Commonly Used Health-Preserving Acupoints – Lung Meridian (Hand Taiyin)
– Large Intestine Meridian (Hand Yangming)
– Stomach Meridian (Foot Yangming)
– Spleen Meridian (Foot Taishin)
– Heart Meridian (Hand Shaoyin)
– Small Intestine Meridian (Hand Taiyang)
– Bladder Meridian (Foot Taiyang)
– Kidney Meridian (Foot Shaoyin)
– Pericardium Meridian (Hand Jueyin)
– Triple Burner Meridian (Hand Shaoyang)
– Gallbladder Meridian (Foot Shaoyang)
– Liver Meridian (Foot Jueyin)
– Other Meridians
(1) Health-Preserving Points on the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian
Zhongfu: Located on the outer upper part of the chest wall, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline, level with the first intercostal space. This point helps clear the lungs, regulate qi, clear heat from the heart and lungs, and relieve asthma and cough. It has a certain health-preserving effect on lung function. Insert the needle obliquely outward or horizontally, 0.5–0.8 cun deep. Do not insert too deeply to avoid injuring the lung.
Lieque: Located above the styloid process of the radius, 1.5 cun above the wrist crease. This point clears the lungs, regulates qi, relieves throat obstruction, broadens the chest, and activates the meridians. It can prevent and treat sore throat, facial paralysis, hemiplegia, toothache, cough, and asthma. Insert the needle obliquely upward, 0.3–0.5 cun.
Shaoshang: Located 0.1 cun lateral to the nail corner of the thumb. This point clears heat, relieves the throat, and opens the orifices. It is one of the emergency points, effective in preventing and treating fever, coma, shock, sore throat, mania, and nosebleed. Insert shallowly 0.1 cun, or prick to bleed.
Taiyuan: Located at the radial end of the posterior wrist crease, in the depression beside the radial artery. This point clears the lungs, relieves the throat, and unblocks the meridians. It can prevent and treat lung and throat diseases, as well as pulseless conditions. Avoid the artery when inserting; insert vertically 0.3–0.5 cun.
(2) Health-Preserving Points on the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian
Hegu: Located between the first and second metacarpal bones of the hand, approximately at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. This is one of the important health-preserving points; regular massage or acupuncture can promote longevity. Its functions include awakening the mind, opening orifices, dispelling wind, clearing heat, relieving pain, and unblocking meridians. It can prevent and treat disorders of the head, face, and orifices. It is effective for boils, anhidrosis, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, amenorrhea, difficult labor, coma, epilepsy, and arthralgia. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Quchi: Located at the lateral end of the elbow crease, where the elbow crease ends when the elbow is flexed. This point clears heat, removes dampness, dispels wind, and harmonizes the nutritive and defensive qi. It is effective for limb dysfunction, hypertension, and sore throat. Experiments show it can regulate blood pressure, strengthen teeth, and prevent vision decline in the elderly. Insert vertically 1–1.5 cun.
Yingxiang: Located 0.5 cun lateral to the midpoint of the nasal alar margin, in the nasolabial groove. This point clears heat, disperses wind, and opens the nasal passages. It is effective for nasal congestion, nosebleeds, facial paralysis, and biliary ascariasis. Insert obliquely or horizontally 0.3–0.5 cun.
(3) Health-Preserving Points on the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian
Zusanli: Located 3 cun below the knee cap, inside the outer side of the tibia. This is a key health-preserving point for the entire body, able to strengthen the stomach and spleen, aid digestion, boost qi and strength, and enhance immune and disease resistance. Internationally, especially in Japan, there is great emphasis on Zusanli. Some even claim: "If you moxibustion Zusanli ten days each month, your lifespan could reach over 200 years." Mr. Manpei from Japan, whose family of five lived past 100, attributes their longevity to the "Zusanli moxibustion" passed down through generations. Acupuncture at this point effectively treats gastric pain, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, hypertension, neurasthenia, and lower limb weakness. Insert vertically 1–2 cun.
Dicang: Located 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth. This point disperses wind and unblocks meridians, effective for facial paralysis, drooling, eyelid twitching. Insert obliquely or horizontally 0.5–0.8 cun.
(4) Health-Preserving Points on the Foot Taishin Spleen Meridian
Sanyinjiao: Located 3 cun above the medial malleolus, at the posterior border of the tibia. This point plays a crucial role in enhancing the health of abdominal organs, particularly the reproductive system. It can prevent and treat intestinal rumbling, bloating, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, leukorrhea, impotence, spermatorrhea, enuresis, insomnia, hernia, and infertility. Insert vertically 1–1.5 cun. Withdraw the needle immediately upon obtaining Qi sensation; for weaker individuals, retain the needle for 5–10 minutes. Once daily or every other day. Xuehai: Located 2 cun above the medial border of the patella. This point harmonizes blood and qi, dispels wind and dampness, and is effective for menstrual irregularities, menorrhagia, amenorrhea, eczema, and knee joint pain. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
(5) Health-Preserving Points on the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian
Shenmen: Located at the ulnar end of the wrist crease, in the depression beside the ulnar flexor carpi tendon. This point nourishes the heart and calms the spirit, effective for heart pain, irritability, forgetfulness, insomnia, palpitations, and mania. Insert vertically 0.3–0.4 cun.
