Acupuncture Points: Charts and Meanings (2024)

In this article:

Traditional Acupuncture Points
Commonly used points and acupuncture treatments
Learn More About Our Acupuncture Programs at Won Institute

To understand the basics of acupuncture, it is best to familiarize yourself with the acupuncture points chart.

The number of acupuncture points was originally established to correlate with the number of days in the year – 365, but because acupuncturists in all parts of Asia came to identify points on the body differently, there was never an exact standard number. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) Scientific Group met in 1989 to adopt a proposed standard acupuncture nomenclature for international use, and it was then that 361 points were agreed upon.

The WHO also identified an additional 48 points that are included in the international standard. The criteria for including the extra points were: common usage, considered clinically effective, had a clear anatomical location and were at least .5 centimeters from a classical point.

Learn more about the traditional acupuncture points below or on our Acupuncture academics pages.

Learn More ➤

Traditional Acupuncture Points

While there are multiple acupuncture locations on the body, most acupuncturists still look to the traditionally identified points. The acupuncture points are mapped to 14 main meridian channels. In Chinese medicine, a meridian channel is also known as a Jing Iou through which Qi (vital life energy) Xue (blood), Jinye (body fluids), Jing (essence) and Shen (spirit) flow. One meridian channel relates to each of the 12 inner organs. The two additional channels relate to “extraordinary vessels” – the interior of the spine (governing vessel) and another along the midline of the abdomen (conception vessel).

Meridians are like a network and can be compared to the circulatory system in Western medicine, however, meridians are not visible, but rather energetic. Each of the 14 meridian channels has a specific number, and acupuncture points meanings. Those include:

Lung (1); Large intestine (20); Stomach (45); Spleen (21); Heart (9); Small intestine (19); Bladder (67); Kidney (27); Pericardium (9); Triple energizer, an organ recognized in Chinese medicine, but not Western medicine (23); Gallbladder (44); Liver (14); Governing Vessel (28, also known as the sea of yang); and Conception Vessel (24, also known as the sea of yin).

Each acupuncture point can treat a multiple list of disorders.

Commonly used points and acupuncture treatments include:

Stomach Channel: ST36 – Located on the front of the leg and below the knee, this point treats digestive disorders, immune deficiency, fatigue and a variety of other illnesses. It is also emotionally and physically grounding.
Spleen Channel: SP6 – Located on the inner side of the leg above the ankle, this point treats hormonal disorders like irregular menstruation, digestion and immune disorders.
Liver Channel: LV3 – Located on the top of the foot and between the second and first toes, this point treats headaches, is used to balance emotional energy, regulate menstruation and reduce high blood pressure.
Governing Vessel: GV20 – Located on top of the head, this point treats vertigo, ear and nasal disorders and various mental disorders.
Conception Vessel: CV12 –Located midway between the breast bone and the navel, this point treats digestive disorders and harmonizes the intestines.
Conception Vessel: CV6 –Located approximately 1.5 inches below the navel, this point treats exhaustion, weak Spleen Qi and the energy of the low abdomen and organs.
Large Intestine Channel: LI4 – Located on the back side of the hand between the thumb and first finger, this point activates the immune system and helps pain, especially in the face.
Kidney Channel: KI3 – Located behind the inner ankle, this point treats asthma, insomnia, sore throat and lower back pain.
On the back of the body, there are several acupuncture points along both sides of the spine that connect to the yin organs (solid organs). These acupuncture points are considered to be very powerful in strengthening the heart, liver, lung, kidney and pericardium (sack around the heart), and are very important in Chinese medicine. Many of the points located on the Bladder Channel can treat a variety of conditions. The common points and their indications include the following:
BL13 – Treats all lung-related issues, including asthma, bronchitis, nasal congestion and sore throat.
BL14 – This point can help conditions that relate to the pericardium, including palpitations, anxiety and stress, depression and panic attacks.
BL15 – Treats all heart-related issues, including blood and circulatory problems. It is the main point for all emotional issues related to the heart, such as palpitations, anxiety, fear, stress and poor memory. It can also help with insomnia and night sweats.
BL18 – Main point for all physical liver conditions, such as hepatitis, jaundice and cirrhosis. It is an important point for relieving emotional issues like depression, anger, irritability and stress.
BL21 – This point can help alleviate problems associated with the spleen. Some physical spleen issues include distention, abdominal pain, bloating and poor appetite.
BL23 – This point treats the entire kidney system. It can improve sexual deficiency problems in men, such as impotence, as well as female sexual and reproductive disorders like irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. It is also a main point for lower back pain and sprains, and is useful for ear-related issues like tinnitus and deafness.

