Smarter Healing
Acupuncture Points Guide

Acupuncture Points Guide – View All Meridians

On this page, you’ll find a complete visual guide to 20 acupuncture meridians and more than 360 acupuncture points.

Table Of Contents

The 12 Primary Meridians

  1. Heart
  2. Pericardium
  3. Lung
  4. Spleen
  5. Liver
  6. Kidney
  7. Small Intestine
  8. Large Intestine
  9. Triple Energizer
  10. Stomach
  11. Gallbladder
  12. Bladder

The 2 Major Extraordinary Vessels

  1. Conception Vessel
  2. Governing Vessel

The 6 Minor Extraordinary Vessels

  1. Penetrating Vessel
  2. Girdling Vessel
  3. Yin Linking Vessel
  4. Yin Motility Vessel
  5. Yang Linking Vessel
  6. Yang Motility Vessel

The 12 Primary Meridians

1. Heart Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Heart

Heart Meridian Points:

  • HT 1: ji quan / Highest Spring
    • Function: Nourishes Heart yin, clears empty heat.
    • Indications: Pain in the costal and cardiac regions, scrofula, cold pain of the elbow and arm, dryness of the throat.
  • HT 2: qing ling / Cyan Spirit
    • Function: Frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessel, regulates Qi and blood.
    • Indications: Pain in the cardiac and hypochondriac regions, shoulder and arm.
  • HT 3: shao hai / Lesser Sea
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, calms the mind, clears heat.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, spasmodic pain and numbness of the hand and arm, tremor of the hand, scrofula, pain in the axilla and hypochondriac region.
  • HT 4: ling dao / Spirit Pathway
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, spasmodic pain of the elbow and arm, sudden loss of voice.
  • HT 5: tong li / Penetrating the Interior
    • Function: Calms the mind, tonifies Heart Qi, benefits the tongue, benefits the Bladder.
    • Indications: Palpitations, dizziness, blurring of vision, sore throat, sudden loss of voice, aphasia with stiffness of the tongue, stuttering, pain in the wrist and elbow.
  • HT 6: yin xi / Yin Cleft
    • Function: Nourishes Heart yin, clears heat, stops sweating, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, hysteria, night sweating, hemoptysis, epistaxis, sudden loss of voice.
  • HT 7: shen men / Spirit Gate
    • Function: Calms the mind, nourishes Heart blood, opens orifices.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, irritability, palpiation hysteria, amnesia, insomnia, mania, epilepsy, dementia, pain in the hypochondriac region, feverish sensation in the palm, yellowish sclera.
  • HT 8: shao fu / Lesser Mansion
    • Function: Clears Heart fire, Heart empty heat, Heart phlegm fire, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Palpitations, pain in the chest, spasmodic pain of the little finger, feverish sensation in the palm, enuresis, dysuria, pruritus of the external genitalia.
  • HT 9: shao chong / Lesser Surge
    • Function: Clears heat, subdues wind, opens the Heart orifices, relieves fullness, restores consciousness.
    • Indications: Palpitations, cardiac pain, pain in the chest and hypochondriac regions, mania, febrile diseases, loss of consciousness.

2. Pericardium Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Pericardium

Pericardium Meridian Points

  • PC 1: tian chi / Celestial Pool
    • Function: Opens the chest and rectifies Qi, suppresses cough and calms dyspnea, diffuses the Lung and clears heat.
    • Indications: Suffocating sensation in the chest, pain in the hypochondriac region, swelling and pain of the axillary region.
  • PC 2: tian quan / Celestial Spring
    • Function: Opens the chest and rectifies Qi, nourishes the Heart and calms the spirit, quickens the blood, transforms stasis, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, distension of the hypochondriac region, cough, pain in the chest, back and the medial aspect of the arm.
  • PC 3: qu ze / Marsh at the Bend
    • Function: Pacifies the Stomach, clears heat, cools blood, expels fire-poison, opens the orifices, stops convulsions, moves blood and dispels stasis, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, palpitation, febrile diseases, irritability, stomach ache, vomiting, pain in the elbow and arm, tremor of the hand and arm.
  • PC 4: xi men / Cleft Gate
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, stops pain, calms the Heart, opens the chest, regulates blood, cools the blood, strengthens the mind.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, palpitation, epistaxis hematemesis, hemoptysis chest pain, furuncle, epilepsy.
  • PC 5: jian shi / Intermediary Courier
    • Function: Resolves phlegm in Heart, regulates Heart Qi, opens chest, regulates Stomach heat.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, palpitation, stomach ache, vomiting, febrile diseases, irritability, malaria, mental disorders, epilepsy, swelling of axilla, contracture of elbow and arm.
  • PC 6: nei guan / Inner Pass
    • Function: Opens the chest, regulates Heart Qi and blood, regulates and clears the Triple Energizer, calms the mind, regulates the terminal yin, harmonizes the Stomach.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, palpitation, stuffy chest, pain in the hypochondriac region, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, mental disorders, epilepsy, insomnia, febrile diseases, irritability, malaria, contracture and pain in the elbow and arm.
  • PC 7: da ling / Great Mound
    • Function: Calms the mind, clears heat.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, palpitation, stomach ache, vomiting, mental disorders, epilepsy, stuffy chest, pain in the hypochondriac region, convulsion, insomnia, irritability, foul breath.
  • PC 8: lao gong / Palace of Toil
    • Function: Clears Heart fire, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, mental disorders, epilepsy, gastritis, foul breath, fungus infection of the hand and foot, vomiting, nausea.
  • PC 9: zhong chong / Central Hub
    • Function: Clears heat, restores consciousness, expels wind.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, palpitation, loss of consciousness, aphasia with stiffness and swelling of tongue, febrile diseases, heat stroke, convulsion, feverish sensation in the palm.

3. Lung Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Lung

Lung Meridian Points

  • LU 1: zhong fu / Central Treasury
    • Function: Regulates Lung Qi and stops cough, stimulates the Lung Qi to descend, disperses fullness in the chest and stops pain.
    • Indications: Useful for all Lung issues, especially cough, wheezing, asthma and fullness in the chest as well as local problems such as pain in the chest, shoulder and back.
  • LU 2: yun men / Cloud Gate
    • Function: Disperses fullness from the chest, stimulates the descending action of Lung Qi, stops cough.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, pain in the chest, shoulder and arm, fullness in the chest.
  • LU 3: tian fu / Celestial Storehouse
    • Function: Clears Lung heat and regulates Lung Qi.
    • Indications: Asthma, epistaxis, pain in the medial aspect of the upper arm.
  • LU 4: xia bai / Guardian White
    • Function: Regulates Qi and blood, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Cough, fullness in the chest, pain in the medial aspect of the upper arm.
  • LU 5: chi ze / Cubit Marsh
    • Function: Clears Lung Heat, stimulates the descending action of Lung Qi, expels phlegm from the Lung, benefits the Bladder, relaxes the sinews.
    • Indications: Cough, hemoptysis, evening fever, asthma, sore throat, fullness in the chest, infantile convulsions, spasmodic pain of the elbow and arm, mastitis.
  • LU 6: kong zui / Collection Hole
    • Function: Regulates Lung Qi and causes Lung Qi to descend, clears heat, stops bleeding.
    • Indications: Cough, pain in the chest, asthma, hemoptysis, sore throat, spasmodic pain of the elbows and arm.
  • LU 7: lie que / Broken Sequence
    • Function: Stimulates the descending and dispersing of Lung Qi, circulates defensive Qi and releases the exterior, expels exterior wind, opens the Conception Vessel, benefits the Bladder and opens water passages, opens the nose, communicates with the Large Intestine.
    • Indications: Persistent cough, sore throat, headaches, migraines, stiff neck, facial paralysis, toothaches, pain and/or weakness of the wrist.
  • LU 8: jing qu / Channel Ditch
    • Function: Diffuses the Lung and downbears Qi, courses wind and resolves the exterior.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, fever, pain in the chest, sore throat, pain in the wrist.
  • LU 9: tai yuan / Great Abyss
    • Function: Resolves phlegm, regulates Lung Qi, stops cough, tonifies Lung Qi, Lung yin and gathering Qi, promotes circulation of blood, influences pulse, clears Lung and Liver heat.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, hemoptysis, sore throat, palpitation, pain in chest, wrist and arm.
  • LU 10: yu ji / Fish Border
    • Function: Clears Lung heat, benefits the throat.
    • Indications: Cough, hemoptysis, sore throat, loss of voice, fever, feverish sensation on the palm.
  • LU 11: shao shang / Lesser Shang
    • Function: Expels wind (both interior and exterior), stimulates the dispersing and descending of Lung Qi, benefits the throat, opens the orifices and promotes resuscitation.
    • Indications: Sore throat, cough, asthma, epistaxis, fever, loss of consciousness, mania, spasmodic pain of the thumb.

4. Spleen Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Spleen

Spleen Meridian Points

  • SP 1: yin bai / Hidden White
    • Function: Strengthens the Spleen, regulates blood, calms the wind.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension, bloody stools, menorrhagia, uterine bleeding, mental disorders, dream-disturbed sleep, convulsion.
  • SP 2: da du / Great Metropolis
    • Function: Strengthens the Spleen, promotes digestion, clears heat.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension, gastric pain, constipation, febrile diseases with anhidrosis.
  • SP 3: tai bai / Supreme White
    • Function: Strengthens the Spleen, resolves damp, strengthens the spine.
    • Indications: Gastric pain, abdominal distension, constipation, dysentery, vomiting, diarrhea, borborygmus, sluggishness, beriberi.
  • SP 4: gong sun / Yellow Emperor
    • Function: Tonifies Stomach and Spleen, regulates the Penetrating Vessel, stops bleeding, dispels fullness, pacifies the Stomach, removes obstructions, regulates menses.
    • Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, dysentery, borborygmus.
  • SP 5: shang qiu / Metal Hill
    • Function: Strengthens Stomach and Spleen, resolves damp.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension, constipation, diarrhea, borborygmus, pain and rigidity of the tongue, pain in the foot and ankle, hemorrhoid.
  • SP 6: san yin jiao / Three Yin Intersection
    • Function: Strengthens Spleen, resolves damp, promotes function of Liver and smooth flow of Liver Qi, tonifies Kidneys, nourishes blood and yin, benefits urination, regulates uterus and menstruation, moves and cools blood and eliminates stasis, stops pain, calms mind.
    • Indications: PMS, abdominal pain and distension, impotence, borborygmus, diarrhea, sterility, delayed labor, nocturnal emission, enuresis, dysuria, edema, hernia, genital pain, dizziness, vertigo, insomnia, muscular atrophy.
  • SP 7: lou gu / Leaking Valley
    • Function: Fortifies the Spleen and harmonizes the stomach, disinhibits damp and disperses swelling, frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessels, regulates Qi and blood.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension, borborygmus, coldness, numbness and paralysis of the knee and leg.
  • SP 8: di ji / Earth’s Crux
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, regulates Qi and blood, regulates the uterus, stops pain.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, edema, dysuria, nocturnal emission, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea.
  • SP 9: yin ling quan / Yin Mound Spring
    • Function: Resolves dampness, benefits the lower energizer, benefits urination, removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, dysentery, edema, jaundice, dysuria, enuresis, incontinence of urine, genital pain, dysmenorrhea, knee pain.
  • SP 10: xue hai / Sea of Blood
    • Function: Cools the blood, removes stasis of blood, regulates menstruation, tonifies blood.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, urticarial, eczema, erysipelas, pain in the medial aspect of the thigh.
  • SP 11: ji men / Winnower Gate
    • Function: Clears the head and disinhibits Qi, promotes free flow through the waterway.
    • Indications: Dysuria, enuresis, pain and swelling in the inguinal region, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, pain and paralysis of the lower extremities.
  • SP 12: chong men / Surging Gate
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, tonifies yin.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, hernia, dysuria.
  • SP 13: ju she / Bowel Abode
    • Function: Regulates Qi dynamic, soothes the Liver and relieves pain.
    • Indications: Lower abdominal pain, hernia.
  • SP 14: fu jie / Abdominal Bind
    • Function: Warms the center and dissipates cold, rectifies Qi and downbears counterflow.
    • Indications: Pain around the umbilical region, abdominal distension, hernia, diarrhea, constipation.
  • SP 15: da heng / Great Horizontal
    • Function: Strengthens the Spleen and limbs, resolves damp, regulates Qi, stops pain, promotes the function of the Large Intestine.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation.
  • SP 16: fu ai / Abdominal Lament
    • Function: Clears heat and disinhibits damp, frees bowel Qi.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, dysentery.
  • SP 17: shi dou / Food Hole
    • Function: Rectifies Qi and disinhibits water, courses the Triple Energizer.
    • Indications: Fullness and pain in the chest and hypochondriac region.
  • SP 18: tian xi / Celestial Ravine
    • Function: Loosens the chest and rectifies Qi, downbears counterflow and suppresses cough.
    • Indications: Fullness and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, cough, hiccup, mastitis, insufficient lactation.
  • SP 19: xiong xiang / Chest Village
    • Function: Diffuses and downbears Lung Qi, suppresses cough and stabilizes dyspnea.
    • Indications: Fullness and pain in the chest and hypochondriac region.
  • SP 20: zhou rong / All-Round Flourishing
    • Function: Diffuses and downbears Lung Qi, suppresses cough and stabilizes dyspnea.
    • Indications: Fullness in the chest and hypochondriac region, cough, hiccough.
  • SP 21: da bao / Great Embracement
    • Function: Moves blood in the blood connecting channels.
    • Indications: Pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, asthma, general aching and weakness.