Tongli: Located 1 cun above Shenmen. This point calms the spirit, opens orifices, and activates the meridians. It is effective for heart pain, palpitations, sore throat, sudden aphonia, tongue stiffness, insomnia, and wrist-arm pain. Insert vertically 0.5–0.8 cun.
(6) Health-Preserving Points on the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian
Houxi: When the hand is clenched, located at the ulnar side of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the red and white flesh. This point calms the spirit, relaxes tendons, and dispels wind and heat. It is effective for acute lumbar sprain, stiff neck, headache, ear pain, sore throat, toothache, and mania. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Tinggong: Located in front of the earlobe, at the posterior margin of the mandibular condyle, in the depression when the mouth is open. This point calms the spirit and opens the ear orifice, effective for deafness, tinnitus, otitis media, toothache, and mania. Insert with the mouth open, vertically 1–1.5 cun.
(7) Health-Preserving Points on the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian
Zhiyin: Located 0.1 cun lateral to the lateral nail corner of the little toe. This point clears the head and eyes, unblocks blood vessels, and regulates qi. It is effective for headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, and fetal malposition. Insert shallowly 0.1 cun, but contraindicated in pregnancy. Sanjiao Shu: Located 1.5 cun lateral to the first lumbar spinous process. This point strengthens the spleen, removes dampness, and unblocks the triple burner. It is effective for edema, lower back and waist pain, poor digestion, diarrhea, and intestinal distension. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Shenshu: Located 1.5 cun lateral to the second lumbar spinous process. This point supplements kidney essence, strengthens the waist, and removes dampness. It is effective for impotence, spermatorrhea, menstrual irregularities, tinnitus, deafness, edema, and lower back pain. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Weishu: Located 1.5 cun lateral to the twelfth thoracic spinous process. This point harmonizes the stomach and regulates qi, removes dampness, and aids digestion. It is a health-preserving point for strengthening the postnatal foundation—the stomach. It is effective for gastric pain, poor appetite, abdominal distension, intestinal rumbling, vomiting, and spleen-stomach deficiency. Insert obliquely 0.5–0.8 cun.
Pishu: Located 1.5 cun lateral to the eleventh thoracic spinous process. This is a health-preserving point for the spleen, the source of qi and blood production. It strengthens the spleen, removes dampness, harmonizes the stomach, and lowers qi. It is effective for fatigue, back pain, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. Insert obliquely 0.5–0.8 cun.
Ganshu: Located 1.5 cun lateral to the ninth thoracic spinous process. This is a health-preserving point for the liver, able to soothe the liver, benefit the gallbladder, and nourish the eyes. Insert obliquely 0.5–0.8 cun.
Xinshu: Located 1.5 cun lateral to the fifth thoracic spinous process. This point calms the heart, soothes the spirit, and relieves chest pain. It is a commonly used health-preserving point for the heart, effective for heart pain, irritability, palpitations, forgetfulness, chest tightness, nocturnal emission, night sweats, and mania. Avoid deep insertion; insert obliquely or vertically 0.5–0.8 cun.
Fengshu: Located 1.5 cun lateral to the third thoracic spinous process. This is a health-preserving point for the lungs. It clears the lungs, relieves asthma, and regulates qi. It is effective for conditions caused by lung dysfunction. Insert obliquely 0.5–0.8 cun; avoid deep insertion.
(8) Health-Preserving Points on the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian
Yongquan: Located at the junction of the anterior third and posterior two-thirds of the sole, in the depression when the foot is curled. This point calms the spirit, opens orifices, and clears heat. It is also a commonly used health-preserving point. It is effective for headache, dizziness, stroke coma, shock, infantile convulsions, difficulty urinating, and constipation. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Tai Xi: Located in the depression between the medial malleolus and Achilles tendon. This point strengthens the waist and bones, nourishes the kidneys, and is a commonly used health-preserving point. It is effective for lower back pain, menstrual irregularities, impotence, spermatorrhea, insomnia, and frequent urination. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
(9) Health-Preserving Points on the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian
Neiguan: Located 2 cun above the center of the wrist crease. This point widens the chest, calms the spirit, harmonizes the stomach, relieves pain, and reverses nausea. It is effective for heart pain, insomnia, chest tightness, palpitations, and various heart-related conditions. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Zhongchong: Located at the center of the fingertip. It is one of the commonly used emergency points. It clears the heart, opens orifices, reduces fever, and revives consciousness. It is effective for stroke coma, inability to speak, chest distress, heatstroke, and infantile convulsions. Insert shallowly 0.1 cun or use pricking to bleed.