Learn More About Our Acupuncture Programs

To learn more about our Master of Acupuncture Studies Degree program, Doctor of Acupuncture program and Doctor of Acupuncture Completion Track here at the Won Institute of Graduate Studies, you can inquire about our programs directly, tour our facilities, view requirements or apply today!

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Jasmineon March 13, 2022 at 11:50 am
The fleshy point of my outer ankle swells and on the inner ankle/heel is pain to a light touch. What points (s) could help reduce this?
Reply
Isabel Bartonon July 13, 2021 at 12:07 pm
Hello. I have a rare sensitivity in a point in my hand and I am trying to identify it. I looked it up online and the only reference I found says that it is S2-5 but I can’t find any more information on it. Can you help me identify it? Thank you!
Reply
- Amandaon August 15, 2022 at 7:40 pm
  S2-5 refers to sacral vertebra 2 through 5. Probably nerve damage there.
  Reply
Robert Handyon June 29, 2021 at 10:31 am
What is the temple pressure points called?
Reply
Robert Hirton March 21, 2021 at 7:47 pm
I have damage to my peroneal nerve at the ankle due to damage and tearing of the Achilles tendon in 2003. My guess is that I would use ST 36 and GB 34. How far off am I (if any)? I am a veterinary acupuncturist, now retired.
Reply
Jennyon January 11, 2021 at 2:32 pm
Hi, I suffer from migraines as does my mother. Is there any way you could send us your prices and where you are located? It would be so helpful. Thank you in advance.
Reply
Diane Yoston September 13, 2020 at 6:29 pm
What are the points for acid reflux?
Reply
- Karima Williamson October 14, 2020 at 10:58 am
  please email [emailprotected] for all your clinic questions.
  Reply
  - Wilma Publicoon October 24, 2021 at 8:22 am
    Hello. My brother died this year almost 3 months ago. He had type II diabetes. I don’t know what to do when I was at the hospital. I wish that doctors help him the best they can do but it’s too late. I think about acupuncture methods because I know it can truly back my brother with his life. Although I just had watched this acupuncture methods on Chinese drama online. And now I had a problem with my throat. I treated with hyperthyroidism 5 years ago and I have medicine maintenance with this. I just want to know if it can help this method with my situation.
    Thank you. Hope for favorable response.
    Reply
    - Karima Williamson April 7, 2022 at 10:15 am
      Please call our clinic for additional support and booking a appointment 215-884-9340
      Reply
- Danon May 12, 2022 at 12:55 am
  I cured my acid reflux with baking soda added to 8oz glas of water I used 1/2 a teaspoon of baking soda 2x a day at noon then after dinner. I did this for a week then skipped a week. This is not medical advice I’m just telling you what worked for me.
  Reply
harold Weneron August 25, 2020 at 9:56 am
I have Carpal Tunnel syndrome in particular my right hand forefinger. Which acupuncture points should be used
Reply
- Karima Williamson October 14, 2020 at 10:58 am
  Please email [emailprotected] for your clinic related questions.
  Reply
Amanda Sharpon August 11, 2020 at 8:17 pm
I would like to know what points are necessary for large intestine, stomach, circulation, sinus passages, and ears.
Reply
- Karima Williamson August 25, 2020 at 10:33 am
  For all acupuncture questions please directly email [emailprotected].
  Reply
- Connieon April 26, 2021 at 8:41 am
  Delayed reaction to radiation::
  Hearing loss
  Balance issues
  Vision problems