5. Liver Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Liver

Liver Meridian Points

  • LR 1: da dun / Large Pile
    • Function: Regulates menses, resolves damp-heat, promotes smooth flow of Liver Qi, restores consciousness.
    • Indications: Hernia, enuresis, uterine bleeding, prolapse of the uterus, epilepsy.
  • LR 2: xing jian / Moving Between
    • Function: Clears Liver fire, subdues Liver yang, cools blood, subdues interior wind.
    • Indications: None.
  • LR 3: tai chong / Supreme Surge
    • Function: Subdues Liver yang, expels interior wind, promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi, calms the mind, calms spasms.
    • Indications: Headache, dizziness and vertigo, insomnia, congestion, swelling and pain of the eye, depression, infantile convulsion, deviation of mouth, pain in the hypochondriac region, uterine bleeding, hernia, enuresis, retention of urine, epilepsy, pain in the anterior aspect of the medial malleolus.
  • LR 4: zhong feng / Mound Center
    • Function: Promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi in the Lower Energizer.
    • Indications: Hernia, pain in the external genitalia, nocturnal emission, retention of urine, distending pain in the hypochondrium.
  • LR 5: li gou / Woodworm Canal
    • Function: Promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi, resolves damp-heat.
    • Indications: Retention of urine, enuresis, hernia, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, pruritus or itchy vulvae, weakness and atrophy of the leg.
  • LR 6: zhong du / Central Metropolis
    • Function: Removes obstructions from channels, promotes smooth flow of Liver Qi, stops pain.
    • Indications: Abdomen and hypochondriac pain, diarrhea, hernia, uterine bleeding, prolonged lochia.
  • LR 7: xi guan / Knee Joint
    • Function: Frees channels and connecting vessels, disinhibits joints, dispels wind, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Pain of the knee, especially if pain in on the inner knee.
  • LR 8: qu quan / Spring at the Bend
    • Function: None.
    • Indications: Prolapse of uterus, lower abdominal pain, retention of urine, nocturnal emission, pain the external genitalia, pruritus vulvae, pain in medial aspect of the knee and thigh.
  • LR 9: yin bao / Yin Bladder
    • Function: Courses the Liver and rectifies Qi, adjusts the Penetrating and Conception vessels, clears and disinhibits the Lower Energizer.
    • Indications: Pain in the lumbosacral region, lower abdominal pain, enuresis, retention of urine, irregular menstruation.
  • LR 10: (zu) wu li / (Foot) Five Li
    • Function: Soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels, clears and disinhibits Lower Energizer damp heat.
    • Indications: Lower abdominal distension and fullness, retention of urine.
  • LR 11: yin lian / Yin Corner
    • Function: Soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, lower abdominal pain, pain in the thigh and leg.
  • LR 12: ji mai / Urgent Pulse
    • Function: Frees the channels and dissipates cold.
    • Indications: Lower abdominal pain, hernia, pain in the external genitalia.
  • LR 13: zhang men / Camphorwood Gate
    • Function: Promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi, relieves retention of food, benefits the Stomach and Spleen.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension, borborygmus, pain in the hypochondriac region, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion.
  • LR 14: qi men / Cycle Gate
    • Function: Promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi, benefits the Stomach, cools blood.
    • Indications: Hypochondriac pain, abdominal distension, hiccups, acid regurgitation, mastitis, depression, febrile diseases.

6. Kidney Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Kidney

Kidney Meridian Points

  • KI 1: yong quan / Gushing Spring
    • Function: Tonifies yin, clears heat, subdues wind, subdues empty-heat, calms the mind, restores consciousness, clears the brain.
    • Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, dizziness, sore throat, dryness of tongue, loss of voice, dysuria, infantile convulsions, feverish sensation in the sole, loss of consciousness.
  • KI 2: ran gu / Blazing Valley
    • Function: Clears empty-heat, cools blood, invigorates Yin Motility Vessel.
    • Indications: Pruritus vulvae, prolapse of uterus, irregular menstruation, nocturnal emission, hemoptysis, thirst, diarrhea, swelling and pain of the dorsum of foot, acute infantile omphalitis.
  • KI 3: tai xi / Great Ravine
    • Function: Tonifies the Kidneys, benefits essence, strengthens the lower back and knees, regulates the uterus.
    • Indications: Sore throat, toothache, deafness, tinnitus, dizziness, spitting of blood, asthma, thirst, irregular menstruation, insomnia, nocturnal emission, impotence, frequency of micturition, pain in the lower back.
  • KI 4: da zhong / Large Goblet
    • Function: Strengthens the back, lifts the spirit.
    • Indications: Spitting of blood, asthma, stiffness and pain of the lower back, dysuria, constipation, pain in the heel, dementia.
  • KI 5: shui quan / Water Spring
    • Function: Benefits urination, promotes blood circulation, stops abdominal pain, regulates uterus.
    • Indications: Amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, prolapse of uterus, dysuria, blurring of vision.
  • KI 6: zhao hai / Shining Sea
    • Function: Nourishes yin, benefits the eyes, calms the mind, invigorates the Yin Motility Vessel, cools the blood, benefits the throat, promotes the function of the uterus, opens the chest, cools heat, calms spirit, benefits throat.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea, prolapse of uterus, pruritus vulvae, asthma, frequency of micturition, urine retention, constipation, epilepsy, insomnia, sore throat.
  • KI 7: fu liu / Recover Flow
    • Function: Tonifies the Kidneys, resolves damp, eliminates edema, strengthens the lower back, regulates sweating.
    • Indications: Edema, abdominal distension, diarrhea, borborygmus, muscular atrophy of the leg, night sweating, spontaneous sweating, febrile diseases without sweating.
  • KI 8: jiao xin / Intersection Reach
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, stops abdominal pain, removes masses, regulates menses.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, prolapse of uterus, diarrhea, constipation, pain and swelling of testes.
  • KI 9: zhu bin / Guest House
    • Function: Calms the mind, tonifies Kidney yin, opens chest, regulates the Yin Linking Vessel.
    • Indications: Mental disorders, pain in the foot and lower leg, hernia.
  • KI 10: yin gu / Yin Valley
    • Function: Expels dampness from the Lower Energizer, tonifies Kidney yin.
    • Indications: Impotence, hernia, uterine bleeding, dysuria, pain in the knee and popliteal fossa, mental disorders.
  • KI 11: heng gu / Pubic Bone
    • Function: Boosts the Stomach and disinhibits damp.
    • Indications: Fullness and pain of the lower abdomen, dysuria, enuresis, nocturnal emission, impotence, pain of genitalia.
  • KI 12: da he / Great Manifestation
    • Function: Supplements Kidney Qi, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels.
    • Indications: Nocturnal emission, impotence, morbid leukorrhea, pain in the external genitalia, prolapse of uterus.
  • KI 13: di xue / Qi Hole
    • Function: Tonifies the Kidneys and essence, removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, dysuria, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
  • KI 14: si man / Fourfold Fullness
    • Function: Supplements Kidney Qi, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels, promotes free flow through the waterways.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, nocturnal emission, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain.
  • KI 15: zhong zhu / Central Flow
    • Function: Nourishes the Kidney channel, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels, disinhibits the Lower Energizer.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, abdominal pain, constipation.
  • KI 16: huang shu / Vitals
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, tonifies the Kidneys, benefits the Heart.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distention, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea.
  • KI 17: shang qu / Intestine Bend
    • Function: Fortifies Spleen, disinhibits damp, soothes sinews, quickens the connecting vessel.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation.
  • KI 18: shi guan / Stone Pass
    • Function: Fortifies the center and harmonizes Stomach, frees intestines and abducts stagnation.
    • Indications: Vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, postpartum abdominal pain, sterility.
  • KI 19: yin du / Yin Metropolis
    • Function: Fortifies the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, regulates Qi dynamic and frees abdominal Qi, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels.
    • Indications: Borborygmus, abdominal pain, epigastric pain, constipation, vomiting.
  • KI 20: tong gu / Open Valley
    • Function: Fortifies the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, loosens the chest and rectifies Qi.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, vomiting, indigestion.
  • KI 21: you men / Dark Gate
    • Function: Abdominal pain and distension, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, morning sickness.
    • Indications: Courses the Liver and rectifies Qi, fortifies the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, clears abdominal heat.
  • KI 22: bu lang / Corridor Walk
    • Function: Diffuses the Lung and suppresses cough, downbears counterflow and stops vomiting.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, distension and fullness in the chest and hypochondriac region, vomiting, anorexia.
  • KI 23: shen feng / Spirit Seal
    • Function: Tonifies the Kidneys, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, fullness in the chest and hypochondriac region, mastitis.
  • KI 24: ling xu / Spirit Ruings
    • Function: Tonifies the Kidneys, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, fullness in the chest and hypochondria region, mastitis.
  • KI 25: shen cang / Spirit Storehouse
    • Function: Tonifies the Kidneys, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, chest pain.
  • KI 26: yu zhong / Lively Center
    • Function: Loosens chest and promotes smooth flow of Qi, calms dyspnea and relieves cough.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, accumulation of phlegm, fullness in the chest and hypochondriac region.
  • KI 27: shu fu / Shu Mansion
    • Function: Stimulates the Kidney function of reception of Qi, subdues rebellious Qi, stops cough, calms asthma, resolves phlegm.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, chest pain.

7. Small Intestine Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Small Intestine

Small Intestine Meridian Points

  • SI 1: shao ze / Lesser March
    • Function: Expels wind-heat, subdues wind, opens the orifices, removes obstructions from the channel, promotes lactation.
    • Indications: Headache, febrile diseases, loss of consciousness, redness of the eye, cloudiness of the cornea.
  • SI 2: qian gu / Front Valley
    • Function: Clears heat.
    • Indications: Numbness of the fingers, febrile diseases, tinnitus, headache, reddish urine.
  • SI 3: hou xi / Back Ravine
    • Function: Eliminates interior wind from the Governing Vessel, expels exterior wind, benefits sinews, resolves dampness and jaundice, clears the mind.
    • Indications: Pain and rigidity of the neck, tinnitus, deafness, sore throat, mania, malaria, acute lumbar sprain, night sweating, febrile diseases, contracture and numbness of the fingers, pain in the shoulder and elbow.
  • SI 4: wan gu / Wrist Bone
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, eliminates damp-heat.
    • Indications: Febrile diseases with anhidrosis, headache, rigidity of the neck, contracture of the fingers, pain in the wrist, jaundice.
  • SI 5: yang gu / Yang Valley
    • Function: Clears mind, removes obstructions from the channel, expels exterior damp-heat.
    • Indications: Swelling of the neck and submandibular region, pain of the hand and wrist, febrile diseases.
  • SI 6: yang lao / Nursing the Aged
    • Function: Benefits the sinews, brightens the eyes, removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Blurring of vision, pain in the shoulder, elbow and arm.
  • SI 7: zhi zheng / Branch to the Correct
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Neck rigidity, headache, dizziness, spasmodic pain in the elbow and fingers, febrile diseases, mania.
  • SI 8: xiao hai / Small Sea
    • Function: Resolves damp-heat, removes obstructions from the channel, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Headache, swelling of cheek, pain in nape, shoulder, arm and elbow, epilepsy.
  • SI 9: jian zhen / True Shoulder
    • Function: Courses wind and quickens the connecting vessels, dissipates, binds and relieves pain.
    • Indications: Pain in the scapular region, motor impairment of the hand and arm.
  • SI 10: nao shu / Upper Arm Point
    • Function: Quickens the blood and frees the connecting vessels, soothes the sinews and dissipates binds.
    • Indications: Swelling of the shoulder, aching and weakness of the shoulder and arm.
  • SI 11: tian zong / Celestial Gathering
    • Function: Resolves Tai Yang channel pathogens, diffuses Qi stagnation in the chest and lateral costal region.
    • Indications: Pain in the scapular region, pain in the lateroposterior aspect of the elbow and arm, asthma.
  • SI 12: bing feng / Grasping the Wind
    • Function: Frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Pain in the scapular region, numbness and aching of the upper extremities, motor impairment of the shoulder and arm.
  • SI 13: qu yuan / Crooked Wall
    • Function: Soothes the sinews and quickens the blood.
    • Indications: Pain and stiffness of the scapular region.
  • SI 14: jian wai shu / Outer Shoulder Transporter
    • Function: Courses wind and quickens the connecting vessels, warms the channels and dissipates cold.
    • Indications: Aching of the shoulder and back, pain and rigidity of the neck.
  • SI 15: jian zhong shu / Central Shoulder Transporter
    • Function: Diffuses the lung and clears heat, transforms phlegm and brightens the eyes.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, pain in the shoulder and back, hemoptysis.
  • SI 16: tian chuang / Celestial Window
    • Function: Dispels wind and quickens the connecting vessels, quiets the spirit and nourishes the Heart.
    • Indications: Sore throat, sudden loss of voice, deafness, tinnitus, stiffness and pain of the neck.
  • SI 17: tian rong / Celestial Countenance
    • Function: Resolves damp-heat, expels fire-poison, removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Deafness, tinnitus, sore throat, swelling of the cheek, foreign body sensation in the throat, goiter.
  • SI 18: quan liao / Cheek Bone-Hole
    • Function: Expels wind, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Facial paralysis, twitching of eyelids, pain in the face, toothache, swelling of the cheek, yellowish sclera.
  • SI 19: ting gong / Auditory Palace
    • Function: Benefits the ears.
    • Indications: Deafness, tinnitus, otorrhea, motor impairment of the mandibular joint, toothache.

