Commonly Used Health-Preserving Acupoints - Lung Meridian (Hand Taiyin)
- Large Intestine Meridian (Hand Yangming)
- Stomach Meridian (Foot Yangming)
- Spleen Meridian (Foot Taishun)
- 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 lateral upper chest, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline, level with the first intercostal space. Function: Promotes lung function, regulates qi, clears heat from heart and lungs, relieves asthma and cough. Helps strengthen lung function. Insert needle obliquely outward or horizontally 0.5–0.8 cun; avoid deep insertion to prevent lung injury.
Lieque: At the ulnar side of the radial styloid process, 1.5 cun above the wrist crease. Function: Promotes lung function, regulates qi, clears throat, opens chest, activates meridians. Treats sore throat, facial paralysis, hemiplegia, toothache, cough, asthma. Insert needle upward obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.
Shaoshang: 0.1 cun lateral to the nail corner of the thumb. Function: Clears heat, soothes throat, opens orifices. One of the emergency points. Effective for fever, coma, shock, sore throat, mania, epistaxis. Insert shallowly 0.1 cun, or prick to bleed.
Taiyuan: At the radial depression on the radial side of the wrist crease, beside the radial artery. Function: Clears lungs, soothes throat, unblocks meridians. Prevents lung and throat diseases, and treats pulseless conditions. Avoid the artery; insert vertically 0.3–0.5 cun.
(2) Health-preserving points on the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian.
Hegu: Between the first and second metacarpals, approximately at the midpoint of the second metacarpal. One of the most important health-preserving points; regular massage or acupuncture can promote longevity. Functions: Awakens the mind, opens orifices, dispels wind, clears heat, relieves pain, activates meridians. Treats disorders of head, face, and orifices. Also effective for boils, anhidrosis, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, amenorrhea, difficult labor, coma, epilepsy, arthralgia. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Quchi: At the lateral aspect of the elbow, at the end of the elbow crease. Function: Clears heat, removes dampness, dispels wind, resolves exterior patterns, harmonizes defensive and nutritive qi. Effective for limb dysfunction, hypertension, sore throat. Experiments show it helps regulate blood pressure, strengthen teeth, and prevent vision decline in the elderly. Insert vertically 1–1.5 cun.
Yingxiang: 0.5 cun lateral to the midpoint of the alar groove, at the nasolabial fold. Function: Clears heat, disperses wind, opens nasal passages. Effective for nasal obstruction, epistaxis, facial deviation, biliary ascariasis. Insert obliquely or horizontally 0.3–0.5 cun.
(3) Health-preserving points on the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian.
Zusanli: 3 cun below the knee cap, medial to the tibia's outer prominence. A key strengthening point for the whole body. Strengthens the spleen and stomach, aids digestion, boosts qi and strength, enhances immune and disease resistance functions. Internationally, especially in Japan, Zusanli is highly valued—some claim: “Moxibustion on Zusanli ten days per month can extend life to over 200 years.” Japanese Manpei family members all lived over 100 years, attributing their longevity to ancestral “Zusanli moxibustion.” Acupuncture at this point effectively prevents and treats gastric pain, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, hypertension, neurasthenia, and lower limb weakness. Insert vertically 1–2 cun.
Dicang: 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth. Function: Disperses wind, unblocks meridians. Treats oral and facial issues, drooling, eyelid twitching. Insert obliquely or horizontally 0.5–0.8 cun.
(4) Health-preserving points on the Foot Taishun Spleen Meridian.
Sanyinjiao: 3 cun above the inner ankle tip, posterior margin of the tibia. Crucial for enhancing health of abdominal organs, especially reproductive system. Treats intestinal rumbling, abdominal distension, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, leukorrhea, impotence, premature ejaculation, enuresis, insomnia, hernia, infertility. Insert vertically 1–1.5 cun; withdraw immediately upon obtaining deqi. Weak individuals may retain needle 5–10 minutes. Once daily or every other day.
Xuehai: 2 cun above the medial border of the patella. Function: Harmonizes blood and qi, expels wind-dampness. Treats menstrual disorders, menorrhagia, amenorrhea, eczema, knee joint pain. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
(5) Health-preserving points on the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian.
Shenmen: At the ulnar end of the wrist crease, in the depression lateral to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. Function: Nourishes heart, calms spirit. Treats heart pain, irritability, forgetfulness, insomnia, palpitations, mania. Insert vertically 0.3–0.4 cun.