(10) Health-Preserving Points on the Hand Shaoyang Triple Burner Meridian
Yangchi: Located at the center of the dorsal wrist crease, in the depression beside the extensor digitorum communis tendon. This point relaxes tendons, unblocks meridians, and clears heat. It has good health-preserving effects, particularly effective for shoulder and arm pain, wrist pain, and tonsillitis. Insert vertically 0.3–0.5 cun.
ZhiGou: Located 3 cun above the dorsal wrist crease, between the ulna and radius. This point regulates qi, resolves stagnation, unblocks the bowels, and activates the meridians. It is effective for constipation, rib pain, tinnitus, and deafness. Insert vertically 0.8–1 cun.
(11) Health-Preserving Points on the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian
Fengchi: Located between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, level with Fengfu. It is one of the good health-preserving points. Functions include improving hearing and vision, awakening the mind, opening orifices, and dispelling wind and heat. It is effective for neurasthenia, stiff neck, red eyes, stroke, and tinnitus. Insert the needle obliquely toward the opposite eye, 0.5–1 cun.
Huantiao: Located at the intersection of the outer third and two-thirds of the line connecting the highest point of the femoral greater trochanter and the sacral hiatus. It has strong meridian-unblocking effects, effective for waist, hip, leg pain, hemiplegia due to stroke, wind-cold-damp bi, sciatica, and lower limb paralysis. Insert vertically 2–3 cun.
(12) Health-Preserving Points on the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian
Tai Chong: Located in the depression between the first and second metatarsal bones. This point soothes the liver, regulates qi, calms the spirit, and activates blood. It is effective for headache, dizziness, hypertension, chest fullness, and rib pain. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Zhangmen: Located at the end of the eleventh rib. This point strengthens the spleen and stomach, soothes the liver, regulates qi, and activates blood. It can be used for abdominal distension, gastric pain, rib pain, and vomiting. Insert vertically 0.8–1 cun.
(13) Health-Preserving Points on Other Meridians
Guan Yuan: Located 3 cun below the navel. It is a key health-preserving point with strengthening effects. Functions include warming the kidneys, consolidating essence, replenishing qi, and clearing heat and dampness. It is effective for abdominal pain, menstrual irregularities, infertility, leukorrhea, and spermatorrhea. Insert vertically 1–2 cun, but contraindicated in pregnancy.
Qi Hai: Located 1.5 cun below the navel. It is a key health-preserving point with strengthening effects. Functions include raising yang, replenishing qi, and reinforcing the foundation. It is effective for menstrual irregularities, collapse due to yang deficiency, menorrhagia, leukorrhea, and rectal prolapse. Insert obliquely 0.5 cun, withdraw immediately upon obtaining Qi sensation. Best combined with Zusanli, once or twice weekly, for strengthening effects.
Ming Men: Located at the second lumbar spinous process. Functions include greatly supplementing kidney yang and consolidating essence. It is effective for lower back pain, impotence, dysmenorrhea, neurasthenia, and headache. Insert obliquely upward 0.5–1 cun.
Zhong Wan: Located 4 cun above the navel. It strengthens the spleen, removes dampness, harmonizes the stomach, and lowers qi. It is effective for gastric pain, dysentery, vomiting, and hiccups. Insert vertically 1–2 cun.
Bai Hui: Located 7 cun above the posterior hairline, directly on the midline. It opens orifices, calms the spirit, calms the liver, and raises yang. It is effective for headache, dizziness, aphasia due to stroke, and rectal prolapse. Insert horizontally 0.5–0.8 cun.
Shi Xuan: Located at the tips of the ten fingers, 0.1 cun from the nail. This point clears the spirit, opens the throat, and is a special health-preserving point on the extremities. It is effective for coma, heatstroke, febrile diseases, finger numbness, sore throat, and fainting. Insert vertically 0.1–0.2 cun; or use a three-edged needle to prick and bleed.
When using acupuncture for health preservation, besides mastering needle techniques and point selection, one must also understand some principles of needling.
Principles of Needling
Regarding point pairing: Acupuncture for health preservation can use single points or multiple points together. To enhance a specific function, use a single point to highlight its effect; for overall regulation, use a group of points to enhance effectiveness. Choose according to circumstances.
Regarding needling technique: For health preservation, use gentle needle techniques with moderate stimulation intensity—generally not too strong. Do not leave the needle in too long; withdraw after obtaining Qi sensation. Needle depth should vary by individual. Especially for the elderly, weak, or children, do not insert too deeply. For robust individuals, deeper insertion may be appropriate.
Regarding contraindications: Avoid blood vessels during needling to prevent bleeding. Do not needle patients with spontaneous bleeding tendencies. Avoid needling when overly fatigued, hungry, or highly stressed. For pregnancies under three months, avoid needling the lower abdomen. For pregnancies over three months, avoid needling the lower abdomen, upper abdomen, and sacral region. Points that can induce uterine contractions—such as Hegu, Sanyinjiao, Kunlun, and Zhiyin—are also contraindicated. Do not needle areas with infection, ulcers, scars, or tumors.
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