8. Large Intestine Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Large Intestine

Large Intestine Meridian Points

  • LI 1: shang yang / Metal Yang
    • Function: Clears heat, brightens the eyes, benefits the throat, calms the mind, expels wind and scatters cold.
    • Indications: Toothache, sore throat, swelling of the submandibular region, numbness of fingers, febrile diseases with anhidrosis, xerostomia, loss of consciousness.
  • LI 2: er jian / Second Space
    • Function: Clears heat, dissipates pathogenic heat, disinhibits the throat.
    • Indications: Blurring vision, epistaxis (nosebleed), toothache, sore throat, febrile diseases.
  • LI 3: san jian / Third Space
    • Function: Dispels exterior wind, clears heat, brightens the eyes, benefits the throat.
    • Indications: Toothache, ophthalmalgia, sore throat, redness and swelling of fingers and the dorsum of the hand.
  • LI 4: he gu / Union Valley
    • Function: Dispels exterior wind, releases the exterior, stimulates the dispersing function of the Lungs, stops pain, removes obstructions from the channel, tonifies Qi and consolidates the exterior, harmonizes ascending and descending functions.
    • Indications: Headache, pain in the neck of any part of the body, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, epistaxis, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, toothache, deafness, facial swelling, sore throat.
  • LI 5: yang xi / Yang Ravine
    • Function: Expels wind, releases the exterior, benefits the throat, stops pain.
    • Indications: Headache, redness, pain and swelling of the eye, toothache, sore throat, pain of the wrist.
  • LI 6: pian li / Veering Passage
    • Function: Opens the Lung water passage.
    • Indications: Redness of the eye, tinnitus, deafness, epistaxis, aching of the hand and arm, sore throat, edema.
  • LI 7: wen liu / Warm Flow
    • Function: Clears heat, stops pain, expels wind, benefits the throat.
    • Indications: Headache, swelling of the face, sore throat, borborygmus, abdominal pain, aching of the shoulder and arm.
  • LI 8: xia lian / Lower Ridge
    • Function: Dissipates wind and clears heat, frees the channels and relieves pain.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, pain in the elbows and arm, motor impairment of the upper limbs.
  • LI 9: shang lian / Upper Ridge
    • Function: Courses the channels and quickens the connecting vessel, frees bowel Qi.
    • Indications: Aching of the shoulder and arm, motor impairment of the upper limbs, numbness of the hand and arm, borborygmus, abdominal pain.
  • LI 10: shou san li / Arm Three Miles
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, tonifies Qi.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, toothache, swelling of the cheek, motor impairment of the upper limbs, pain in the shoulder and back.
  • LI 11: qu chi / Pool at the Bend
    • Function: Expels exterior wind, clears heat, cools blood, resolves dampness, regulates nutritive Qi and blood, benefits the sinews and joints.
    • Indications: Sore throat, toothache, redness and pain of the eye, scrofula, urticarial, motor impairment of the upper extremities, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, febrile diseases.
  • LI 12: zhou liao / Elbow Bone-Hole
    • Function: Courses the channels and quickens the connecting vessels, disinhibits the joints.
    • Indications: Pain, numbness and contracture of the elbow and arm.
  • LI 13: shou wu li / Arm Five Miles
    • Function: Courses the channels and quickens the connecting vessels, disinhibits the joints.
    • Indications: Pain in the shoulder and arm, rigidity of the neck, scrofula.
  • LI 14: bi nao / Upper Arm
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, brightens the eyes, resolves phlegm and disperses masses.
    • Indications: Pain in the shoulder and arm, rigidity of the neck, scrofula.
  • LI 15: jian yu / Shoulder Bone
    • Function: Benefits sinews, promotes circulation of Qi in the channels, stops pain, expels wind.
    • Indications: Pain in the shoulder and arm. Motor impairment of the upper extremities, rubella, scrofula.
  • LI 16: jug u / Great Bone
    • Function: Moves blood locally, removes obstructions from the channel, opens the chest, subdues ascending rebellious Qi, stimulates the descending of Lung Qi, benefits the joints.
    • Indications: Pain and motor impairment of the upper extremities, pain in the shoulder and back.
  • LI 17: tian ding / Celestial Tripod
    • Function: Disinhibits the throat and clears Lung Qi.
    • Indications: Sudden loss of voice, sore throat, scrofula, goiter.
  • LI 18: fu tu / Protuberance Assistant
    • Function: Benefits the throat, relieves cough, resolves phlegm and disperses masses.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, sore throat, sudden loss of voice, scrofula, goiter.
  • LI 19: he liao / Grain Bone-Hole
    • Function: Diffuses Lung Qi and clears Lung heat, clears the nose and rouses the spirit.
    • Indications: Nasal obstruction, epistaxis, deviation of the mouth.
  • LI 20: ying xian / Welcome Fragrance
    • Function: Dispels exterior wind.
    • Indications: Nasal obstruction, hyposmia, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, deviation of the mouth, itching and swelling of the face.

9. Triple Energizer Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Triple Energizer

Triple Energizer Meridian Points

  • TE 1: guan chong / Passage Hub
    • Function: Clears heat, expels wind, invigorates blood, restores consciousness, stops convulsions.
    • Indications: Headache, redness of eyes, sore throat, stiff tongue, febrile diseases, irritability.
  • TE 2: ye men / Humor Gate
    • Function: Clears heat, expels wind, benefits the ear, removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Headache, redness of the eyes, sudden deafness, sore throat, malaria, pain in arm.
  • TE 3: zhong zhu / Central Islet
    • Function: Clears heat, expels wind, benefits ears, lifts the mind, removes obstructions from the channel, regulates Qi.
    • Indications: Headache, redness of the eyes, deafness, tinnitus, sore throat, febrile diseases, pain in the elbow and arm, motor impairment of fingers.
  • TE 4: yang chi / Yang Pool
    • Function: Relaxes sinews, removes obstructions from the channel, clears heat, regulates the stomach, promotes fluids transformation, benefits original Qi, tonifies Penetrating and Conception vessels.
    • Indications: Pain in the arm, shoulder and wrist, malaria, deafness, thirst.
  • TE 5: wai guan / Outer Pass
    • Function: Expels wind-heat, releases the exterior, removes obstruction from the channel, benefits the ear, subdues Liver yang.
    • Indications: Febrile diseases, headache, pain in cheek, strained neck, deafness, tinnitus, pain in the hypochondriac region, motor impairment of the elbow and arm, pain of the fingers, hand tremors.
  • TE 6: zhi gou / Branch Ditch
    • Function: Regulates Qi, removes obstructions from the channel, removes obstructions from the Large Intestine, clears heat, expels wind.
    • Indications: Tinnitus, deafness, pain in the hypochondriac region, vomiting, constipation, febrile diseases, aching and heavy sensation of the shoulder and back, sudden hoarseness of voice.
  • TE 7: hui zong / Convergence and Gathering
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channels, benefits eyes and ears, stops pain.
    • Indications: Deafness, pain in the ear, epilepsy, pain of the arm.
  • TE 8: san yang luo / Three Yang Connection
    • Function: Clears heat, removes obstructions from the channels.
    • Indications: Deafness, sudden hoarseness of voice, pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, pain in the hand and arm, toothache.
  • TE 9: si du / Four Rivers
    • Function: Courses the channels and quickens the connecting vessels, frees and regulates the waterways, disinhibits the throat and opens the portals.
    • Indications: Deafness, toothache, migraine, sudden hoarseness of voice, pain in the forearm.
  • TE 10: tian jung / Celestial Wall
    • Function: Relaxes tendons, resolves damp and phlegm, dispels masses, clears heat, dispels stagnation, regulates nutritive and defensive Qi.
    • Indications: Migraine, pain in the neck, shoulder and arm, epilepsy, scrofula, goiter.
  • TE 11: qing leng yuan / Clear Cold Abyss
    • Function: Frees the channel and connecting vessel, clears heat and drains fire.
    • Indications: Motor impairment and pain of the shoulder and arm, migraine.
  • TE 12: xiao luo / Dispersing Riverbed
    • Function: Courses the channels, quickens the connecting vessels and moves Qi, clears and drains depressed heat in the Triple Energizer.
    • Indications: Headache, neck rigidity, motor impairment and pain of the arm.
  • TE 13: nao hui / Upper Arm Convergence
    • Function: Clears and discharges pathogenic heat, frees the channels and connecting vessels, disinhibits the joints.
    • Indications: Goiter, pain in the shoulder and arm.
  • TE 14: xian liao / Shoulder Bone-Hole
    • Function: Dispels wind and overcomes damp, moves Qi, quickens blood and relieves pain.
    • Indications: Pain and motor impairment of the shoulder and upper arm.
  • TE 15: tian liao / Celestial Bone-Hole
    • Function: Dispels wind and eliminates damp, frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessels, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Pain in the shoulder and elbow, stiffness of the neck.
  • TE 16: tian you / Celestial Oriole
    • Function: Clears heat and drains fire, dispels wind and eliminates damp, reduces swelling and stops pain, frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Headache, neck rigidity, facial swelling, blurring of vision, sudden deafness.
  • TE 17: yi feng / Wind Screen
    • Function: Expels wind, benefits the ears.
    • Indications: Tinnitus, deafness, otorrhea, facial paralysis, toothache, swelling of cheek, scrofula, trismus.
  • TE 18: chi mai / Spasm Vessel
    • Function: Clears heat and resolves tetany, quickens the connecting vessels and relieves pain, opens the portals.
    • Indications: Headache, tinnitus, deafness, infantile convulsion.
  • TE 19: lu xi / Skull Rest
    • Function: Courses wind and quickens the connecting vessels, frees the channels and relieves pain, quiets the spirit and settles fright.
    • Indications: Headache, tinnitus, deafness, infantile convulsion.
  • TE 20: jiao sun / Angle Vertex
    • Function: Clears the head and brightens the eyes, courses wind, quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Tinnitus, redness, pain and swelling of the eye, swelling of the gum, toothache, parotitis.
  • TE 21: er men / Ear Gate
    • Function: Courses the channels and quickens the connecting vessels, opens the portals and boosts hearing.
    • Indications: Tinnitus, deafness, otorrhea, toothache, stiffness of the lip.
  • TE 22: he liao / Harmony Bone-Hole
    • Function: Dispels wind and frees the connecting vessels, opens the portals.
    • Indications: Migraine, tinnitus, lockjaw.
  • TE 23: si zhu kong / Silk Bamboo Hole
    • Function: Expels wind, brightens the eyes, stops pain.
    • Indications: Headache, redness and pain of the eye, blurring of vision, twitching of the eyelid, toothache, facial paralysis.

