Acupuncture Point Lookup

Point body map

Tap any dot to see the point. Choose a channel to label every point on it, or pick one view to enlarge it. Circles are channel points, diamonds are extra points and squares are Master Tung points. Yin arm channels (Lung, Pericardium, Heart) are drawn on the front arm; Yang arm channels (Large Intestine, San Jiao, Small Intestine) on the back arm.

Points by channel

Choose a channel to see every point in order, with its location, main uses and notes.

Search points and conditions

Body measurements (cun)

Acupuncture points are located with the cun (pronounced "tsoon"), a body-relative inch. Because it is based on each person's own proportions, the same number of cun lands on the same anatomical spot in a small child and a tall adult.

Finger measurements (use the patient's own hand)

Proportional measurements (bone-length cun)

Landmarks used on this page

The spinous processes are the bumps of the spine: C7 is the most prominent bump at the base of the neck; the lower tips of the shoulder blades sit at about T7; the tops of the hip bones (iliac crests) are level with L4. Back points such as BL23 are 1.5 cun beside the spine (the inner Bladder line), and BL52 is 3 cun beside it (the outer line, along the inner edge of the shoulder blade).

Master Tung points are described with their own landmarks (often bone edges on the hands, forearms and legs), and descriptions vary between lineages and teachers.

Contraindications and safety

Acupuncture by a licensed practitioner is very safe, but some people, situations and points need extra care. Always tell your acupuncturist about pregnancy (or trying to conceive), medications, medical devices and health conditions.

When acupuncture needs extra care or should be avoided

• Pregnancy: certain points are avoided (see the list below), along with strong stimulation and electroacupuncture, especially in the first trimester. Lying on the belly is avoided later in pregnancy.
• Bleeding disorders or blood thinners (such as warfarin, apixaban, heparin or high-dose aspirin): shallow, gentle needling only; avoid bleeding techniques and strong cupping.
• Pacemaker or other implanted electrical device: no electroacupuncture or TENS.
• At the site of infection, open wounds, rashes, burns, fresh scars, varicose veins, tumors or unexplained lumps: do not needle locally.
• Lymphedema or lymph nodes removed (for example after breast cancer surgery): the affected limb is usually avoided.
• Joint replacements and implants: do not needle into the joint or over implanted hardware.
• Very hungry, exhausted, dehydrated, after alcohol, or very anxious about needles: higher risk of fainting. Eat beforehand; first treatments are done lying down.
• Diabetes, poor circulation or numbness in the feet: extra care with clean technique and with moxa or heat, which can burn numb skin.
• Seizure disorders, severe heart disease, very frail or very ill patients: fewer points and gentle stimulation.
• Infants and young children: few points, shallow and quick; no needling over an open fontanelle.
• Moxa, cupping and gua sha: avoid on the abdomen and lower back in pregnancy, on broken or very thin skin, and over numb areas.
• Emergencies: chest pain, signs of stroke, a sudden severe headache, high fever or trouble breathing need emergency care (call 911), not acupuncture.

Acupressure (firm fingertip pressure) is generally safe at home. Even so, avoid the pregnancy points below, do not press on the front of the neck or over the eyes, and stop if anything feels wrong.

Point contraindications and needling cautions

Tap a point to see it, or show a whole group on the body map.