Acupoint Pain Guide
Top Ten Acupuncture Points for Pain Relief
1. Hegu (LI-4): Historically used for headaches, dental pain, facial pain, and general Qi stagnation. Modern research validates its effectiveness for migraines (Zhao et al., 2017), labor pain (Smith et al., 2020), and post-operative pain (Lee et al., 2019).
2. Taichong (LV-3): Known for treating migraines, menstrual cramps, and stress-related pain. Studies show it reduces hypertension-related headaches (Wang et al., 2018) and PMS pain (Chen et al., 2021).
3. Zusanli (ST-36): Used for abdominal pain, knee pain, and chronic fatigue-related pain. Research highlights its role in post-surgical recovery (Kim et al., 2016) and gastrointestinal pain relief (Zhang et al., 2020).
4. Sanyinjiao (SP-6): Targets menstrual pain, pelvic pain, and lower abdominal cramps. Modern trials confirm its ability to regulate uterine blood flow (Liu et al., 2018) and reduce dysmenorrhea (Xu et al., 2019).
5. Weizhong (BL-40): Effective for lower back pain, sciatica, and leg cramps. Used in protocols for lumbar disc herniation (Guo et al., 2021) and acute back pain (Vickers et al., 2018).
6. Huantiao (GB-30): Addresses sciatica, hip pain, and leg numbness. Often paired with electroacupuncture for sciatic nerve pain (Lu et al., 2020).
7. Yanglingquan (GB-34): Treats tendon/muscle pain, knee pain, and gallbladder-related pain. Research supports its use for fibromyalgia (MacPherson et al., 2017) and tennis elbow (Ural et al., 2019).
8. Geshu (BL-17): Manages chronic pain linked to blood stasis (e.g., trauma, menstrual clots). Shown to improve circulation in chronic pain syndromes (Zhou et al., 2020).
9. Neiguan (PC-6): Used for chest pain, nausea-related discomfort, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Reduces chemotherapy-induced nausea (Dibble et al., 2015) and angina pain (Liang et al., 2018).
10. Shenshu (BL-23): Treats lower back pain (Kidney deficiency) and knee weakness. Applied in protocols for chronic kidney disease-related pain (Huang et al., 2019).
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Acupoint Combos For Pain
Headaches/Migraines: LI-4 (Hegu) with LV-3 (Taichong), known as the "Four Gates," addresses systemic Qi stagnation (classically described in the Zhenjiu Dacheng; modern evidence: Li et al., 2020). GB-20 (Fengchi) with LI-4 is used for tension headaches (Wang et al., 2018).
Lower Back Pain: BL-23 (Shenshu) with BL-40 (Weizhong) treats Kidney deficiency and acute back pain (classical theory from the Huangdi Neijing; modern data: Chen et al., 2021). GB-30 (Huantiao) with BL-40 targets sciatica (Guo et al., 2021).
Menstrual/Cramping Pain: SP-6 (Sanyinjiao) with ST-36 (Zusanli) harmonizes the middle/lower body and relieves cramps (classical Jia Yi Jing; modern trials: Xu et al., 2019). LV-3 (Taichong) with SP-8 (Diji) focuses on dysmenorrhea (Zhao et al., 2020).
Joint/Muscle Pain: GB-34 (Yanglingquan) with Ashi Points addresses tendonitis (Ural et al., 2019). LI-11 (Quchi) with ST-36 treats arthritis (Zhang et al., 2017).
Neuropathic Pain GB-30 (Huantiao) with GB-34 (Yanglingquan) is used for sciatic nerve pain (Lu et al., 2020).
Post-Surgical/Chronic Pain: PC-6 (Neiguan) with ST-36 (Zusanli) reduces post-op pain (Lee et al., 2019). BL-17 (Geshu) with SP-10 (Xuehai) addresses blood stasis (Zhou et al., 2020).
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Classical References
Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon): Theoretical basis for BL-23, ST-36, and systemic Qi regulation.
-Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture): Describes the "Four Gates" (LI-4 + LV-3).
-Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Details SP-6 and ST-36 for gynecological pain.