10. Stomach Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Stomach

Stomach Meridian Points

  • ST 1: cheng qi / Tear Container
    • Function: Expels wind, brightens the eyes, stops lacrimation.
    • Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, lacrimation, night blindness, twitching of eyelids, facial paralysis.
  • ST 2: si bai / Four Whites
    • Function: Expels wind, brightens the eyes.
    • Indications: Redness, pain and itching of the eye, facial paralysis, twitching of eye lids, pain in the face.
  • ST 3: ju liao / Great Bone-Hole
    • Function: Expels wind, removes obstructions from the channel, relieves swellings.
    • Indications: Facial paralysis, twitching of eyelids, epistaxis, toothache, swelling of lips and cheek.
  • ST 4: di cang / Earth Granary
    • Function: Expels wind, removes obstructions from the channel, benefits tendons and muscles.
    • Indications: Deviation of the mouth, salivation, twitching of the eyelids.
  • ST 5: da ying / Great Reception
    • Function: Courses wind and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Facial paralysis, trismus, swelling of the cheek, pain in the face, toothache.
  • ST 6: jia che / Jawbone
    • Function: Expels wind, removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Facial paralysis, toothache, swelling of the cheek and face, mumps, trismus.
  • ST 7: xia guan / Below the Joint
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, benefits the ears.
    • Indications: Deafness, tinnitus, otorrhea, toothache, facial paralysis, pain of the face, motor impairment of the jaw.
  • ST 8: tou wei / Head Corner
    • Function: Expels wind, relieves pain, brightens the eyes, relieves dizziness, clears heat.
    • Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, ophthalmalgia, lacrimation.
  • ST 9: ren ying / Man’s Prognosis
    • Function: Regulates Qi, removes masses, benefits the throat, relieves swellings.
    • Indications: Sore throat, asthma, goiter, dizziness, flushing of the face.
  • ST 10: shui tu / Water Prominence
    • Function: Rectifies Lung Qi and disinhibits the throat.
    • Indications: Sore throat, asthma, cough.
  • ST 11: qi she / Qi Abode
    • Function: Courses Qi and downbears counterflow.
    • Indications: Sore throat, pain and rigidity of the neck, asthma, hiccup, goiter.
  • ST 12: que pen / Empty Basin
    • Function: Subdues rebellious Qi.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, sore throat, pain in the supraclavicular fossa.
  • ST 13: qi hu / Qi Door
    • Function: Clears heat and loosens the chest.
    • Indications: Fullness in the chest, asthma, cough, hiccup, pain in the chest, hypochondrium.
  • ST 14: ku fang / Storeroom
    • Function: Rectifies Qi and loosens the chest.
    • Indications: Sensation of fullness and pain in the chest, cough.
  • ST 15: wu yi / Roof
    • Function: Courses wind and relieves pain.
    • Indications: Fullness and pain in the chest and the costal region, cough, asthma, mastitis.
  • ST 16: ying chuang / Breast Window
    • Function: Clears heat and resolves depression, relieves pain and disperses swelling.
    • Indications: Fullness and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, cough, asthma, mastitis.
  • ST 17: ru zhong / Breast Center
    • Function: None.
    • Indications: None.
  • ST 18: ru gen / Breast Root
    • Function: Regulates Stomach Qi, regulates the breast and lactation, dispels stagnation.
    • Indications: Pain in the chest, cough, asthma, mastitis, insufficient lactation.
  • ST 19: bu rong / Not Contained
    • Function: Regulates the center and harmonizes the Stomach.
    • Indications: Abdominal distensions, vomiting, gastric pain, anorexia.
  • ST 20: cheng man / Assuming Fullness
    • Function: Harmonizes the Stomach and rectifies Qi.
    • Indications: Gastric pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, anorexia.
  • ST 21: liang men / Beam Gate
    • Function: Regulates the Stomach, subdues rebellious Qi, stops vomiting, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal distension, diarrhea.
  • ST 22: guan men / Pass Gate
    • Function: Regulates the Stomach and Intestines.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension and pain, anorexia, borborygmus, diarrhea, edema.
  • ST 23: tai yi / Supreme Unity
    • Function: Clears the Heart and quiets the spirit, fortifies the Spleen and harmonizes the center.
    • Indications: Gastric pain, irritability, mania, indigestion.
  • ST 24: hua rou men / Slipper Flesh Gate
    • Function: Quiets the spirit and stabilizes the disposition, regulates and harmonizes the Stomach and Intestines.
    • Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, mania.
  • ST 25: tian shu / Celestial Pivot
    • Function: Promotes the function of the Intestines, clears heat, regulates Qi, relieves retention of food.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, borborygmus, pain around the umbilicus, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, irregular menstruation, edema.
  • ST 26: wai ling / Outer Mound
    • Function: Dissipates cold, relieves pain, rectifies Qi.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, hernia, dysmenorrhea.
  • ST 27: da ju / Great Gigantic
    • Function: Regulates Stomach Qi.
    • Indications: Lower abdominal distension, dysuria, hernia, seminal emission, premature ejaculation.
  • ST 28: shui dao / Waterway
    • Function: Benefits urination, opens the water passages, benefits difficult urination.
    • Indications: Lower abdominal distension, retention of urine, edema, hernia, dysmenorrheal, sterility.
  • ST 29: gui lai / Return
    • Function: Relieves stagnation of blood.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, hernia, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus.
  • ST 30: qi chong / Surging Qi
    • Function: Regulates Stomach Qi, regulates the Penetrating Vessel, promotes essence, tonifies the sea of nourishment, regulates blood.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, hernia, swelling and pain of the external genitalia, impotence, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation.
  • ST 31: bi guan / Inferior Joint
    • Function: Removes obstruction from the channel.
    • Indications: Pain in the thigh, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, numbness and pain of the lower extremities.
  • ST 32: fu tu / Crouching Rabbit
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, expels wind-heat.
    • Indications: Pain in the lumbar and iliac region, coldness of the knee, paralysis or motor impairment and pain of the lower extremities, beriberi.
  • ST 33: yin shi / Yin Market
    • Function: Courses wind and dissipates cold, frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessels, disinhibits the joints.
    • Indications: Numbness, soreness, motor impairment of the leg and knee, motor impairment of the lower extremities.
  • ST 34: liang qiu / Beam Hill
    • Function: Subdues rebellious Stomach Qi, removes obstructions from channel, expels damp and wind.
    • Indications: Pain and numbness of the knee, gastric pain, mastitis, motor impairment of the lower extremities.
  • ST 35: du bi / Calf’s Nose
    • Function: Invigorates the channel, relieves swelling, stops pain.
    • Indications: Pain, numbness and motor impairment of the knee, beriberi.
  • ST 36: zu san li / Leg Three Miles
    • Function: Benefits Stomach and Spleen, tonifies Qi and blood, dispels cold, strengthens body, brightens eyes, regulates nutritive and defensive Qi and the Intestines, raises yang, expels wind and damp, resolves edema.
    • Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, hiccup, abdominal distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, mastitis, enteritis, aching in knee joint and leg, beriberi, dizziness, insomnia, edema, cough, asthma, emaciation due to general deficiency, indigestion, apoplexy, hemiplegia, mania.
  • ST 37: shang ju xu / Upper Great Hollow
    • Function: Regulates the function of the Stomach and Intestines, eliminates damp-heat, dispels retention of food, calms asthma.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, enteritidis, paralysis due to stroke, beriberi.
  • ST 38: tiao kou / Ribbon Opening
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Numbness, soreness and pain of the knee and leg, weakness and motor impairment of the shoulder, abdominal pain.
  • ST 39: xia ju xu / Lower Great Hollow
    • Function: Regulates the function of Stomach and Intestines, eliminates damp-heat, eliminates wind-damp, stops pain.
    • Indications: Lower abdominal pain, backache referring to the testis, mastitis, numbness and paralysis of the lower extremities.
  • ST 40: feng long / Bountiful Bulge
    • Function: Resolves phlegm and damp, calms asthma, clears heat, calms and clears the mind, opens the chest.
    • Indications: Headache, dizziness and vertigo, cough, asthma, excessive sputum, pain in the chest, constipation, mania, epilepsy, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, pain, swelling or paralysis of the lower extremities.
  • ST 41: jie xi / Ravine Divide
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, eliminates wind, clears heat, clears the mind, brightens the eyes.
    • Indications: Pain of the ankle joint, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, pain and paralysis of the lower extremities, epilepsy, headache, dizziness and vertigo, abdominal distension, constipation.
  • ST 42: chong yang / Surging Yang
    • Function: Tonifies Stomach and Spleen, calms the mind, removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Pain of the upper teeth, redness and swelling of the dorsum of the foot, facial paralysis, muscular atrophy and motor impairment of the foot.
  • ST 43: xian gu / Sunken Valley
    • Function: Eliminates wind and heat, removes obstruction from the channel.
    • Indications: Facial or general edema, abdominal pain, borborygmus, swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot.
  • ST 44: nei ting / Inner Court
    • Function: Clears heat, eliminates fullness, regulates Qi, stops pain, promotes digestion, eliminates wind from face.
    • Indications: Toothache, pain in the face, deviation of the mouth, sore throat, epistaxis, gastric pain, acid regurgitation, dysentery, constipation, swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot, febrile diseases.
  • ST 45: li dui / Severe Mouth
    • Function: Calms the mind, brightens the eye, clears the Heart, relieves retention of food.
    • Indications: Facial swelling, deviation of the mouth, epistaxis, toothache, sore throat and hoarse voice, abdominal distension, coldness in the leg and foot, febrile diseases, dream-disturbed sleep, mania.

