Taiyuan LU-9	Bladder	Jinggu BL-64
Large Intestine	Hegu LI-4	Kidney	Taixi KI-3
Stomach	Chongyang ST-42	Pericardiurn	Daling PC-7
Spleen	Taibai SP-3	Sanjiao	Yangchi SJ-4
Heart	Shenmen HT-7	Gall Bladder	Qiuxu GB-40
Small Intestine	Wangu SI-4	Liver	Taichong LR-3

Luo Connecting Points

Luo Connecting Points are where a separate channel splits off from the main flow and connects with the Yin/Yang paired meridian.

Lung	Lieque LU-7	Bladder	Feiyang BL-58
Large Intestine	Pianli LI-6	Kidney	Dazhong KI-4
Stomach	Fenglong ST-40	Pericardium	Neiguan PC-6
Spleen	Gongsun SP-4	Sanjiao	Waiguan SJ-5
Heart	Tongli HT-5	Gall Bladder	Guangming GB-37
Small Intestine	Zhizheng SI-7	Liver	Ligou LR-5

Front Mu Points

There are twelve Front-mu points, located on the chest or abdomen, connect with their respective Zang or Fu. Front-mu points are used to treat their related organ and used diagnostically as they often become sore when their related organ is imbalanced.

Lung	Zhongfu LU-1	Bladder	Zhongji RN-3
Large Intestine	Tianshu ST-25	Kidney	Jingmen GB-25
Stomach	Zhongwan RN-12	Pericardium	Danzhong RN-17
Spleen	Zhangmen LR-13	Sanjiao	Shimen RN-5
Heart	Juque RN-14	Gall Bladder	Riyue GB-24
Small Intestine	Guanyuan RN-4	Liver	Qimen LR-14

Back Shu Points

The back-shu points corresponding to the twelve Zang Fu lie along the Bladder channel on the back, used primarily to treat their related organ.

Lung	BL-13	Bladder	BL-28
Large Intestine	BL-25	Kidney	BL-23
Stomach	BL-21	Pericardium	BL-14
Spleen	BL-20	Sanjiao	BL-22
Heart	BL-15	Gall Bladder	BL-19
Small Intestine	BL-27	Liver	BL-18

Xi-cleft Points
The term 'Xi' implies a cleft, crevice, hole, and the Xi-cleft points are where the qi and blood gather more deeply. The Xi-cleft points, in general, are indicated in the treatment of acute conditions and pain.

Lung
Kongzui LU-6
Bladder
Jinrnen BL-63
Large Intestine
Wenliu LI-7
Kidney
Shuiquan KI-5
Stomach
Liangqiu ST-34
Pericardium
Xirnen PC-4
Spleen
Diji SP-8
Sanjiao
Huizong SJ-7
Heart
Yinxi HT-6
Gall Bladder
Waiqiu GB-36
Small Intestine
Yanglao SI-6
Liver
Zhongdu LR-6

The Four and Six Command Points
These points were in the Glorious Anthology of Acupuncture and Moxibustion by the Ming dynasty author Gao Wu.
The four command points, which were clearly considered the four most useful and important of all the points are:
Zusanli ST-36  for disorders of the abdomen.
Weizhong BL-40  for disorders of the lumbar region and back.
Lieque LU-7  for disorders of the head and nape.
Hegu LI-4  for disorders of the face and mouth.
Later generations added two more points to this grouping (thus known as the Six Command Points):
Neiguan P-6 for disorders of the chest and lateral coastal region
Renzhong DU-26 for resuscitation.

POINTS OF THE FOUR SEAS
The sea of Qi
The points associated with the sea of qi are Renying ST-9, Shanzhong REN-17, Yamen DU-15 and Dazhui DU-14.
The sea of Blood
The Penetrating vessel is the sea of the twelve channels. In the upper it is conveyed to Dazhu BL-11, and in the lower it emerges at both Shangjuxu ST-37 and Xiajuxu ST-39
The sea of Water and Grain
Qichong ST-30 is given as the upper point of the 'sea of water and grain' and Zusanli ST-36 as its lower point.
The sea of Marrow
Fengfu DU-16 and Baihui DU-20.

The point’s name is called The sea of Qi: RN-6 (not for the exam)
The point’s name is called The sea of Blood: SP-10(not for the exam)

London acupuncture

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