  Numbness on the left cheek and lips On the left lip
  Overactive bladder
  Arthritis in both knees
  Reply
Greatman Goodnewson June 21, 2020 at 7:58 am
I need a detailed online fraining on ACUPOINTS in english
Reply
- Karima Williamson August 25, 2020 at 10:36 am
  Thank you for reaching out to us! You can directly email our Admissions Director to get started with our Masters of Acupuncture Studies program. Her email is [emailprotected].
  Reply
Rick tollon May 5, 2020 at 11:33 pm
I suffer from arthritis in hips and sciatica on right side buttock I’m very stiff and cant walk without walker i don’t know location for acupointer can you help me. Rick
Reply
- Karima Williamson August 25, 2020 at 10:38 am
  Rick sorry for the late reply, feel free to email our receptionist to schedule a visit/telehealth visit today. Her name is Miranda and her email is [emailprotected]
  Reply
- Benon January 26, 2022 at 9:18 pm
  Rick
  Check for shellfish and sulfur allergies then ask Doc about glucosamine sulfate. Get some at a chiropractors office or a health store. Best to minimize ingredients, if you have those two you’re golden.
  Google “Relaxercise” do exercises 1 ,3 and 4. 2x a day for 10 days. Books like 12$ online.
  Google International institute of reflexology St Petersburg FL and find one near you. Any reflexology helps, these guys are the authority so you won’t pay for shit work. Commit to at least a month.
  Lotsa those types of problems originate from dysfunctional movement patterns.
  Reply
ANAon January 31, 2020 at 12:52 pm
I LOVE ACUPUNCTURE AND KNOW ALMOST NOTHING ABOUT..IT, IS COMMON SENSE, IS TRUE KNOWLEDGE, IS THE REAL MEDICINE EVER CAN A HUMAN BEING CREATED…. BASE ON THE WISDOM OF OUR BODY MATTER AND MIND…
Reply
- Sharon Slageron April 11, 2022 at 8:02 pm
  Have terrible pain on side of foot. Can accupuncture
  Reply
  - Karima Williamson April 27, 2022 at 1:43 pm
    please call our clinic at 215-884-9340 to book your appointment
    Reply
  - Natalieon October 23, 2022 at 12:29 am
    Having a Thai massage yesterday, discovered a painfully tender spot on the back of my upper calf, just below the back of the knee on the inside of my tight leg. Is that a pressure point ?if so What does it affect ? The masseuse said it was because I walk a lot . I’m a 77 year old female and very active
    Reply
    - Karima Williamson November 2, 2022 at 9:45 am
      Hey Natalie, feel free to call our clinic to get answers to all of your questions. Call 215-884-9340
      Reply
    - Gim Ye Peeon December 24, 2022 at 5:51 pm
      you can look up accupuncture point or meridian line to see any point at the location you stated. If there is, try to give it light massage occasionally.
      Reply
Myraon March 30, 2019 at 2:15 am
What point would be for loss of temperature in hand a d leg
Reply
- Anna Kavanaghon July 11, 2020 at 7:33 am
  Hi.
  I have swelling in heel on both ankles I was diagnosed with Achilles Tendonitis. I also have a heel spur on left foot in middle sole. I have high arches in both feet.
  Would acupuncture help to heel as I know blood flow is very slow in that area. My heels are inflamed and sore to touch.
  Thank you in advance for reading this.
  Anna Kavanagh
  Reply
  - Karima Williamson August 25, 2020 at 10:34 am
    Oh Anna, we are deeply sorry for your swelling and pain and would love to help. Reach out directly to our receptionist and she will get you set up fr a telehealth visit. Her name is Miranda and her email is [emailprotected]
    Reply

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