11. Gallbladder Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Gallbladder

Gallbladder Meridian Points

  • GB 1: tong zi liao / Pupil Bone-Hole
    • Function: Expels wind-heat, clears fire, brightens the eyes.
    • Indications: Headaches, redness and pain of the eyes, failing vision, lacrimation, deviation of the eyes and mouth.
  • GB 2: ting hui / Auditory Convergence
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, benefits the ears, expels exterior wind.
    • Indications: Deafness, tinnitus, toothache, motor impairment of the temporomandibular joint, mumps, deviation of the eye and mouth.
  • GB 3: shang guan / Upper Gate
    • Function: Frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessels, boosts the hearing.
    • Indications: Headache, deafness, tinnitus, diplacusis, deviation of the eye and mouth, toothache.
  • GB 4: han yan / Forehead Fullness
    • Function: Courses wind, quickens connecting vessels, clears heat, settles fright, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Migraine, vertigo, tinnitus, pain in the outer canthus, toothache, convulsion, epilepsy.
  • GB 5: xuan lu / Suspended Skull
    • Function: Courses wind and quickens the connecting vessels, disperses swelling, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Migraine, pain in the outer canthus, facial swelling.
  • GB 6: xuan li / Suspended Tuft
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, benefits the ear.
    • Indications: Migraine, pain in the outer canthus, tinnitus, frequent sneezing.
  • GB 7: qu bin / Temporal Hairline Curve
    • Function: Clears heat and disperses swelling, extinguishes wind and relieves pain.
    • Indications: Headache, swelling of cheek, trismus, pain in temporal region, infantile convulsion.
  • GB 8: shuai gu / Valley Lead
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, benefits the ears.
    • Indications: Migraine, vertigo, vomiting, infantile convulsion.
  • GB 9: tian chong / Celestial Hub
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, subdues rising Qi, eliminates interior wind, calms spasms, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Headache, epilepsy, swelling and pin of the gums, convulsion.
  • GB 10: fu bai / Floating White
    • Function: Courses and disinhibits the Liver and Gallbladder, dissipates wind and frees the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Headache, deafness, tinnitus.
  • GB 11: tou qiao yin / Head Portal Yin
    • Function: Clears heat and disinhibits Gallbladder channel damp-heat, frees the ears and disinhibits the throat.
    • Indications: Pain in the head and neck, tinnitus, deafness, pain in the ears.
  • GB 12: wan gu / Completion Bone
    • Function: Eliminates wind, calms spasms, subdues rising Qi, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Headache, insomnia, swelling of the cheek, retro-auricular pain, deviation of eye and mouth, toothache.
  • GB 13: ben shen / Root Spirit
    • Function: Calms the mind, eliminates wind, gathers essence to the head, clears the brain.
    • Indications: Headache, insomnia, vertigo, epilepsy.
  • GB 14: yang bai / Yang White
    • Function: Eliminates exterior wind, subdues rising Qi.
    • Indications: Headache in the frontal region, pain of the orbital ridge, eye pain, vertigo, twitching of the eyelids, ptosis of the eyelids, lacrimation.
  • GB 15: tou lin qi / Head Overlooking Tears
    • Function: Regulates the mind, balances the emotions, clears brain, brightens eyes, frees the nose.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, lacrimation, pain in outer canthus, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, manic depression.
  • GB 16: mu chuang / Eye Window
    • Function: Courses the channels and connecting vessels, clears head and brightens eyes.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, red and painful eyes, nasal obstruction.
  • GB 17: zheng ying / Upright Construction
    • Function: Clears heat and drains the Gallbladder, soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Migraine, vertigo.
  • GB 18: cheng ling / Spirit Support
    • Function: Calms the mind, clears the brain, drains heat, diffuses Lungs, frees portals.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, obsessive thoughts and dementia.
  • GB 19: nao kong / Brain Hollow
    • Function: Clears the Gallbladder and drains fire, soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels, rouses the brain and frees the portal.
    • Indications: Headache, stiffness of the neck, vertigo, painful eyes, tinnitus, epilepsy.
  • GB 20: feng chi / Wind Pool
    • Function: Eliminates wind (interior and exterior), subdues Liver yang, brightens the eyes, benefits the ears, clears heat, clears the brain.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, insomnia, pain and stiffness of neck, blurred vision, glaucoma, red and painful eyes, tinnitus, convulsion, epilepsy, infantile convulsion, febrile diseases, common cold, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea.
  • GB 21: jian jing / Shoulder Well
    • Function: Relaxes sinews, promotes lactation, promotes delivery.
    • Indications: Pain and rigidity of the neck, pain in the shoulder and back, motor impairment of the arm, insufficient lactation, mastitis, scrofula, apoplexy, difficult labor.
  • GB 22: yuan ye / Armpit Abyss
    • Function: Loosens the chest and normalizes Qi, soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Fullness of the chest, swelling of the axillary region, pain in the hypochondriac region, pain and motor impairment of the arm.
  • GB 23: zhe jin / Sinew Seat
    • Function: Courses the Liver and rectifies Qi, calms dyspnea and downbears counterflow.
    • Indications: Fullness of the chest, pain in the hypochondriac region, asthma.
  • GB 24: ri yue / Sun and Moon
    • Function: Resolves damp-heat, promotes the function of the Gallbladder and Liver.
    • Indications: Pain in hypochondriac region, vomiting, acid regurgitations, hiccups, jaundice, mastitis.
  • GB 25: jing men / Capital Gate
    • Function: Used more for diagnosis than treatment of kidney problems.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, pain in lumbar and hypochondriac region.
  • GB 26: dai mai / Girdling Vessel
    • Function: Regulates the uterus, resolves damp-heat, regulates the Girdling Vessel.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, leukorrhea, abdominal pain, hernia, pain in the lumbar and hypochondriac region.
  • GB 27: wu shu / Fifth Pivot
    • Function: Strengthens the lumbar and boosts the Kidneys, courses the Liver and rectifies Qi, treats vaginal discharge.
    • Indications: Leukorrhea, lower abdominal pain, lumbar pain, hernia, constipation.
  • GB 28: wei dao / Linking Path
    • Function: Courses stagnant Qi, rectifies the intestines, leashes the Girdling Vessel.
    • Indications: Leukorrhea, lower abdominal pain, hernia, prolapse of uterus.
  • GB 29: ju lido / Squatting Bone-Hole
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Pain and numbness in the thigh and lumbar region, paralysis, muscular atrophy of the lower limbs.
  • GB 30: huan tiao / Jumping Round
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, tonifies Qi and blood, resolves damp-heat.
    • Indications: Pain of the lumbar region and thigh, muscular atrophy of lower limbs, hemiplegia.
  • GB 31: feng shi / Wind Market
    • Function: Expels wind, relaxes sinews, strengthens the bones, relieves itching.
    • Indications: Pain and soreness in the thigh and lumbar region, paralysis of the lower limbs, beriberi, general pruritus (swelling of skin).
  • GB 32: zhong du / Central River
    • Function: Soothes sinews, quickens the connecting vessels, expels wind and dissipates cold.
    • Indications: Pain and soreness of the thigh and knee, numbness and weakness of the lower limbs, hemiplegia.
  • GB 33: (xi) yang guan / (Knee) Yang Joint
    • Function: Dispels wind and dissipates cold, soothes the sinews, quickens the connecting vessels and relieves pain.
    • Indications: Swelling and pain of knee, contracture of tendons in popliteal fossa, numbness of leg.
  • GB 34: yang ling quan / Yang Mound Spring
    • Function: Promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi, resolves damp-heat, removes obstructions from the channel, relaxes the sinews, subdues rebellious Qi.
    • Indications: Hemiplegia, weakness, numbness and pain of the lower extremities, swelling and pain of the knee, beriberi, hypochondriac pain, bitter taste in the mouth, vomiting, jaundice, infantile convulsion.
  • GB 35: yang liao / Yang Intersection
    • Function: Relaxes sinews, removes obstructions from the channel, stops pain.
    • Indications: Fullness of chest and hypochondriac region, muscular atrophy, paralysis of leg.
  • GB 36: wai qiu / Outer Hill
    • Function: Removes obstruction from the channel, stops pain.
    • Indications: Pain in the neck, chest, thigh and hypochondriac region, chills and fever that accompany rabies.
  • GB 37: guang ming / Bright Light
    • Function: Brightens the eyes, expels wind, clears heat, conducts fire downwards.
    • Indications: Pain in the knee, muscular atrophy, motor impairment and pain of the lower extremities, blurring of vision, ophthalmalgia, night blindness, distending pain in the breast.
  • GB 38: yang fu / Yang Assistance
    • Function: Subdues Liver yang, clears heat, resolves damp-heat.
    • Indications: Migraine, pain of the outer canthus, pain in the axillary region, scrofula, lumbar pain, pain in the chest, pain in the hypochondriac region and lateral aspect of the lower extremities, malaria.
  • GB 39: xuan zhong / Suspended Bend
    • Function: Benefits essence, nourishes marrow, eliminates wind, strengthens sinews and bones, clears and cools damp-heat, benefits Liver and Gallbladder.
    • Indications: Apoplexy, hemiplegia, pain in neck, abdominal distension, pain in hypochondriac region, muscular atrophy of the lower limbs, spastic pain of the leg, beriberi.
  • GB 40: qiu xu / Hill Ruins
    • Function: Promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi.
    • Indications: Pain in the neck, swelling in the axillary region, pain in the hypochondriac region, vomiting, acid regurgitation, muscular atrophy of the lower limbs, malaria, pain and swelling of the external malleolus.
  • GB 41: (zu) lin qi / (Foot) Overlooking Tears
    • Function: Resolves damp-heat, promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi, regulates the Girdling Vessel.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, pain of the outer canthus, scrofula, pain in hypochondriac region, distending pain of the breast, irregular menstruation, pain and swelling of the dorsum of the foot and toe.
  • GB 42: di wu hui / Earth Five-Fold
    • Function: Clears the Liver and drains the Gallbladder, brightens the eyes and sharpens hearing.
    • Indications: Pain of the canthus, tinnitus, distending pain of the breast, swelling and pain of the dorsum of foot.
  • GB 43: jia xi / Pinched Ravine
    • Function: Subdues Liver yang, benefits the ears, resolves damp-heat.
    • Indications: Headache, dizziness, vertigo, pain in outer canthus, tinnitus, deafness, swelling of the cheek, pain in hypochondriac region, distending pain of the breast, febrile diseases.
  • GB 44: (zu) qiao yin / (Foot) Portal Yin
    • Function: Subdues Liver yang, benefits the eyes, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Migraine, deafness, tinnitus, ophthalmalgia, dream-disturbed sleep, febrile diseases.

12. Bladder Meridian

Acupuncture Meridian - Bladder

Bladder Meridian Points

Note: Some sources number the points along the secondary spinal branch differently. The alternative numbering scheme is provided in parentheses. However, the names of each point remain the same, regardless of the number used.

