List of acupuncture points

Acupuncture points are specific locations on the body that are the focus of acupuncture, acupressure, sonopuncture, and laser acupuncture treatments. These points are situated on meridians, which are thought to be channels through which the life energy known as Qi flows within the body. The concept of acupuncture points and meridians is a fundamental aspect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Overview

Acupuncture points are believed to be pivotal for the flow of Qi. Stimulating these points through various methods can influence the energy flow, potentially leading to improved health and balance within the body. The practice of acupuncture and its effectiveness is a subject of ongoing research and debate in the medical community, particularly in Western medicine.

Classification

Acupuncture points are classified in several ways:

• By their location on specific meridians
• As "extra" points not located on a main meridian
• By their effects or the conditions they are believed to influence

Major Acupuncture Points

Below is an incomplete list of major acupuncture points, categorized by the meridian on which they are located. This list does not encompass all points but highlights some of the most commonly used in acupuncture treatments.

Lung Meridian

• LU1 - Zhongfu
• LU9 - Taiyuan

Heart Meridian

• HT7 - Shenmen

Spleen Meridian

• SP6 - Sanyinjiao
• SP9 - Yinlingquan

Liver Meridian

• LV3 - Taichong

Kidney Meridian

• KD1 - Yongquan
• KD3 - Taixi

Pericardium Meridian

• PC6 - Neiguan

Stomach Meridian

• ST36 - Zusanli
• ST44 - Neiting

Gallbladder Meridian

• GB20 - Fengchi
• GB34 - Yanglingquan

Large Intestine Meridian

• LI4 - Hegu
• LI11 - Quchi

Bladder Meridian

• BL23 - Shenshu
• BL60 - Kunlun

Triple Burner Meridian

• TB5 - Waiguan

Extra Points

• EX-HN3 - Yintang
• EX-UE9 - Baxie

Techniques

Various techniques can be used to stimulate acupuncture points, including:

• Needle insertion (acupuncture)
• Finger pressure (acupressure)
• Sound waves (sonopuncture)
• Laser light (laser acupuncture)

Applications

Acupuncture points are used in the treatment of various conditions, such as pain relief, digestive issues, stress management, and more. The selection of points for treatment is based on TCM principles and the individual's specific health concerns.

Controversy

The existence of acupuncture points and their effectiveness in treating health conditions is a topic of debate. While there is empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture for certain conditions, the underlying mechanisms and the existence of Qi and meridians are not universally accepted in the scientific community. This list is incomplete; you can help WikiMD by expanding it.