Tongli: 1 cun above Shenmen. Function: Calms spirit, harmonizes heart, opens orifices, activates meridians. Effective for heart pain, palpitations, sore throat, sudden aphonia, tongue stiffness, insomnia, wrist and arm pain. Insert vertically 0.5–0.8 cun.
(6) Health-preserving points on the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian.
Houxi: At the ulnar side of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint, at the transverse crease, where red and white flesh meet. Function: Calms spirit, relaxes tendons, dispels wind, clears heat. Treats acute lumbar sprain, stiff neck, headache, ear pain, sore throat, toothache, mania. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Tinggong: In front of the earlobe, posterior to the mandibular condyle, in the depression when mouth is open. Function: Calms spirit, opens ear orifices. Effective for deafness, tinnitus, otitis media, toothache, mania. Insert with mouth open, vertically 1–1.5 cun.
(7) Health-preserving points on the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian.
Zhiyin: 0.1 cun lateral to the nail corner of the little toe. Function: Clears head and eyes, unblocks blood vessels, regulates qi. Prevents and treats headache, dizziness, nasal obstruction, malpositioned fetus. Insert shallowly 0.1 cun; contraindicated in pregnancy.
Sanjiao Shu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra. Function: Strengthens spleen, removes dampness, promotes triple burner function. Treats edema, back-lumbar damp pain, indigestion, diarrhea, intestinal distension. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Shenshu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. Function: Tonifies kidney essence, strengthens waist, removes dampness. Effective for impotence, premature ejaculation, menstrual disorders, tinnitus, deafness, edema, low back pain. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Weishu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra. Function: Harmonizes stomach, regulates qi, resolves dampness, eliminates stagnation—key point for strengthening the stomach (postnatal foundation). Effective for gastric pain, poor appetite, abdominal distension, intestinal rumbling, vomiting, and spleen-stomach deficiency. Insert obliquely 0.5–0.8 cun.
Pishu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra. Key point for the spleen—the source of qi and blood production. Function: Strengthens spleen, removes dampness, harmonizes stomach, descends rebellious qi. Treats fatigue, back pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea. Insert obliquely 0.5–0.8 cun.
Ganshu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra. Key point for liver health. Function: Soothes liver, promotes bile flow, nourishes blood, improves vision. Insert obliquely 0.5–0.8 cun.
Xinshu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra. Function: Calms heart, soothes spirit, widens chest, relieves pain—common health-preserving point for heart. Effective for heart pain, irritability, palpitations, forgetfulness, chest tightness, nocturnal emission, night sweats, mania. Avoid deep insertion; insert obliquely or vertically 0.5–0.8 cun.
Feishu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra—key point for lung health. Function: Promotes lung function, relieves asthma, regulates qi. Prevents and treats lung-related disorders. Insert obliquely 0.5–0.8 cun; avoid deep insertion.
(8) Health-preserving points on the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.
Yongquan: In the depression at the junction of the anterior third and posterior two-thirds of the sole, when feet are curled. Function: Calms spirit, opens orifices, clears heat—common health-preserving point. Effective for headache, dizziness, stroke coma, shock, infantile convulsions, urinary difficulty, constipation. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Tai Xi: In the depression between the inner ankle and Achilles tendon. Function: Strengthens waist and bones, nourishes kidneys—common health-preserving point. Treats low back pain, menstrual disorders, impotence, premature ejaculation, insomnia, frequent urination. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
(9) Health-preserving points on the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian.
Neiguan: 2 cun above the center of the wrist crease. Function: Opens chest, calms spirit, harmonizes stomach, relieves pain, reduces reversal, stops vomiting. Effective for heart pain, insomnia, chest tightness, palpitations, and other heart-related conditions. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Zhongchong: At the center of the fingertip of the middle finger—common emergency point. Function: Clears heart, opens orifices, reduces fever, revives fainting. Effective for stroke coma, speechlessness, heart distress, heatstroke, infantile convulsions. Insert shallowly 0.1 cun or use pricking to bleed.
(10) Health-preserving points on the Hand Shaoyang Triple Burner Meridian.
Yangchi: At the center of the dorsal wrist crease, in the depression lateral to the extensor digitorum communis tendon. Function: Relaxes tendons, unblocks meridians, clears heat—good health-preserving effect. Effective for shoulder-arm pain, wrist pain, tonsillitis. Insert vertically 0.3–0.5 cun.