  • BL 1: jing ming / Bright Eyes
    • Function: Expels wind, clears heat, brightens the eyes, stops pain, stops itching, stops lacrimation.
    • Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, itching of the canthus, lacrimation, night blindness, color blindness, blurring of vision.
  • BL 2: zan zhu / Bamboo Gathering
    • Function: Expels wind, brightens the eyes, soothes the Liver, removes obstructions from the channel, stops pain.
    • Indications: Headache, blurring or failing of vision, pain in the supraorbital region, lacrimation, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, twitching of eyelids, glaucoma.
  • BL 3: mei chong / Eyebrow Ascension
    • Function: Dispels wind and clears heat, brightens the eyes.
    • Indications: Headache, giddiness, epilepsy, nasal obstruction.
  • BL 4: qu chai / Deviating Turn
    • Function: Discharges heat and opens the portals, clears the head and brightens the eyes.
    • Indications: Headache, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, blurring and failing of vision.
  • BL 5: wu chu / Fifth Place
    • Function: Subdues interior wind, restores consciousness.
    • Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, epilepsy, convulsion.
  • BL 6: cheng guan / Light Guard
    • Function: Clears heat and eliminates vexation, brightens the eyes and opens the portals.
    • Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, nasal obstruction.
  • BL 7: tong tian / Celestial Connection
    • Function: Subdues wind, clears the nose, brightens the eyes, stops convulsions, opens the orifices.
    • Indications: Headache, giddiness, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, rhinorrhea.
  • BL 8: luo que / Declining Connection
    • Function: Dissipates wind and clears heat, clears the head and brightens the eyes.
    • Indications: Dizziness, blurring of vision, tinnitus, mania.
  • BL 9: yu zhen / Jade Pillow
    • Function: Dispels wind and quickens connecting vessels, frees the portals and brightens eyes.
    • Indications: Headache and neck pain, dizziness, ophthalmalgia, nasal obstruction.
  • BL 10: tian zhu / Celestial Pillar
    • Function: Expels wind, clears the brain, opens the orifices, soothes the sinews, removes obstructions from the channel, brightens the eyes, invigorates the lower back.
    • Indications: Headache, nasal obstruction, sore throat, neck rigidity, pain in shoulder and back.
  • BL 11: da zhu / Great Shuttle
    • Function: Nourishes blood, expels wind, strengthens bones, soothes sinews, releases exterior.
    • Indications: Headache, pain in the neck and back, pain and soreness in the scapular region, cough, fever, neck rigidity.
  • BL 12: feng men / Wind Gate
    • Function: Expels and prevents exterior wind, releases the exterior, stimulates the Lung dispersing function, regulates nutritive and defensive Qi.
    • Indications: Common cold, cough, fever and headache, neck rigidity, backache.
  • BL 13: fei shu / Lung Transporter
    • Function: Stimulates the Lung dispersing and descending function, regulates Lung Qi, regulates nutritive and defensive Qi, tonifies Lung Qi, stops cough, clears heat.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, chest pain, spitting of blood, afternoon fever, night sweating.
  • BL 14: jue yin shu / Absolute Yin Transporter
    • Function: Regulates the Heart.
    • Indications: Cough, cardiac pain, palpitations, stuffy chest, vomiting.
  • BL 15: sin shu / Heart Transporter
    • Function: Calms the mind, clears heat, stimulates the brain, invigorates blood, nourishes Heart.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, panic, loss of memory, palpitation, cough, spitting of blood, nocturnal emission, night sweating, mania, epilepsy.
  • BL 16: du shu / Governing Transporter
    • Function: Regulates the Heart, invigorates blood.
    • Indications: Cardiac pain, abdominal pain.
  • BL 17: ge shu / Diaphragm Transporter
    • Function: Nourishes blood, invigorates blood, opens the chest, removes obstructions from diaphragm, tonifies Qi and blood, clears heat, calms the mind, pacifies Stomach Qi.
    • Indications: Vomiting, hiccups, belching, difficulty in swallowing, asthma, cough, spitting of blood, afternoon fever, night sweating, measles.
  • BL 18: gan shu / Liver Transporter
    • Function: Benefits Liver and Gallbladder, resolves damp-heat, moves stagnant Qi, benefits the eyes, eliminates wind.
    • Indications: Jaundice, pain in the hypochondriac region, redness of the eye, blurring of vision, night blindness, mental disorders, epilepsy, backache, spitting of blood, epistaxis.
  • BL 19: dan shu / Gallbladder Transporter
    • Function: Resolves damp-heat in Liver and Gallbladder, pacifies Stomach, relaxes diaphragm.
    • Indications: Jaundice, bitter taste of the mouth, pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, pulmonary tuberculosis, afternoon fever.
  • BL 20: pi shu / Spleen Transporter
    • Function: Tonifies Spleen and Stomach, resolves damp, nourishes blood.
    • Indications: Epigastric pain, abdominal distension, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, bloody stools, profuse menstruation, edema, anorexia, backache.
  • BL 21: wei shu / Stomach Transporter
    • Function: Regulates and tonifies Stomach Qi, resolves damp, pacifies the Stomach, relieves retention of food.
    • Indications: Pain in the chest and hypochondriac and epigastric regions, anorexia, abdominal distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
  • BL 22: san jiao shu / Triple Energizer Transporter
    • Function: Resolves dampness, opens the water passages, regulates the transformation of fluids in the Lower Energizer.
    • Indications: Borborygmus, abdominal distension, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, edema, pain and stiffness of the lower back.
  • BL 23: shen shu / Kidney Transporter
    • Function: Tonifies the Kidneys and nourishes the Kidney essence, strengthens the lower back, nourishes blood, benefits bones and marrow, resolves damp, strengthens Kidney function of reception of Qi, brightens the eyes, benefits the ears.
    • Indications: Nocturnal emission, impotence, enuresis, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, low back pain, weakness of the knee, blurring of vision, dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, edema, asthma, diarrhea.
  • BL 24: qi hai shu / Sea-of-Qi Transporter
    • Function: Strengthens lower back, removes obstructions from channel, regulates Qi and blood.
    • Indications: Lower back pain, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, asthma.
  • BL 25: da chang shu / Large Intestine Transporter
    • Function: Promotes the function of the Large Intestine, strengthens the lower back, removes obstructions from the channel, relieves fullness and swelling.
    • Indications: Lower back pain, borborygmus, abdominal distension, diarrhea, constipation, pain, muscular atrophy, numbness and motor impairment of lower extremities, sciatica.
  • BL 26: quan yuan shu / Origin Pass Transporter
    • Function: Strengthens the lower back, removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Lower back pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea, enuresis, sciatica, frequent urination.
  • BL 27: xiao chang shu / Small Intestine Transporter
    • Function: Promotes the function of the Small Intestine, resolves dampness, clears heat, benefits urination.
    • Indications: Lower abdominal pain and distension, dysentery, nocturnal emission, hematuria, enuresis, morbid leukorrhea, lower back pain, sciatica.
  • BL 28: pang guang shu / Bladder Transporter
    • Function: Regulates the Bladder, resolves dampness, clears heat, stops pain, eliminates stagnation, opens the water passages in the Lower Energizer, strengthens the loins.
    • Indications: Retention of urine, enuresis, frequent urination, diarrhea, constipation, stiffness and pain of the lower back.
  • BL 29: zhong lu shu / Central Backbone Transporter
    • Function: Strengthens the lumbar spine, warms yang and dissipates cold.
    • Indications: Dysentery, hernia, stiffness and pain of the lower pain.
  • BL 30: bai huan shu / White Ring Transporter
    • Function: Warms yang, regulates the menses, courses the channel, rectifies the Lower Energizer.
    • Indications: Enuresis, pain due to hernia, morbid leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, dysuria, cold sensation, pain of lower back, constipation, tenesmus, prolapse of the rectum.
  • BL 31: shang liao / Upper Bone-Hole
    • Function: Regulates the Lower Energizer, tonifies the lumbar region and knees, nourishes Kidneys.
    • Indications: Lower back pain, dysuria, constipation, irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus.
  • BL 32: ci liao / Second Bone-Hole
    • Function: Regulates the Lower Energizer, tonifies lumbar region and knees, nourishes the Kidneys.
    • Indications: Lower back pain, hernia, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, dysmenorrhea, nocturnal emission, impotence, enuresis, dysuria, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities.
  • BL 33: zhong liao / Central Bone-Hole
    • Function: Regulates the Lower Energizer, tonifies the lumbar region and knees, nourishes Kidneys.
    • Indications: Lower back pain, constipation, diarrhea, dysuria, irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea.
  • BL 34: xia liao / Lower Bone-Hole
    • Function: Regulates the Lower Energizer, tonifies the lumbar region and knees, nourishes Kidneys.
    • Indications: Lower back pain, lower abdominal pain, dysuria, constipation, morbid leukorrhea.
  • BL 35: hui yang / Meeting of Yang
    • Function: Clears and discharges Lower Energizer damp-heat.
    • Indications: Dysentery, bloody stools, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, impotence, morbid leukorrhea.
  • BL 36 (50): cheng fu / Receiving Support
    • Function: Soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Pain in the lower back and gluteal region, constipation, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities.
  • BL 37 (51): yin men / Gate of Abundance
    • Function: Strengthens the lumbar spine, soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Pain in the lower back and thigh, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities, hemiplegia.
  • BL 38 (52): fu xi / Superficial Cleft
    • Function: Soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels, quickens the blood and relieves pain, clears and disinhibits the Lower Energizer.
    • Indications: Numbness of the gluteal and femoral regions, contracture of the tendons in the popliteal fossa.
  • BL 39 (53): wei yang / Outside of the Bend
    • Function: Opens the water passages in the Lower Energizer, benefits the Bladder.
    • Indications: Stiffness and pain of the lower back, distension and fullness of the lower abdomen, edema, dysuria, cramp of the leg and foot.
  • BL 40 (54): wei zhong / Middle of the Bend
    • Function: Clears heat, resolves damp, relaxes the sinews, removes obstructions from the channel, cools blood, eliminates stasis of blood, clears summer heat.
    • Indications: Lower back pain, motor impairment of the hip joint, contracture of the tendons in the popliteal fossa, muscular atrophy, pain, numbness and motor impairment of the lower extremities, hemiplegia, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, erysipelas.
  • BL 41 (36): fu fen / Attached Branch
    • Function: Courses wind and dissipates cold, soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Stiffness and pain of the shoulder, back and neck, numbness of the elbow and arm.
  • BL 42 (37): po hu / Corporeal Soul Door
    • Function: Stimulates the descending of Lung Qi, regulates Qi, clears heat, stops cough and asthma, subdues rebellious Qi.
    • Indications: Pulmonary tuberculosis, hemoptysis, cough, asthma, neck rigidity, pain in the shoulder and back.
  • BL 43 (38): gao huang shu / Vitals (Area below the Heart)
    • Function: Tonifies Qi, strengthens deficiency, nourishes essence, nourishes Lung yin, invigorates the mind, stops cough and calms asthma.
    • Indications: Pulmonary tuberculosis, cough, asthma, spitting of blood, night sweating, poor memory, nocturnal emission.
  • BL 44 (39): shen tang / Spirit Hall
    • Function: Loosens the chest and rectifies Qi, suppresses cough and stabilizes dyspnea, soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Asthma, cardiac pain, palpitation, stuffy chest, cough, stiffness and pain of the back.
  • BL 45 (40): yi xi / Yi Xi (no translation available)
    • Function: Resolves the exterior and clears heat, diffuses the Lung and rectifies Qi, frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, pain of the shoulder and back.
  • BL 46 (41): ge guan / Diaphragm Pass
    • Function: None.
    • Indications: Dysphagia, hiccup, vomiting, belching, pain and stiffness of the back.
  • BL 47 (42): hun men / Ethereal Soul Gate
    • Function: Regulates Liver Qi, roots the ethereal soul.
    • Indications: Pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, back pain, vomiting, diarrhea.
  • BL 48 (43): yang gang / Yang Headrope
    • Function: Clears the Gallbladder and Stomach, transforms damp-heat.
    • Indications: Borborygmus, abdominal pain, diarrhea, pain in the hypochondriac region, jaundice.
  • BL 49 (44): yi she / Reflection Abode
    • Function: Tonifies the Spleen, stimulates memory and concentration.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension, borborygmus, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty in swallowing.
  • BL 50 (45): wei cang / Stomach Granary
    • Function: Harmonizes the Stomach and transforms damp, rectifies Qi and disinhibits the center.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension, pain in the epigastric region and back, infantile indigestion.
  • BL 51 (46): huang men / Vitals Gate
    • Function: Regulates the Triple Energizer, ensures the smooth spread of the Triple Energizer Qi to the Heart region.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, constipation, abdominal mass.
  • BL 52 (47): zhi shi / Will Chamber
    • Function: Tonifies the Kidneys, strengthens the back, reinforces the will power.
    • Indications: Nocturnal emission, impotence, enuresis, frequency of urination, dysuria, irregular menstruation, pain in the back and knee, edema.
  • BL 53 (48): bao huang / Bladder Vitals
    • Function: Opens the water passages in the Lower Energizer, stimulates the transformation and excretion of fluids.
    • Indications: Borborygmus, abdominal distension, pain in the lower back, anuria.
  • BL 54 (49): zhi bian / Sequential Limit
    • Function: Relaxes the sinews, invigorates blood, clears heat, removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Pain in the lumbosacral region, muscular atrophy, motor impairment of the lower extremities, dysuria, swelling around external genitalia, hemorrhoids, constipations, beriberi.
  • BL 55: he yang / Yang Union
    • Function: Strengthens the lumbus and boosts the Kidney, soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels.
    • Indications: Lower back pain, pain and paralysis of the lower extremities.
  • BL 56: cheng jin / Sinew Support
    • Function: Soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Spasm of the gastrocnemius muscle, hemorrhoids, acute lower back pain.
  • BL 57: cheng shan / Mountain Support
    • Function: Relaxes the sinews, invigorates blood, clears heat, removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Lower back pain, spasm of the gastrocnemius, hemorrhoids, constipation, beriberi.
  • BL 58: fei yang / Taking Flight
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, strengthens the Kidneys.
    • Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, back pain, hemorrhoids, weakness of the leg.
  • BL 59: fu yang / Instep Yang
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, invigorates the Yang Motility Vessel, strengthens the back.
    • Indications: Heavy sensation of the head, headache, lower back pain, redness and swelling of the external malleolus, paralysis of the lower extremities.
  • BL 60: kun lun / Kunlun Mountains
    • Function: Expels wind, removes obstructions from the channel, relaxes the sinews, clears heat, invigorates blood, strengthens the back.
    • Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, neck rigidity, epistaxis, pain in the shoulder, back and arm, swelling and pain of the hell, difficult labor, epilepsy.
  • BL 61: pu can / Subservient Visitor
    • Function: Frees channels and quickens the connecting vessels, disperses swelling, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Muscular atrophy and weakness of the lower extremities, pain in the heel.
  • BL 62: shen mai / Extending Vessel
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, benefits the eyes, relaxes the sinews, opens the Yang Motility Vessel, clears the mind, eliminates interior wind.
    • Indications: Epilepsy, mania, headache, dizziness, insomnia, backache, aching of the leg.
  • BL 63: jin men / Metal Gate
    • Function: Soothes the sinews and quickens connecting vessels, opens portals, quiets the spirit.
    • Indications: Mania, epilepsy, infantile convulsion, backache, pain in the external malleolus, motor impairment and pain of the lower extremities.
  • BL 64: jing gu / Capital Bone
    • Function: Frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessels, quiets the Heart and spirit, dissipates wind and clears heat.
    • Indications: Headache, neck rigidity, pain in the lower back and thigh, epilepsy.
  • BL 65: shu gu / Bundle Bone
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, clears heat, eliminates wind.
    • Indications: Mania, headache, neck rigidity, blurring of vision, backache, pain in the lower extremities.
  • BL 66: tong gu / Valley Passage
    • Function: Clears heat, removes obstructions from the channel, eliminates wind.
    • Indications: Headache, neck rigidity, blurring of vision, epistaxis, mania.
  • BL 67: zhi yin / Reaching Yin
    • Function: Eliminates wind, removes obstructions from the channel, invigorates blood, clears eyes.
    • Indications: Headache, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, ophthalmalgia, malposition of fetus, difficult labor, retention of afterbirth, feverish sensation in the sole.

The 2 Major Extraordinary Vessels

1. Conception Vessel

Acupuncture Meridian - Conception Vessel

Conception Vessel Meridian Points

  • CV 1: hui yin / Meeting of Yin
    • Function: Nourishes yin, benefits essence, promotes resuscitation, resolves damp-heat.
    • Indications: Vaginitis, retention of urine, hemorrhoids, nocturnal emission, enuresis, irregular menstruation, mental disorders.
  • CV 2: qu gu / Curved Bone
    • Function: Warms yang and supplements Kidney, regulates menses and stops vaginal discharge.
    • Indications: Retention and dribbling of urine, enuresis, nocturnal emission, impotence, morbid leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, hernia.
  • CV 3: zhong ji / Central Pole
    • Function: Resolves damp-heat, promotes the Bladder function of Qi transformation, clears heat.
    • Indications: Enuresis, nocturnal emission, impotence, hernia, uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, frequency of urination, retention of urine, pain in the lower abdominal, prolapse of the uterus, vaginitis.
  • CV 4: guan yuan / Origin Pass
    • Function: Nourishes blood and yin, strengthens yang, regulates the uterus, benefits original Qi, tonifies the Kidneys, calms the mind, roots the ethereal soul.
    • Indications: Enuresis, nocturnal emission, frequency of urination, retention of urine, hernia, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea, lower abdominal pain, prolapse of the rectum, postpartum hemorrhage, indigestion, diarrhea, flaccid type apoplexy.
  • CV 5: shi men / Stone Gate
    • Function: Strengthens original Qi, promotes the transformation and excretion of fluids in the Lower Energizer, opens water passages.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, edema, hernia, anuria, enuresis, uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage.
  • CV 6: qi hai / Sea of Qi
    • Function: Tonifies Qi and yang, regulates qi, tonifies original Qi, resolves dampness.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, enuresis, nocturnal emission, impotence, hernia, edema, asthma, diarrhea, dysentery, uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, constipation, flaccid type apoplexy.
  • CV 7: yin jiao / Yin Intersection
    • Function: Nourishes yin, regulates the uterus.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension, edema, hernia, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, morbid leukorrhea, pruritus vulvae, postpartum hemorrhage, abdominal pain around the umbilicus.
  • CV 8: shen que / Spirit Tower Gate
    • Function: Rescues yang, strengthens the Spleen, tonifies original Qi, warms and frees the original yang, opens the portals and restores consciousness, moves gastrointestinal Qi, transforms cold-damp accumulating stagnations.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, flaccid type of apoplexy, prolapse of the rectum, unchecked diarrhea.
  • CV 9: shui fen / Water Divide
    • Function: Moves Spleen and disinhibits water-damp.
    • Indications: Promotes the transformation of fluids, controls the water passages.
  • CV 10: xia guan / Lower Venter
    • Function: Promotes the descending of Stomach Qi, relieves stagnation of food, tonifies Spleen.
    • Indications: Epigastric pain, abdominal pain, borborygmus, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea.
  • CV 11: jian li / Interior Strengthening
    • Function: Promotes digestion in the Stomach, stimulates the descending of Stomach Qi.
    • Indications: Stomach ache, vomiting, edema, abdominal distension, borborygmus, anorexia.
  • CV 12: zhong guan / Central Venter
    • Function: Tonifies Stomach and Spleen, resolves dampness, regulates Stomach Qi.
    • Indications: Stomach ache, abdominal distension, borborygmus, nausea, vomiting, acid regurgitation, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, indigestion, insomnia.
  • CV 13: shang guan / Upper Venter
    • Function: Subdues rebellious Stomach Qi.
    • Indications: Stomach ache, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, epilepsy, insomnia.
  • CV 14: ji que / Great Tower Gate
    • Function: Subdues rebellious Stomach Qi, calms the mind, clears the Heart.
    • Indications: Pain in cardiac region and chest, nausea, acid regurgitation, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, mental disorders, epilepsy, palpitations.
  • CV 15: jiu wei / Turtledove Tail
    • Function: Calms the mind, benefits original Qi.
    • Indications: Pain in the cardiac region and the chest, nausea, mental disorders, epilepsy, palpitations, difficulty swallowing, itchy skin on abdomen.
  • CV 16: zhong ting / Central Palace
    • Function: Loosens the chest and rectifies Qi, downbears counterflow and harmonizes the center.
    • Indications: Distension and fullness in the chest and intercostal region, hiccups, nausea, anorexia.
  • CV 17: shan zhong / Chest Center
    • Function: Tonifies Qi, regulates Qi, dispels fullness from the chest, clears the Lungs, resolves phlegm, benefits the diaphragm and the breasts.
    • Indications: Asthma, pain in the chest, fullness in the chest, palpitation, insufficient lactation, hiccups, difficulty in swallowing.
  • CV 18: yu tang / Jade Hall
    • Function: Loosens the chest and rectifies Qi, suppresses cough and dispels phlegm.
    • Indications: Pain in the chest, cough, asthma, vomiting.
  • CV 19: zi gong / Purple Palace
    • Function: Loosens the chest and rectifies Qi, suppresses cough and disinhibits the throat.
    • Indications: Pain in the chest, cough, asthma.
  • CV 20: hua gai / Florid Canopy
    • Function: Loosens the chest, disinhibits the diaphragm, clears the Lung and stops cough.
    • Indications: Fullness and pain in the chest and intercostal region, cough, asthma.
  • CV 21: xuan ji / Jade Pivot
    • Function: Loosens the chest and rectifies Qi, suppresses cough and downbears counterflow.
    • Indications: Pain in the chest, cough, asthma.
  • CV 22: tian tu / Celestial Chimney
    • Function: Stimulates the descending of Lung Qi, resolves phlegm, clears heat, stops cough, benefits the throat, soothes asthma.
    • Indications: Asthma, cough, sore throat, dry throat, hiccups, sudden hoarseness of the voice, difficulty in swallowing, goiter.
  • CV 23: lian quan / Ridge Spring
    • Function: Dispels interior wind, promotes speech, clears fire, resolves phlegm, subdues rebellious Qi.
    • Indications: Swelling and pain of the subglossal region, salivation with glossoplegia, aphasia with stiffness of tongue by apoplexy, sudden hoarseness of the voice, difficulty swallowing.
  • CV 24: cheng jiang / Sauce Receptacle
    • Function: Expels exterior wind.
    • Indications: Facial puffiness, swelling of the gums, toothache, salivation, mental disorders, deviation of the eyes and mouth.

