Safety reference
Acupuncture Points with Needling or Safety Cautions
| Point | Name | Visible caution | Point source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LU-1 | Zhōngfǔ (中府) | This point overlies the lung region. Deep perpendicular insertion can cause pneumothorax; needling requires controlled oblique or transverse technique by a qualified practitioner. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LU-2 | Yúnmén (云门) | The lung lies deep to this region. Do not direct a needle deeply or medially; a qualified practitioner should use a shallow lateral or transverse approach. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LU-5 | Chǐzé (尺泽) | Needling near the cubital crease requires attention to superficial vessels and deeper nerves; bleeding techniques are a separate professional procedure. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LU-8 | Jīngqú (经渠) | The radial artery is directly adjacent. Avoid vessel puncture and use only careful professional needling. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LU-9 | Tàiyuān (太渊) | This point lies over the radial artery. The vessel must be identified and avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LU-11 | Shàoshāng (少商) | Pricking to bleed is an invasive professional technique and should not be attempted as self-treatment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LI-4 | Hégǔ (合谷) | Pregnancy: traditionally avoided except for a specific obstetric indication under qualified clinical care; current evidence does not establish that LI-4 reliably induces labour or miscarriage. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LI-5 | Yángxī (阳溪) | The radial artery and superficial radial nerve lie in this region; avoid visible or palpable vessels and forceful deep insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LI-15 | Jiānyú (肩髃) | The shoulder joint, subdeltoid bursa, axillary nerve, and circumflex vessels are nearby; use anatomy-aware technique and avoid forceful deep insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LI-16 | Jùgǔ (巨骨) | Avoid deep or medially directed insertion; the suprascapular neurovascular bundle is nearby, and misplaced deep needling in the shoulder or scapular region can risk the pleura. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LI-17 | Tiāndǐng (天鼎) | Vulnerable lateral-neck point near major vessels and the cervical plexus; use only shallow, anatomy-aware needling by a trained practitioner and avoid electroacupuncture across the anterior neck. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LI-18 | Fútū (扶突) | High-risk lateral-neck point near the carotid sheath and other major vessels; depth varies with anatomy. Use only shallow, anatomy-aware needling by a trained practitioner and avoid electroacupuncture across the anterior neck. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LI-19 | Kǒuhéliáo (口禾髎) | Use shallow facial technique and avoid visible vessels; facial artery and vein branches and trigeminal branches are nearby. Do not apply direct moxibustion on the face. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LI-20 | Yíngxiāng (迎香) | Use a shallow oblique or transverse facial technique and avoid visible vessels; facial artery and vein branches and trigeminal branches are nearby. Do not apply direct moxibustion on the face. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-1 | Chéngqì (承泣) | This point is inside the eye orbit. A government safety guideline generally contraindicates insertion here and favors non-insertion techniques because the eyeball and orbital vessels are vulnerable. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-5 | Dàyíng (大迎) | The facial artery passes beneath this point and must be identified and avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-9 | Rényíng (人迎) | This vulnerable neck point lies over the common carotid artery. Deep needling or carotid puncture is dangerous. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-10 | Shuǐtū (水突) | This is a vulnerable neck point close to major vessels and the airway. Deep or poorly directed insertion is unsafe. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-11 | Qìshě (气舍) | The lower neck contains major vessels, nerves, and thoracic structures. Do not needle deeply. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-12 | Quēpén (缺盆) | The lung apex and supraclavicular vessels lie beneath this point. Deep insertion is unsafe. A point-specific pregnancy prohibition was not confirmed in the checked current official guidance. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-13 | Qìhù (气户) | Because the point lies over the thorax, deep perpendicular insertion can reach the pleura or lung. Use a shallow oblique or transverse approach only. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-14 | Kùfáng (库房) | This intercostal point overlies the thorax. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion because of pleural and lung injury risk. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-15 | Wūyì (屋翳) | This intercostal point is close to the pleura and lung. Deep perpendicular insertion is unsafe. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-16 | Yīngchuāng (膺窗) | The pleura and lung lie deep to this intercostal site. Do not use deep perpendicular insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-17 | Rǔzhōng (乳中) | Needling and moxibustion of the nipple and areola are prohibited; ST-17 is a landmark only. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-18 | Rǔgēn (乳根) | This intercostal point overlies the thorax. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion and assess breast anatomy carefully. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-19 | Bùróng (不容) | The point may shift relative to the costal margin. Individualize depth to protect abdominal organs, use an oblique approach if a rib overlies the site, and avoid upper-abdominal needling during pregnancy after the third month. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-20 | Chéngmǎn (承满) | Upper-abdominal organ depth varies by anatomy. Avoid deep insertion, and avoid upper-abdominal needling during pregnancy after the third month. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-21 | Liángmén (梁门) | On the right, ST-21 may overlie the gallbladder, so official guidance calls for superficial or horizontal insertion. Upper-abdominal needling should also be avoided during pregnancy after the third month. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-22 | Guānmén (关门) | Upper-abdominal organ depth varies by anatomy. Avoid deep insertion, and avoid upper-abdominal needling during pregnancy after the third month. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-23 | Tàiyǐ (太乙) | Upper-abdominal organ depth varies by anatomy. Avoid deep insertion, and avoid upper-abdominal needling during pregnancy after the third month. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-24 | Huáròumén (滑肉门) | Upper-abdominal organ depth varies by anatomy. Avoid deep insertion, and avoid upper-abdominal needling during pregnancy after the third month. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-25 | Tiānshū (天枢) | Moxibustion is not advised during pregnancy in the checked clinical reference; abdominal treatment during pregnancy requires qualified assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-26 | Wàilíng (外陵) | This lower abdominal point requires special care during pregnancy, particularly in the first and last trimesters. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-27 | Dàjù (大巨) | This lower abdominal point requires special care during pregnancy, particularly in the first and last trimesters. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-28 | Shuǐdào (水道) | This lower abdominal point requires special care during pregnancy, particularly in the first and last trimesters. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-29 | Guīlái (归来) | This lower abdominal point requires special care during pregnancy, particularly in the first and last trimesters. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-30 | Qìchōng (气冲) | The femoral artery lies beneath this point and must be avoided. As a lower abdominal and groin point, it also requires pregnancy-specific assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-35 | Dúbí (犊鼻) | This point is adjacent to the knee joint. Sterile technique, controlled direction, and assessment for joint disease are required. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-41 | Jiěxī (解溪) | This point is at the ankle joint among extensor tendons; insertion requires careful tendon and joint assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| ST-42 | Chōngyáng (冲阳) | The dorsalis pedis artery lies beneath this point and must be palpated and avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-6 | Sānyīnjiāo (三阴交) | Traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy because it is used to influence the uterus and labour. Pregnancy evidence is mixed, so this point should not be presented for self-treatment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-7 | Lòugǔ (漏谷) | Moxibustion guidance for SP-7 is inconsistent across traditions. The CNT Manual recommends limiting moxa to circumstances where a trained practitioner judges that the benefit outweighs the risk. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-11 | Jīmén (箕门) | WHO identifies SP-11 as a potentially dangerous point near the femoral artery. Arterial puncture and deep blind needling must be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-12 | Chōngmén (冲门) | WHO lists SP-12 as potentially dangerous because it lies beside the femoral artery. Avoid vascular puncture and deep blind insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-13 | Fǔshè (府舍) | Do not needle the lower abdomen during pregnancy. In all patients, excessive depth may endanger abdominal structures. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-14 | Fùjié (腹结) | Do not needle the lower abdomen during pregnancy. Control depth carefully to protect underlying abdominal structures. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-15 | Dàhéng (大横) | This point overlies the abdominal cavity. Needling depth must be adjusted to body build and kept under professional control to avoid organ injury. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-16 | Fù'āi (腹哀) | This point lies over the upper abdominal cavity. Excessive depth may injure internal organs, especially in a thin patient. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-17 | Shídòu (食窦) | Deep perpendicular insertion in the chest can penetrate pleura or lung and cause pneumothorax. Use only shallow, chest-wall-aligned technique by a trained professional. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-18 | Tiānxī (天溪) | Deep perpendicular needling can cause pneumothorax. The separate general prohibition on puncturing the nipple or areola applies only when those structures overlap the intended site. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-19 | Xiōngxiāng (胸乡) | Deep perpendicular insertion may enter the pleural cavity and cause pneumothorax. Needling must remain shallow and parallel to the chest wall. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-20 | Zhōuróng (周荣) | The point overlies the thorax. Deep perpendicular insertion can injure pleura or lung and produce pneumothorax. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SP-21 | Dàbāo (大包) | Deep insertion at the midaxillary chest can penetrate pleura or lung and cause pneumothorax. Keep any professional needling shallow and aligned with the chest wall. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| HT-1 | Jíquán (极泉) | WHO locates HT-1 over the axillary artery. Avoid arterial puncture and deep blind needling in the axilla, where major vessels and nerves are present. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| HT-2 | Qīnglíng (青灵) | HT-2 is listed by the CNT Manual as requiring advanced anatomical skill. A point reference also directs the needle away from the brachial artery. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| HT-3 | Shàohǎi (少海) | Point references disagree on moxibustion at HT-3. Do not present moxa as routine; selection belongs to a trained practitioner. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| HT-7 | Shénmén (神门) | The ulnar artery and ulnar nerve lie adjacent to HT-7. Palpate the vessel, avoid direct puncture, and apply pressure if bleeding or bruising occurs. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-8 | Xiǎohǎi (小海) | WHO places SI-8 in the ulnar nerve groove. Direct nerve contact can cause an electric sensation or injury, so forceful or deep insertion must be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-9 | Jiānzhēn (肩贞) | SI-9 has been associated with reported pneumothorax events. Do not use deep or perpendicular insertion; assess body build and keep the needle shallow and oblique away from pleura and lung. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-10 | Nàoshù (臑俞) | Moxibustion at SI-10 is not presented as routine. Use is limited to cases where a trained practitioner judges that the specific benefit outweighs the risk. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-11 | Tiānzōng (天宗) | A congenital scapular foramen may leave the thorax unprotected beneath SI-11. Use superficial oblique technique and avoid deep perpendicular insertion toward pleura or lung. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-12 | Bǐngfēng (秉风) | The checked point reference warns that deep perpendicular insertion at SI-12 can cause pneumothorax, particularly in a thin patient. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-13 | Qūyuán (曲垣) | This upper-back point is close to the thoracic cage. WHO warns that overly deep needling on the back can injure pleura or lung and cause pneumothorax. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-14 | Jiānwàishù (肩外俞) | Deep perpendicular needling in the upper thoracic back can enter the pleural cavity. Use a shallow oblique direction under trained supervision. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-15 | Jiānzhōngshù (肩中俞) | At the cervicothoracic junction, excessive perpendicular depth can endanger pleura or lung. Professional needling should remain shallow and oblique. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-16 | Tiānchuāng (天窗) | The lateral neck contains major vessels and nerve trunks. Depth and direction must be tightly controlled; deep or medial insertion is unsafe. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-17 | Tiānróng (天容) | This point is anterior to sternocleidomastoid in a region containing major cervical vessels and nerves. Avoid deep, forceful or medially directed insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-18 | Quánliáo (颧髎) | Do not apply direct or scarring moxa to SI-18. Point references differ on other moxa methods, so the app does not present them as routine. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| SI-19 | Tīnggōng (听宫) | The point reference permits moxibustion, but the CNT Manual prohibits direct or scarring moxa on the face. Do not treat that general facial restriction as a ban on every indirect method. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| BL-1 | Jīngmíng (睛明) | The point lies beside the eyeball. WHO specifically identifies BL-1 as requiring special skill, and ophthalmology reports document hemorrhage, globe injury, and lasting visual harm after periocular needling. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-2 | Cuánzhú (攒竹) | BL-2 is a periocular point. Keep insertion superficial and within trained clinical practice; reported periocular injuries include hemorrhage, globe penetration, and permanent visual loss. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-10 | Tiānzhù (天柱) | This warning is an anatomical application, not a WHO point-specific statement. BL-10 depth research and teaching sources warn against directing the needle deeply upward toward the medulla. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-11 | Dàzhù (大杼) | Regional WHO guidance warns that deep insertion on the back can injure lung or pleura. Point-specific teaching and thoracic depth studies support shallow oblique technique rather than deep perpendicular insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-12 | Fēngmén (风门) | Regional WHO guidance warns that deep insertion on the back can injure lung or pleura. Point-specific teaching supports shallow oblique technique rather than deep perpendicular insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-13 | Fèishù (肺俞) | BL-13 is a thoracic back point. WHO gives a regional warning that excessive depth on the back can injure lung or pleura, while point-specific teaching supports oblique insertion; avoid deep perpendicular needling. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-14 | Juéyīnshù (厥阴俞) | Regional WHO guidance warns that excessive depth on the back can injure lung or pleura. Point-specific teaching supports shallow oblique technique rather than deep perpendicular insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-15 | Xīnshù (心俞) | Regional WHO guidance warns that excessive depth on the back can injure lung or pleura. Point-specific teaching supports shallow oblique technique rather than deep perpendicular insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-16 | Dūshù (督俞) | Regional WHO guidance warns that excessive depth on the back can injure lung or pleura. Point-specific teaching supports shallow oblique technique rather than deep perpendicular insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-17 | Géshù (膈俞) | Regional WHO guidance warns of lung and pleural injury from excessive back needling. Point-specific research shows depth changes with anatomy and angle, so a fixed deep perpendicular approach is unsafe. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-18 | Gānshù (肝俞) | WHO gives a regional warning for pleura and upper abdominal organs. BL-18 depth research shows side and body-size variation; avoid deep perpendicular or laterally directed insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-19 | Dǎnshù (胆俞) | WHO gives a regional warning for pleura and upper abdominal organs. BL-19 research found marked angle-related depth variation; avoid a fixed deep perpendicular technique. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-20 | Píshù (脾俞) | WHO gives a regional warning for pleura and upper abdominal organs. BL-20 depth studies do not support one universal safe depth, so technique must be individualized. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-21 | Wèishù (胃俞) | This point lies at the lower thoracic and subcostal transition. WHO provides a regional organ-injury warning; it does not name BL-21 specifically, so depth must be based on individual anatomy. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-22 | Sānjiāoshù (三焦俞) | WHO gives a regional kidney-injury warning rather than naming BL-22. Because upper-lumbar organ depth varies, avoid fixed deep insertion and reduce depth for thin patients. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-23 | Shènshù (肾俞) | BL-23 is included in an ultrasound database of high-risk points. WHO warns that deep lumbar needling can injure the kidney; use anatomy- and body-build-specific depth. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-24 | Qìhǎishù (气海俞) | BL-24 is at L3. Standard renal anatomy places the kidneys from T12 to L3 with the lower poles against the posterior abdominal wall; this does not prove a fixed safe depth at BL-24. Assess body build and anatomy and avoid excessive insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-25 | Dàchángshù (大肠俞) | BL-25 is included in imaging work on high-risk points, and CT research found soft-tissue thickness varies with BMI. Do not apply one fixed deep insertion to every patient. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-27 | Xiǎochángshù (小肠俞) | Pregnancy caution: BL-27 is within the lumbosacral region traditionally avoided throughout pregnancy. Evidence has not established that needling causes obstetric harm, but use should be limited to an obstetric-acupuncture clinician after individualized assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-28 | Pángguāngshù (膀胱俞) | Pregnancy caution: BL-28 is within the lumbosacral region traditionally avoided throughout pregnancy. Evidence has not established that needling causes obstetric harm, but use should be limited to an obstetric-acupuncture clinician after individualized assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-29 | Zhōnglǚshù (中膂俞) | Pregnancy caution: BL-29 is within the lumbosacral region traditionally avoided throughout pregnancy. Evidence has not established that needling causes obstetric harm, but use should be limited to an obstetric-acupuncture clinician after individualized assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-30 | Báihuánshù (白环俞) | Pregnancy caution: BL-30 is within the lumbosacral region traditionally avoided throughout pregnancy. Evidence has not established that needling causes obstetric harm, but use should be limited to an obstetric-acupuncture clinician after individualized assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-31 | Shàngliáo (上髎) | Pregnancy caution: BL-31 is a sacral foramen point traditionally avoided throughout pregnancy. Evidence has not established that needling causes obstetric harm, but use should be limited to an obstetric-acupuncture clinician after individualized assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-32 | Cìliáo (次髎) | Pregnancy caution: BL-32 is a sacral foramen point traditionally avoided throughout pregnancy. Evidence has not established that needling causes obstetric harm, but use should be limited to an obstetric-acupuncture clinician after individualized assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-33 | Zhōngliáo (中髎) | Pregnancy caution: BL-33 is a sacral foramen point traditionally avoided throughout pregnancy. Evidence has not established that needling causes obstetric harm, but use should be limited to an obstetric-acupuncture clinician after individualized assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-34 | Xiàliáo (下髎) | Pregnancy caution: BL-34 is a sacral foramen point traditionally avoided throughout pregnancy. Evidence has not established that needling causes obstetric harm, but use should be limited to an obstetric-acupuncture clinician after individualized assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-35 | Huìyáng (会阳) | Pregnancy caution: BL-35 lies in the coccygeal part of the lumbosacral region. WHO advises avoiding lumbosacral acupuncture after the first trimester but does not name BL-35. At any stage of pregnancy, use only after individualized assessment by an obstetric-acupuncture clinician rather than treating the regional rule as proof of point-specific harm. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-36 | Chéngfú (承扶) | The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and, more deeply, the sciatic nerve and accompanying vessels are described beneath this point. Avoid uncontrolled deep insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-37 | Yīnmén (殷门) | The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and deeper sciatic nerve are described beneath this point. Depth must follow individual anatomy and stop if neural symptoms occur. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-38 | Fúxì (浮郄) | BL-38 is near the common peroneal nerve and superolateral genicular vessels. Use controlled depth and avoid vascular or neural structures. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-39 | Wěiyáng (委阳) | Point-specific anatomy places BL-39 beside the biceps femoris tendon and near the common peroneal nerve and genicular vessels. This is not a WHO point-specific warning; use careful localization and avoid vascular or neural structures. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-40 | Wěizhōng (委中) | Point-specific anatomy identifies the posterior femoral cutaneous and tibial nerves, with the popliteal vein and artery at increasing depth. Avoid vascular puncture, nerve contact, and uncontrolled deep insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-41 | Fùfēn (附分) | Regional WHO guidance warns of lung and pleural injury from excessive back needling. Point-specific anatomy identifies thoracic nerves and vessels; use shallow technique and avoid deep perpendicular insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-42 | Pòhù (魄户) | Regional WHO guidance warns of lung and pleural injury from excessive back needling. Point-specific teaching supports shallow oblique insertion rather than deep perpendicular technique. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-43 | Gāohuāng (膏肓) | Regional WHO guidance warns of lung and pleural injury from excessive back needling. Point-specific anatomy places this point over the thoracic cage; avoid deep perpendicular insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-44 | Shéntáng (神堂) | Regional WHO guidance warns of lung and pleural injury from excessive back needling. Point-specific anatomy identifies thoracic nerves and vessels; avoid deep perpendicular insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-45 | Yìxǐ (譩譆) | Regional WHO guidance warns of lung and pleural injury from excessive back needling. Point-specific teaching supports shallow downward-oblique insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-46 | Géguān (膈关) | Regional WHO guidance warns of lung and pleural injury from excessive back needling. Point-specific teaching supports shallow oblique insertion rather than deep perpendicular technique. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-47 | Húnmén (魂门) | WHO gives a regional warning for pleura and upper abdominal organs rather than naming BL-47. Point-specific anatomy identifies intercostal vessels and thoracic nerves; avoid deep insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-48 | Yánggāng (阳纲) | WHO gives a regional warning for pleura and upper abdominal organs rather than naming BL-48. Point-specific anatomy identifies intercostal vessels and thoracic nerves; avoid deep insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-49 | Yìshè (意舍) | WHO gives a regional organ-injury warning rather than naming BL-49. Point-specific anatomy identifies lower thoracic nerves and intercostal vessels; use shallow oblique technique. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-50 | Wèicāng (胃仓) | WHO gives a regional organ-injury warning rather than naming BL-50. Point-specific anatomy identifies the subcostal neurovascular region; use shallow oblique technique. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-51 | Huāngmén (肓门) | BL-51 MRI research and regional WHO guidance support anatomy-specific caution near the kidney. Avoid fixed deep insertion, especially in a thin patient. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-52 | Zhìshì (志室) | BL-52 is included in high-risk ultrasound imaging and point-specific MRI depth research. Regional WHO guidance warns of kidney injury; individualize depth to anatomy and body build. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-53 | Bāohuāng (胞肓) | Pregnancy caution: BL-53 is in the lumbosacral/buttock region. WHO advises avoiding lumbosacral acupuncture after the first trimester but does not name BL-53. At any stage of pregnancy, use only after individualized assessment by an obstetric-acupuncture clinician rather than treating the regional rule as proof of point-specific harm. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-54 | Zhìbiān (秩边) | Pregnancy caution: BL-54 is in the lumbosacral/buttock region. WHO advises avoiding lumbosacral acupuncture after the first trimester but does not name BL-54. At any stage of pregnancy, require individualized obstetric assessment; point-specific anatomy also requires controlled depth around the sciatic and posterior femoral cutaneous nerves. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-60 | Kūnlún (昆仑) | Pregnancy caution: BL-60 is commonly listed among traditionally avoided points. Clinical evidence has not shown objective obstetric harm from needling, but pregnancy use should follow individualized assessment by an obstetric-acupuncture clinician. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| BL-67 | Zhìyīn (至阴) | Needling and moxibustion require separate cautions. BL-67 needling is traditionally avoided in pregnancy; reviewed needling studies found no objective obstetric harm. BL-67 moxibustion for breech may improve cephalic presentation, but adverse events were poorly reported and included contractions and burns, so it requires obstetric oversight. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| KI-11 | Hénggǔ (横骨) | Do not needle the lower abdomen during pregnancy. KI-11 is also listed as requiring special skill because anatomical depth and underlying structures vary between individuals. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-12 | Dàhè (大赫) | Do not needle lower-abdominal points during pregnancy because uterine stimulation and excessive depth must be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-13 | Qìxué (气穴) | Do not needle lower-abdominal points during pregnancy because uterine stimulation and excessive depth must be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-14 | Sìmǎn (四满) | Do not needle lower-abdominal points during pregnancy because uterine stimulation and excessive depth must be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-15 | Zhōngzhù (中注) | Do not needle lower-abdominal points during pregnancy because uterine stimulation and excessive depth must be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-16 | Huāngshū (肓俞) | This upper-abdominal point overlies the abdominal cavity. Depth must be individualized because anatomical variation or enlarged organs can increase the risk of visceral injury. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-21 | Yōumén (幽门) | The checked point reference warns that deep insertion can injure the liver. Depth must be individualized and kept under professional control. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-22 | Bùláng (步廊) | KI-22 is an intercostal chest point. Deep perpendicular insertion can enter the pleura or lung and cause pneumothorax; professional needling must remain shallow and chest-wall aligned. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-23 | Shénfēng (神封) | This fourth-intercostal-space point overlies the thorax. Deep perpendicular needling can injure pleura or lung and produce pneumothorax. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-24 | Língxū (灵墟) | The pleura and lung lie deep to this intercostal site. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion because pneumothorax is a documented thoracic needling risk. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-25 | Shéncáng (神藏) | As an anterior intercostal point, KI-25 is close to pleura and lung. Deep perpendicular insertion is unsafe and can cause pneumothorax. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-26 | Yùzhōng (彧中) | The first intercostal space overlies pleural and lung tissue. Needling must not be directed deeply into the chest because pneumothorax can result. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| KI-27 | Shūfǔ (俞府) | KI-27 lies in the subclavicular thoracic region, where the lung apex may be shallow. Deep or perpendicular insertion can cause pneumothorax. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| PC-1 | Tiānchí (天池) | PC-1 is an intercostal chest point. Deep perpendicular insertion can penetrate pleura or lung and cause pneumothorax; only shallow chest-wall-aligned needling is considered. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| PC-3 | Qūzé (曲泽) | PC-3 lies immediately medial to the biceps tendon in the cubital fossa, where the brachial artery and median nerve are adjacent. Avoid vascular or nerve contact and individualize depth. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| PC-7 | Dàlíng (大陵) | Ultrasound research found that the PC-7 needle path can overlap the median nerve. Use superficial, anatomy-adjusted technique and stop if nerve-like pain occurs. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| TE-15 | Tiānliáo (天髎) | TE-15 is in the upper scapular region, an area identified in safety guidance as vulnerable to pleural or lung penetration. Deep perpendicular insertion can cause pneumothorax. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| TE-16 | Tiānyǒu (天牖) | Official safety guidance lists TE-16 as a vulnerable point over major vessels. Keep needling shallow and controlled; direct scarring moxibustion should also be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| TE-17 | Yìfēng (翳风) | The checked safety appendix includes SJ-17 among the points where direct scarring moxibustion should be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| TE-18 | Chìmài (瘈脉) | SJ-18 is included in the safety appendix group for which direct scarring moxibustion should be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| TE-19 | Lúxī (颅息) | The point is within the SJ-16 to SJ-23 group identified by the checked safety appendix as unsuitable for direct scarring moxibustion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| TE-20 | Jiǎosūn (角孙) | Direct scarring moxibustion should be avoided at this scalp point, consistent with the SJ-16 through SJ-23 safety listing. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| TE-21 | Ěrmén (耳门) | The Clean Needle Technique appendix places SJ-21 in the group where direct scarring moxibustion should be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| TE-22 | Ěrhéliáo (耳和髎) | WHO places TE-22 immediately behind the superficial temporal artery. General vascular safety guidance requires the artery to be identified and avoided; direct scarring moxibustion should also be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| TE-23 | Sīzhúkōng (丝竹空) | Direct scarring moxibustion should be avoided at this eyebrow point, as reflected in the SJ-16 through SJ-23 safety group. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-2 | Tīnghuì (听会) | GB-2 is adjacent to the temporomandibular joint. Keep the mouth position stable, avoid entering the joint space and stop if sharp joint pain occurs. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-20 | Fēngchí (风池) | GB-20 has been involved in reports of subarachnoid haemorrhage, with excessively deep posterior-neck insertion suspected in serious injuries. Use only controlled, anatomy-specific direction and depth by a trained practitioner. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-21 | Jiānjǐng (肩井) | The lung apex lies beneath GB-21, so an inferior or overly deep trajectory can cause pneumothorax. Pregnancy caution is traditional, especially before 37 weeks; reviewed human evidence has not shown increased miscarriage, preterm birth or reliable labour induction, but rare harm is not fully excluded and use requires individualized obstetric assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-22 | Yuānyè (渊腋) | This point lies on the thoracic wall. Deep perpendicular insertion can enter the pleural cavity and cause pneumothorax; only shallow oblique or transverse technique is appropriate. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-23 | Zhéjīn (辄筋) | Because GB-23 is on the chest wall, deep perpendicular needling may injure pleura or lung. Use a shallow intercostal direction under trained supervision. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-24 | Rìyuè (日月) | GB-24 is an anterior thoracic point. Deep perpendicular insertion can injure pleura, lung or upper abdominal organs; depth and direction must remain shallow and oblique. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-25 | Jīngmén (京门) | GB-25 lies immediately below the free end of the twelfth rib. The checked point source warns against deep needling from GB-22 through GB-25; individual rib and flank anatomy must be assessed to protect pleura, kidney and other abdominal structures. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-26 | Dàimài (带脉) | Pregnancy changes abdominal wall and uterine anatomy. Abdominal needling is traditionally restricted during pregnancy; reviewed human evidence has not shown objective harm from historically cautioned points, but rare risk is not excluded and any use requires individualized obstetric assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-27 | Wǔshū (五枢) | GB-27 is on the lower abdomen, where pregnancy-related anatomical change increases uterine risk. Traditional guidance restricts this region; available human review did not show objective harm, but rare risk remains uncertain and specialist obstetric assessment is required. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-28 | Wéidào (维道) | GB-28 is a lower-abdominal point. Traditional pregnancy guidance restricts this region because of uterine proximity; reviewed human data have not shown objective harm, but rare risk is not excluded and use requires individualized obstetric assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-29 | Jūliáo (居髎) | GB-29 is close to the hip joint. Control direction and depth to avoid the joint capsule, and stop if sharp joint pain occurs. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-30 | Huántiào (环跳) | GB-30 is in a gluteal region containing major nerves and vessels. Use conservative depth and direction, avoid forceful manipulation, and stop if sharp or electric pain occurs. No precise relationship to the sciatic nerve is asserted without a checked point-specific human anatomy source. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-33 | Xīyángguān (膝阳关) | GB-33 is adjacent to the lateral knee joint. Avoid the joint space and use controlled depth around the biceps femoris tendon and iliotibial band. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-34 | Yánglíngquán (阳陵泉) | GB-34 is near the proximal tibiofibular joint and common fibular nerve region. Avoid the joint space and forceful manipulation; withdraw if sharp or electric pain occurs. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GB-40 | Qiūxū (丘墟) | GB-40 is adjacent to the ankle joint. Avoid entering the joint space and use gentle technique around local tendons and superficial nerves. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LV-3 | Tàichōng (太冲) | LV-3 overlies the dorsalis pedis artery, which must be palpated and avoided. WHO also identifies LV-3 as a point that may provoke hypotension or fainting; first-time or vulnerable patients should be treated lying down with gentle stimulation and monitoring. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LV-4 | Zhōngfēng (中封) | LV-4 is adjacent to the ankle joint. Avoid entering the joint space and use gentle technique around the tibialis anterior tendon. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LV-7 | Xīguān (膝关) | LV-7 is close to the medial knee joint. Avoid the joint space and control depth around the medial tibial structures. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LV-8 | Qūquán (曲泉) | LV-8 is beside the medial knee joint and popliteal neurovascular region. Avoid the joint space and deep posterior angulation; stop if sharp or electric pain occurs. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LV-10 | Zúwǔlǐ (足五里) | LV-10 is described by WHO as lying over the femoral artery. Direct vessel puncture can cause bleeding or haematoma; palpate the artery and do not use a blind deep trajectory. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LV-12 | Jímài (急脉) | CCAHM lists LV-12 among points at or near major vessels, specifically the femoral artery and vein. Blind or deep insertion can cause bleeding or haematoma; both vessels must be palpated and avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LV-13 | Zhāngmén (章门) | LV-13 is on the lateral abdomen below the free end of the eleventh rib. Deep insertion in this region can injure abdominal solid organs; assess individual anatomy and avoid a visceral trajectory. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| LV-14 | Qīmén (期门) | LV-14 is an anterior thoracic point overlying pleural, pulmonary, hepatic and major vascular structures. A fatal aortic haemorrhage was reported after 4 cm insertion at LR-14, and deep needling has also been linked to abdominal organ perforation; use only shallow oblique or subcutaneous technique. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region |
| GV-1 | Chángqiáng (长强) | This point is immediately beside the rectum. Perpendicular insertion can injure the rectal wall, so direction and depth require specialist control. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-2 | Yāoshù (腰俞) | GV-2 lies at the sacral hiatus, which opens into the sacral canal and varies markedly in depth and shape. A fixed superior insertion can enter the canal; individual anatomy must determine whether and how the point is used. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-3 | Yāoyángguān (腰阳关) | The spinal canal lies deep to this midline point. Avoid deep insertion and adjust depth to the person's build. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-4 | Mìngmén (命门) | The spinal canal lies deep to this lumbar midline point. Excessive depth is unsafe and must be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-5 | Xuánshū (悬枢) | The spinal canal is deep to this vertebral midline point. Do not use excessive depth. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-6 | Jǐzhōng (脊中) | Deep insertion at this vertebral level can enter the spinal canal and injure neural structures. Use controlled oblique depth only. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-7 | Zhōngshū (中枢) | The spinal canal lies deep to this thoracic midline point. Excessive depth can damage the spinal cord. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-8 | Jīnsuō (筋缩) | This point overlies the spinal canal. Deep insertion can injure the spinal cord and must be avoided. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-9 | Zhìyáng (至阳) | The spinal canal lies beneath this thoracic midline point. Keep insertion shallow and controlled to prevent spinal injury. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-10 | Língtái (灵台) | Deep needling at this midline vertebral point can reach the spinal canal. Limit depth and maintain an oblique direction. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-11 | Shéndào (神道) | This point is directly over the vertebral canal. Deep insertion can injure the spinal cord. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-12 | Shēnzhù (身柱) | The spinal canal lies beneath this upper thoracic point. Avoid deep or forceful insertion. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-13 | Táodào (陶道) | This upper thoracic midline point overlies the spinal canal. Deep insertion is unsafe. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-14 | Dàzhuī (大椎) | The cervical spinal canal lies deep to this point. Excessive depth or uncontrolled direction can injure neural structures. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-15 | Yǎmén (哑门) | GV-15 is close to the medulla oblongata. Safe depth varies with sex, BMI, and head measurements, so a fixed cun range must not be treated as universally safe; deep or superior insertion is prohibited. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-16 | Fēngfǔ (风府) | The medulla oblongata lies deep to GV-16. MRI research shows that tissue depth varies with BMI and sex, so no single fixed depth is safe for every person; deep or superior insertion is prohibited. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-21 | Qiándǐng (前顶) | Do not needle this area in an infant whose fontanelle has not closed. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-22 | Xìnhuì (囟会) | Needling is prohibited in infants with an open fontanelle or patent frontal suture. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-23 | Shàngxīng (上星) | A checked professional safety table advises against needling this site in infants with a patent frontal suture. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| GV-28 | Yínjiāo (龈交) | GV-28 is an intraoral mucosal point where saliva and possible bleeding create body-fluid exposure and cross-contamination risks. Use aseptic technique, appropriate gloves, a sterile single-use needle, and direct pressure if bleeding occurs. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-1 | Huìyīn (会阴) | This is an intimate perineal point and is listed as contraindicated during pregnancy in the checked professional safety handbook. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-2 | Qūgǔ (曲骨) | Deep insertion can enter a full bladder. Empty the bladder first, and avoid lower-abdominal needling during pregnancy unless a qualified obstetric acupuncture clinician determines it is necessary. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-3 | Zhōngjí (中极) | CV-3 is a lower-abdominal point traditionally avoided before 37 weeks of pregnancy; deep insertion can also penetrate a full bladder. Evidence reviews have not shown that the point itself causes adverse pregnancy outcomes, so use requires individualized obstetric risk assessment rather than routine treatment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-4 | Guānyuán (关元) | CV-4 is a lower-abdominal point traditionally avoided before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and deep insertion may enter a full bladder. Published evidence has not demonstrated point-specific obstetric harm, but treatment still requires individualized pregnancy assessment. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-5 | Shímén (石门) | CV-5 is among the lower-abdominal points traditionally avoided before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Deep insertion can enter the peritoneal cavity; pregnancy use requires individualized obstetric assessment even though current reviews have not shown point-specific harm. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-6 | Qìhǎi (气海) | CV-6 is a lower-abdominal point traditionally avoided before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Deep insertion can enter the peritoneal cavity; use in pregnancy requires a qualified clinician's individualized risk assessment, despite the lack of demonstrated point-specific harm in published reviews. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-7 | Yīnjiāo (阴交) | CV-7 is a lower-abdominal point traditionally avoided before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Deep insertion can enter the peritoneal cavity; pregnancy treatment requires individualized specialist assessment, although available reviews have not identified point-specific obstetric harm. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-8 | Shénquè (神阙) | The umbilicus is an area that WHO states should not be punctured. Any thermal method also requires strict burn prevention. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-9 | Shuǐfēn (水分) | Deep insertion can enter the peritoneal cavity, especially in a thin abdomen. WHO also advises avoiding upper-abdominal points after the third month of pregnancy. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-10 | Xiàwǎn (下脘) | In a thin abdomen, deep insertion may enter the peritoneal cavity. WHO advises avoiding upper-abdominal needling after the third month of pregnancy. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-11 | Jiànlǐ (建里) | At CV-11, excessive depth may cross the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity, especially in a thin person. WHO advises avoiding upper-abdominal needling after the third month of pregnancy. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-12 | Zhōngwǎn (中脘) | CV-12 requires reduced depth when the abdominal wall is thin because the peritoneal cavity lies beneath it. WHO advises avoiding upper-abdominal points after the third month of pregnancy. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-13 | Shàngwǎn (上脘) | Deep insertion can enter the peritoneal cavity in a thin person. WHO advises avoiding upper-abdominal needling after the third month of pregnancy. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-14 | Jùquè (巨阙) | Deep insertion may injure the left lobe of the liver or an enlarged heart. Never angle the needle superiorly toward the heart. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-15 | Jiūwěi (鸠尾) | Deep insertion may injure the left liver lobe or an enlarged heart. Superior angling toward the heart is contraindicated. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-16 | Zhōngtíng (中庭) | This is a thoracic point at the xiphisternal junction. WHO advises shallow oblique or horizontal technique on the chest to avoid vital-organ injury. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-17 | Dànzhōng (膻中) | Use transverse needling only. A congenital sternal foramen may be present beneath CV-17, so deep perpendicular insertion can pass through the sternum and endanger thoracic structures. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-18 | Yùtáng (玉堂) | This is a chest point over the sternum. WHO advises controlled shallow or horizontal insertion to avoid injury to thoracic structures. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-19 | Zǐgōng (紫宫) | Use shallow transverse technique at this thoracic point. WHO warns that depth and direction on the chest must be controlled to protect vital structures. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-20 | Huágài (华盖) | This upper thoracic point requires shallow horizontal insertion. Deep or poorly directed needling can endanger structures within the chest. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-21 | Xuánjī (璇玑) | This point lies on the upper thorax. Keep insertion shallow and transverse because WHO advises strict control of depth and direction on the chest. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-22 | Tiāntū (天突) | CV-22 is directly in front of the trachea and close to major vessels and upper thoracic structures. WHO identifies it as potentially dangerous; no procedural direction is provided here because specialist anatomy and supervision are required. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
| CV-23 | Liánquán (廉泉) | Ultrasound shows blood vessels, the anterior digastric and geniohyoid region, and the sublingual gland beneath CV-23. A misaligned oblique needle can injure a vessel or gland; visualization and specialist anatomical assessment are recommended. | WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) |
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- Acupuncture-related adverse events: a systematic review of the Chinese literature Fatal aortic haemorrhage and abdominal organ injuries associated with LR14
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 1; classification, functions, indications and needling
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 2; classification, functions, indications and needling
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 3; classification, functions, indications and needling
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 4; classification, functions, indications and needling
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 5; classification, functions, indications and needling
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 6; classification, functions, indications and needling
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 7; classification, functions, indications and needling
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 8; classification, functions, indications and needling
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Kidney 9; classification, functions, indications and needling