Zhigou: 3 cun above the dorsal wrist crease, between the ulna and radius. Function: Regulates qi, relieves depression, promotes bowel movement, unblocks meridians. Effective for constipation, rib pain, tinnitus, deafness. Insert vertically 0.8–1 cun.
(11) Health-preserving points on the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.
Fengchi: In the depression between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, level with Fengfu point—one of the good health-preserving points. Function: Enhances hearing and vision, awakens the mind, opens orifices, dispels wind, clears heat. Effective for neurasthenia, stiff neck, red eyes, stroke, tinnitus. Insert obliquely toward the opposite eyeball 0.5–1 cun.
Huantiao: At the intersection of the line connecting the highest point of the greater trochanter and the sacral hiatus, dividing it into one-third and two-thirds externally. Strong meridian-activating effect. Effective for waist, hip, leg pain, hemiplegia after stroke, wind-damp arthralgia, sciatica, lower limb paralysis. Insert vertically 2–3 cun.
(12) Health-preserving points on the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian.
Tai Chong: In the depression between the first and second metatarsal bones. Function: Soothes liver, regulates qi, calms shock, activates blood, unblocks meridians. Effective for headache, dizziness, hypertension, chest fullness, rib pain. Insert vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Zhangmen: At the end of the eleventh rib. Function: Strengthens spleen and stomach, soothes liver, regulates qi, activates blood. Can be used for abdominal distension, gastric pain, rib pain, vomiting. Insert vertically 0.8–1 cun.
(13) Other Meridians' Health-Preserving Points.
Guan Yuan: 3 cun below the umbilicus—important health-preserving point. Function: Strengthens constitution, warms kidney, consolidates essence, supplements qi, restores yang, clears heat, removes dampness. Effective for abdominal pain, menstrual disorders, infertility, leukorrhea, seminal emission. Insert vertically 1–2 cun; contraindicated in pregnancy.
Qi Hai: 1.5 cun below the umbilicus—important health-preserving point. Function: Raises yang, supplements qi, strengthens constitution. Effective for menstrual disorders, collapse due to stroke, menorrhagia, leukorrhea, rectal prolapse. Insert obliquely 0.5 cun; withdraw after obtaining deqi. Best combined with Zusanli, once or twice weekly, for strengthening effect.
Ming Men: At the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. Function: Greatly strengthens kidney yang, consolidates essence, enhances vitality. Effective for low back pain, impotence, dysmenorrhea, neurasthenia, headache. Insert upward obliquely 0.5–1 cun.
Zhongwan: 4 cun above the umbilicus. Function: Strengthens spleen, removes dampness, harmonizes stomach, descends rebellious qi. Effective for gastric pain, dysentery, vomiting, hiccups. Insert vertically 1–2 cun.
Baihui: 7 cun above the posterior hairline, directly above the midline. Function: Opens orifices, calms spirit, calms liver, raises yang, secures collapse. Effective for headache, dizziness, aphasia after stroke, rectal prolapse. Insert horizontally 0.5–0.8 cun.
Shi Xuan: At the fingertips of all ten fingers, 0.1 cun from the nail. Function: Clears spirit, opens throat—extraordinary health-preserving point on extremities. Effective for coma, heatstroke, febrile illness, finger numbness, sore throat, syncope. Insert vertically 0.1–0.2 cun; or use a three-edged needle to prick and bleed.
Using acupuncture for health preservation requires not only mastering needle techniques and acupoint selection but also understanding certain principles of needling.
Principles of Needling
Regarding acupoint combination: Acupuncture for health preservation can use single points or multiple points grouped together. To enhance a specific function, use a single point to highlight its effect; for overall balance, use a group of points to amplify effectiveness. Choose based on individual needs.
Regarding needle insertion: For health preservation, use gentle techniques with moderate stimulation intensity—avoid excessive force. Do not leave needles in too long; withdraw after obtaining deqi. Depth should vary by individual. Especially for elderly, weak, or children, avoid deep insertion. For robust individuals, deeper insertion may be appropriate.
Regarding contraindications: Avoid blood vessels to prevent bleeding. Do not needle patients with spontaneous bleeding tendencies. Avoid needle insertion when overly fatigued, hungry, or mentally tense. For pregnancies under three months, avoid abdominal acupuncture. For pregnancies over three months, avoid abdominal and lumbar-sacral regions. Any acupoints that may induce uterine contractions—such as Hegu, Sanyinjiao, Kunlun, Zhiyin—are contraindicated. Avoid needle insertion on skin with infection, ulcers, scars, or tumors.
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