2. Governing Vessel

Acupuncture Meridian - Governing Vessel

Governing Vessel Meridian Points

  • GV 1: chang qiang / Long Strong
    • Function: Regulates Governing and Conception vessels, resolves damp-heat, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Diarrhea, bloody stools, hemorrhoids, prolapse of the rectum, constipation, pain in the lower back, epilepsy.
  • GV 2: yao shu / Lumbar Transporter
    • Function: Extinguishes interior wind, calms spasms and convulsions, strengthens lower back.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, pain and stiffness of the lower back, hemorrhoids, muscular atrophy of the lower extremities, epilepsy.
  • GV 3: (yao) yang guan / (Lumbar) Yang Pass
    • Function: Strengthens the lower back, tonifies yang, strengthens the legs.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, nocturnal emission, impotence, pain in the lumbosacral region, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, numbness and pain of the lower extremities, epilepsy.
  • GV 4: mung men / Life Gate
    • Function: Tonifies Kidney yang, nourishes original Qi, warms gate of vitality, expels cold, strengthens the lower back, benefits essence.
    • Indications: Stiffness of the back, lumbago, impotence, nocturnal emission, indigestion, irregular menstruation, diarrhea, leukorrhea.
  • GV 5: xuan shu / Suspended Pivot
    • Function: Fortifies the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, strengthens the lumbar and knees.
    • Indications: Pain and stiffness of the lower back, diarrhea, indigestion.
  • GV 6: ji zhong / Spinal Center
    • Function: Fortifies the Spleen and disinhibits damp, supplements the Kidneys and stems desertion, strengthens the lumbar.
    • Indications: Pain in the epigastric region, diarrhea, jaundice epilepsy, stiffness and pain of the back.
  • GV 7: zhong shu / Central Pivot
    • Function: Supplements the Kidneys and strengthens the lumbar, harmonizes the Stomach and relieves pain.
    • Indications: Pain in the epigastric region, lower back pain, stiffness of the back.
  • GV 8: jin suo / Sinew Contraction
    • Function: Relaxes the sinews, eliminates interior wind.
    • Indications: Epilepsy, stiffness of the back, gastric pain.
  • GV 9: zhi yang / Extremity of Yang
    • Function: Regulates Liver and Gallbladder, moves Qi, opens chest and diaphragm, resolves damp-heat.
    • Indications: Jaundice, cough, asthma, stiffness of the back, pain in the chest and back.
  • GV 10: ling tai / Spirit Tower
    • Function: Diffuses the Lung and suppresses cough, frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessel.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, furuncles, back pain, neck rigidity.
  • GV 11: shen dao / Spirit Path
    • Function: Regulates the Heart, calms the mind.
    • Indications: Poor memory, anxiety, palpitation, pain and stiffness of the back, cough, cardiac pain.
  • GV 12: shen zhu / Body Pillar
    • Function: Eliminates interior wind, calms spasms, tonifies Lung Qi, strengthens the body.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, epilepsy, pain and stiffness of the back, furuncles.
  • GV 13: tao dao / Kiln Path
    • Function: Stiffness of the back, headache, malaria, febrile diseases.
    • Indications: Clears heat, releases the exterior, regulates the Lesser Yang.
  • GV 14: da zhui / Great Hammer
    • Function: Clears heat, releases the exterior, expels wind, regulates nutritive and defensive Qi, clears the mind, tonifies the yang.
    • Indications: Neck pain and rigidity, malaria, febrile diseases, epilepsy, afternoon fever, cough, asthma, common cold, back stiffness.
  • GV 15: ya men / Mute’s Gate
    • Function: Clears the mind, stimulates speech.
    • Indications: Mental disorders, epilepsy, deafness and mute, sudden hoarseness of voice, apoplexy, stiffness of the tongue and aphasia, occipital headache, neck rigidity.
  • GV 16: feng fu / Wind Mansion
    • Function: Eliminates wind, clears the mind, benefits the brain.
    • Indications: Headache, neck rigidity, blurring of vision, epistaxis, sore throat, post-apoplexy, aphasia, hemiplegia, mental disorders.
  • GV 17: nao hu / Brain’s Door
    • Function: Eliminates wind, benefits the brain, clears the mind.
    • Indications: Epilepsy, dizziness, pain and stiffness of the neck.
  • GV 18: qiang jian / Unyielding Space
    • Function: Calms the Liver and extinguishes wind, soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessel.
    • Indications: Headache, neck rigidity, blurring of vision, mania.
  • GV 19: hou ding / Behind the Vertex
    • Function: Calms the mind.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, epilepsy, mania.
  • GV 20: bai hui / Hundred Convergences
    • Function: Clears the mind, lifts the spirits, tonifies yang, strengthens the ascending function of the Spleen, eliminates interior wind, promotes resuscitation.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, tinnitus, nasal obstruction, aphasia by apoplexy, coma, mental disorders, prolapse of the rectum and the uterus.
  • GV 21: qian ding / Before the Vertex
    • Function: Extinguishes wind and relieves tetany, frees the connecting vessels and disperses swelling, stabilizes the spirit.
    • Indications: Epilepsy, dizziness, blurring of vision, vertical headache, rhinorrhea.
  • GV 22: xin hui / Fontanel Meeting
    • Function: Calms the Liver and extinguishes wind, opens the portals and settles fright.
    • Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, rhinorrhea, infantile convulsion.
  • GV 23: shang xing / Upper Star
    • Function: Opens the nose.
    • Indications: Headache, ophthalmalgia, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, mental disorders.
  • GV 24: shen ting / Spirit Court
    • Function: Calms the mind.
    • Indications: Epilepsy, anxiety, vertigo, palpitation, insomnia, headache, rhinorrhea.
  • GV 25: su liao / White Bone-Hole
    • Function: Discharges heat and opens the portals, returns yang and stems counterflow.
    • Indications: Loss of consciousness, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, rosacea.
  • GV 26: shui gou / Water Trough
    • Function: Promotes resuscitation, benefits the lumbar spine.
    • Indications: Mental disorders, epilepsy, hysteria, infantile convulsion, coma, deviation of the mouth, apoplexy-faint, trismus, puffiness of the face, pain and stiffness of the lower back.
  • GV 27: dui duan / Extremity of the Mouth
    • Function: Nourishes yin and clears heat, relieves pain and quiets the spirit.
    • Indications: Mental disorders, lip twitching, lip stiffness, pain and swelling of the gums.
  • GV 28: yin jiao / Gum Intersection
    • Function: Diffuses the Lung and frees the portals, clears heat and drains fire, brightens the eyes and relieves itching.
    • Indications: Mental disorders, pain and swelling of the gums, rhinorrhea.

The 6 Minor Extraordinary Vessels

1. Penetrating Vessel

Acupuncture Meridian - Penetrating Vessel

Penetrating Vessel Meridian Points

  • BL 1: jing ming / Bright Eyes
    • Function: Expels wind, clears heat, brightens the eyes, stops pain, stops itching, stops lacrimation.
    • Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, itching of the canthus, lacrimation, night blindness, color blindness, blurring of vision.
  • CV 23: lian quan / Ridge Spring
    • Function: Dispels interior wind, promotes speech, clears fire, resolves phlegm, subdues rebellious Qi.
    • Indications: Swelling and pain of the subglossal region, salivation with glossoplegia, aphasia with stiffness of tongue by apoplexy, sudden hoarseness of the voice, difficulty swallowing.
  • KI 27: shu fu / Shu Mansion
    • Function: Stimulates the Kidney function of reception of Qi, subdues rebellious Qi, stops cough, calms asthma, resolves phlegm.
    • Indications: Cough, asthma, chest pain.
  • KI 21: you men / Dark Gate
    • Function: Abdominal pain and distension, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, morning sickness.
    • Indications: Courses the Liver and rectifies Qi, fortifies the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, clears abdominal heat.
  • KI 20: tong gu / Open Valley
    • Function: Fortifies the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, loosens the chest and rectifies Qi.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, vomiting, indigestion.
  • KI 19: yin du / Yin Metropolis
    • Function: Fortifies the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, regulates Qi dynamic and frees abdominal Qi, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels.
    • Indications: Borborygmus, abdominal pain, epigastric pain, constipation, vomiting.
  • KI 18: shi guan / Stone Pass
    • Function: Fortifies the center and harmonizes Stomach, frees intestines and abducts stagnation.
    • Indications: Vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, postpartum abdominal pain, sterility.
  • KI 17: shang qu / Intestine Bend
    • Function: Fortifies Spleen, disinhibits damp, soothes sinews, quickens the connecting vessel.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation.
  • KI 16: huang shu / Vitals
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, tonifies the Kidneys, benefits the Heart.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distention, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea.
  • ST 25: tian shu / Celestial Pivot
    • Function: Promotes the function of the Intestines, clears heat, regulates Qi, relieves retention of food.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, borborygmus, pain around the umbilicus, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, irregular menstruation, edema.
  • CV 7: yin jiao / Yin Intersection
    • Function: Nourishes yin, regulates the uterus.
    • Indications: Abdominal distension, edema, hernia, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, morbid leukorrhea, pruritus vulvae, postpartum hemorrhage, abdominal pain around the umbilicus.
  • KI 15: zhong zhu / Central Flow
    • Function: Nourishes the Kidney channel, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels, disinhibits the Lower Energizer.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, abdominal pain, constipation.
  • KI 14: si man / Fourfold Fullness
    • Function: Supplements Kidney Qi, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels, promotes free flow through the waterways.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, nocturnal emission, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain.
  • KI 13: di xue / Qi Hole
    • Function: Supplements Kidney Qi, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels, promotes free flow through the waterways.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, nocturnal emission, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain.
  • CV 4: guan yuan / Origin Pass
    • Function: Nourishes blood and yin, strengthens yang, regulates the uterus, benefits original Qi, tonifies the Kidneys, calms the mind, roots the ethereal soul.
    • Indications: Enuresis, nocturnal emission, frequency of urination, retention of urine, hernia, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea, lower abdominal pain, prolapse of the rectum, postpartum hemorrhage, indigestion, diarrhea, flaccid type apoplexy.
  • KI 12: da he / Great Manifestation
    • Function: Supplements Kidney Qi, regulates the Penetrating and Conception vessels.
    • Indications: Nocturnal emission, impotence, morbid leukorrhea, pain in the external genitalia, prolapse of uterus.
  • KI 11: heng gu / Pubic Bone
    • Function: Boosts the Stomach and disinhibits damp.
    • Indications: Fullness and pain of the lower abdomen, dysuria, enuresis, nocturnal emission, impotence, pain of genitalia.
  • ST 30: qi chong / Surging Qi
    • Function: Regulates Stomach Qi, regulates the Penetrating Vessel, promotes essence, tonifies the sea of nourishment, regulates blood.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, hernia, swelling and pain of the external genitalia, impotence, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation.
  • CV 1: hui yin / Meeting of Yin
    • Function: Regulates Stomach Qi, regulates the Penetrating Vessel, promotes essence, tonifies the sea of nourishment, regulates blood.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, hernia, swelling and pain of the external genitalia, impotence, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation.
  • KI 3: tai xi / Great Ravine
    • Function: Tonifies the Kidneys, benefits essence, strengthens the lower back and knees, regulates the uterus.
    • Indications: Sore throat, toothache, deafness, tinnitus, dizziness, spitting of blood, asthma, thirst, irregular menstruation, insomnia, nocturnal emission, impotence, frequency of micturition, pain in the lower back.
  • LR 3: tai chong / Supreme Surge
    • Function: Subdues Liver yang, expels interior wind, promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi, calms the mind, calms spasms.
    • Indications: Headache, dizziness and vertigo, insomnia, congestion, swelling and pain of the eye, depression, infantile convulsion, deviation of mouth, pain in the hypochondriac region, uterine bleeding, hernia, enuresis, retention of urine, epilepsy, pain in the anterior aspect of the medial malleolus.
  • KI 1: yong quan / Gushing Spring
    • Function: Tonifies yin, clears heat, subdues wind, subdues empty-heat, calms the mind, restores consciousness, clears the brain.
    • Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, dizziness, sore throat, dryness of tongue, loss of voice, dysuria, infantile convulsions, feverish sensation in the sole, loss of consciousness.
  • SP 4: gong sun / Yellow Emperor
    • Function: Tonifies Stomach and Spleen, regulates the Penetrating Vessel, stops bleeding, dispels fullness, pacifies the Stomach, removes obstructions, regulates menses.
    • Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, dysentery, borborygmus.

2. Girdling Vessel

Acupuncture Meridian - Girdling Vessel

Girdling Vessel Meridian Points

  • GB 26: dai mai / Girdling Vessel
    • Function: Regulates the uterus, resolves damp-heat, regulates the Girdling Vessel.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, leukorrhea, abdominal pain, hernia, pain in the lumbar and hypochondriac region.
  • GB 27: wu shu / Fifth Pivot
    • Function: Strengthens the lumbar and boosts the Kidneys, courses the Liver and rectifies Qi, treats vaginal discharge.
    • Indications: Leukorrhea, lower abdominal pain, lumbar pain, hernia, constipation.
  • GB 28: wei dao / Linking Path
    • Function: Courses stagnant Qi, rectifies the intestines, leashes the Girdling Vessel.
    • Indications: Leukorrhea, lower abdominal pain, hernia, prolapse of uterus.

3. Yin Linking Vessel

Acupuncture Meridian - Yin Linking Vessel

Yin Linking Vessel Meridian Points

  • CV 23: lian quan / Ridge Spring
    • Function: Dispels interior wind, promotes speech, clears fire, resolves phlegm, subdues rebellious Qi.
    • Indications: Swelling and pain of the subglossal region, salivation with glossoplegia, aphasia with stiffness of tongue by apoplexy, sudden hoarseness of the voice, difficulty swallowing.
  • CV 22: tian tu / Celestial Chimney
    • Function: Stimulates the descending of Lung Qi, resolves phlegm, clears heat, stops cough, benefits the throat, soothes asthma.
    • Indications: Asthma, cough, sore throat, dry throat, hiccups, sudden hoarseness of the voice, difficulty in swallowing, goiter.
  • LR 14: qi men / Cycle Gate
    • Function: Promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi, benefits the Stomach, cools blood.
    • Indications: Hypochondriac pain, abdominal distension, hiccups, acid regurgitation, mastitis, depression, febrile diseases.
  • SP 16: fu ai / Abdominal Lament
    • Function: Clears heat and disinhibits damp, frees bowel Qi.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, dysentery.
  • SP 15: da heng / Great Horizontal
    • Function: Strengthens the Spleen and limbs, resolves damp, regulates Qi, stops pain, promotes the function of the Large Intestine.
    • Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation.
  • SP 13: ju she / Bowel Abode
    • Function: Regulates Qi dynamic, soothes the Liver and relieves pain.
    • Indications: Lower abdominal pain, hernia.
  • KI 9: zhu bin / Guest House
    • Function: Calms the mind, tonifies Kidney yin, opens chest, regulates the Yin Linking Vessel.
    • Indications: Mental disorders, pain in the foot and lower leg, hernia.

4. Yin Motility Vessel

Acupuncture Meridian - Yin Motility Vessel

Yin Motility Vessel Meridian Points

  • BL 1: jing ming / Bright Eyes
    • Function: Expels wind, clears heat, brightens the eyes, stops pain, stops itching, stops lacrimation.
    • Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, itching of the canthus, lacrimation, night blindness, color blindness, blurring of vision.
  • KI 8: jiao xin / Intersection Reach
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, stops abdominal pain, removes masses, regulates menses.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, prolapse of uterus, diarrhea, constipation, pain and swelling of testes.
  • KI 6: zhao hai / Shining Sea
    • Function: Nourishes yin, benefits the eyes, calms the mind, invigorates the Yin Motility Vessel, cools the blood, benefits the throat, promotes the function of the uterus, opens the chest, cools heat, calms spirit, benefits throat.
    • Indications: Irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea, prolapse of uterus, pruritus vulvae, asthma, frequency of micturition, urine retention, constipation, epilepsy, insomnia, sore throat.
  • KI 2: ran gu / Blazing Valley
    • Function: Clears empty-heat, cools blood, invigorates Yin Motility Vessel.
    • Indications: Pruritus vulvae, prolapse of uterus, irregular menstruation, nocturnal emission, hemoptysis, thirst, diarrhea, swelling and pain of the dorsum of foot, acute infantile omphalitis.

5. Yang Linking Vessel

Acupuncture Meridian - Yang Linking Vessel

Yang Linking Vessel Meridian Points

  • GV 15: ya men / Mute’s Gate
    • Function: Clears the mind, stimulates speech.
    • Indications: Mental disorders, epilepsy, deafness and mute, sudden hoarseness of voice, apoplexy, stiffness of the tongue and aphasia, occipital headache, neck rigidity.
  • GV 16: feng fu / Wind Mansion
    • Function: Eliminates wind, clears the mind, benefits the brain.
    • Indications: Headache, neck rigidity, blurring of vision, epistaxis, sore throat, post-apoplexy, aphasia, hemiplegia, mental disorders.
  • GB 20: feng chi / Wind Pool
    • Function: Eliminates wind (interior and exterior), subdues Liver yang, brightens the eyes, benefits the ears, clears heat, clears the brain.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, insomnia, pain and stiffness of neck, blurred vision, glaucoma, red and painful eyes, tinnitus, convulsion, epilepsy, infantile convulsion, febrile diseases, common cold, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea.
  • GB 19: nao kong / Brain Hollow
    • Function: Clears the gallbladder and drains fire, soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels, rouses the brain and frees the portal.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, obsessive thoughts, dementia.
  • GB 18: cheng ling / Spirit Support
    • Function: Calms the mind, clears the brain, drains heat, diffuses Lungs, frees portals.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, obsessive thoughts and dementia.
  • GB 17: zheng ying / Upright Construction
    • Function: Clears heat and drains the Gallbladder, soothes the sinews and quickens the connecting vessels.
    • Indications: Migraine, vertigo.
  • GB 16: mu chuang / Eye Window
    • Function: Courses the channels and connecting vessels, clears head and brightens eyes.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, red and painful eyes, nasal obstruction.
  • GB 15: tou lin qi / Head Overlooking Tears
    • Function: Regulates the mind, balances the emotions, clears brain, brightens eyes, frees the nose.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, lacrimation, pain in outer canthus, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, manic depression.
  • GB 14: yang bai / Yang White
    • Function: Eliminates exterior wind, subdues rising Qi.
    • Indications: Headache in the frontal region, pain of the orbital ridge, eye pain, vertigo, twitching of the eyelids, ptosis of the eyelids, lacrimation.
  • GB 13: ben shen / Root Spirit
    • Function: Calms the mind, eliminates wind, gathers essence to the head, clears the brain.
    • Indications: Headache, insomnia, vertigo, epilepsy.
  • ST 8: tou wei / Head Corner
    • Function: Expels wind, relieves pain, brightens the eyes, relieves dizziness, clears heat.
    • Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, ophthalmalgia, lacrimation.
  • GB 21: jian jing / Shoulder Well
    • Function: Relaxes sinews, promotes lactation, promotes delivery.
    • Indications: Pain and rigidity of the neck, pain in the shoulder and back, motor impairment of the arm, insufficient lactation, mastitis, scrofula, apoplexy, difficult labor.
  • TE 15: tian liao / Celestial Bone-Hole
    • Function: Dispels wind and eliminates damp, frees the channels and quickens the connecting vessels, relieves pain.
    • Indications: Pain in the shoulder and elbow, stiffness of the neck.
  • SI 10: nao shu / Upper Arm Point
    • Function: Quickens the blood and frees the connecting vessels, soothes the sinews and dissipates binds.
    • Indications: Swelling of the shoulder, aching and weakness of the shoulder and arm.
  • GB 35: yang liao / Yang Intersection
    • Function: Relaxes sinews, removes obstructions from the channel, stops pain.
    • Indications: Fullness of chest and hypochondriac region, muscular atrophy, paralysis of leg.
  • BL 63: jin men / Metal Gate
    • Function: Soothes the sinews and quickens connecting vessels, opens portals, quiets the spirit.
    • Indications: Mania, epilepsy, infantile convulsion, backache, pain in the external malleolus, motor impairment and pain of the lower extremities.

6. Yang Motility Vessel

Acupuncture Meridian - Yang Motility Vessel

Yang Motility Vessel Meridian Points

  • GB 20: feng chi / Wind Pool
    • Function: Eliminates wind (interior and exterior), subdues Liver yang, brightens the eyes, benefits the ears, clears heat, clears the brain.
    • Indications: Headache, vertigo, insomnia, pain and stiffness of neck, blurred vision, glaucoma, red and painful eyes, tinnitus, convulsion, epilepsy, infantile convulsion, febrile diseases, common cold, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea.
  • BL 1: jing ming / Bright Eyes
    • Function: Expels wind, clears heat, brightens the eyes, stops pain, stops itching, stops lacrimation.
    • Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, itching of the canthus, lacrimation, night blindness, color blindness, blurring of vision.
  • ST 1: cheng qi / Tear Container
    • Function: Expels wind, brightens the eyes, stops lacrimation.
    • Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, lacrimation, night blindness, twitching of eyelids, facial paralysis.
  • ST 3: ju liao / Great Bone-Hole
    • Function: Expels wind, removes obstructions from the channel, relieves swellings.
    • Indications: Facial paralysis, twitching of eyelids, epistaxis, toothache, swelling of lips and cheek.
  • ST 4: di cang / Earth Granary
    • Function: Expels wind, removes obstructions from the channel, benefits tendons and muscles.
    • Indications: Deviation of the mouth, salivation, twitching of the eyelids.
  • LI 16: ju gu / Great Bone
    • Function: Moves blood locally, removes obstructions from the channel, opens the chest, subdues ascending rebellious Qi, stimulates the descending of Lung Qi, benefits the joints.
    • Indications: Pain and motor impairment of the upper extremities, pain in the shoulder and back.
  • LI 15: jian yu / Shoulder Bone
    • Function: Benefits sinews, promotes circulation of Qi in the channels, stops pain, expels wind.
    • Indications: Pain in the shoulder and arm. Motor impairment of the upper extremities, rubella, scrofula.
  • SI 10: nao shu / Upper Arm Point
    • Function: Quickens the blood and frees the connecting vessels, soothes the sinews and dissipates binds.
    • Indications: Swelling of the shoulder, aching and weakness of the shoulder and arm.
  • GB 29: ju lido / Squatting Bone-Hole
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel.
    • Indications: Pain and numbness in the thigh and lumbar region, paralysis, muscular atrophy of the lower limbs.
  • BL 59: fu yang / Instep Yang
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, invigorates the Yang Motility Vessel, strengthens the back.
    • Indications: Heavy sensation of the head, headache, lower back pain, redness and swelling of the external malleolus, paralysis of the lower extremities.
  • BL 62: shen mai / Extending Vessel
    • Function: Removes obstructions from the channel, benefits the eyes, relaxes the sinews, opens the Yang Motility Vessel, clears the mind, eliminates interior wind.
    • Indications: Epilepsy, mania, headache, dizziness, insomnia, backache, aching of the leg.

Related Pages

The 12 Primary Meridians

The 2 Major Extraordinary Vessels

The 6 Minor Extraordinary Vessels