Extra Points Acupuncture Points Study

Locations and Functions Flash Cards

Extra (Off Meridian) Points - Location and Functions "Flash Cards"

Our site currently has location and function information for 69 "extra" or off meridian acupuncture points. You can use the following list of "flash cards" as a study tool by viewing the name, seeing if you remember the point location and/or functions, then clicking on the "location" or "functions" tab to check your answer.

To view all locations and/or all functions at once, use the "show/hide" buttons below.

Midpoint between TH 17 and GB 20.

Sleep issues - insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep

On the dorsum of the foot between the web and metatarsophalangeal joint (4 points on each foot).

Foot issues - pain, swelling, numbness.
Mentioned in the Ling Shu for malaria

2 cun above GV 14 (C7) and 1 cun lateral.

Lung issues - cough, dyspnea, asthma.
Local point for stiff neck, shoulder a/or back pain.

On the dorsum of the hand, at the webs between each finger, at the junction of the red & white skin.

Issues of the hand - pain, spasm, numbness.
Mentioned in the Ling Shu for malaria

At the highest point of the nasolabial groove.

Local point for nasal issues - obstruction, congestion, sinusitis, rhinitis.

Lateral to the midline and midpoint of the nose, between the hard and soft bones of the nose.

Local point for nasal issues - obstruction, congestion, sinusitis, rhinitis.

1-2 cun below GB 34 (palpate for most tender point).

Found on the (R)ight leg, useful for GB issues - acute cholecystitis, gall stones, post-surgical pain

.5 cun lateral to GV 14 (C7).

Lung issues - asthma, wheezing.
Local point for neck, shoulder a/or upper back pain

4 cun above the wrist crease, proximal to PC 7 on both sides of the flexor carpi radialis tendon.

Issues of the anus - hemorrhoids (esp. w/bleeding), anal itching, rectal prolapse

With the posterior half of the ear folded forward, the point is located at the highest point of the superior crease.

This point is usually bled to reduce strong heat in the body - high fever, red/swollen throat, mumps, etc.
Hypertension.

In a depression at the midpoint of and superior to the patella.

Knee issues - pain, stiffness, tension

EX Huatuojiaji at C1

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of C1

C1 innervates the top of the head and is an important juncture between the brain and body. Affects the parietal lobe, sensory and motor areas of the brain.
If patient has predominately left sided problems, then the right side of C1 will be focused on and vice versa.
A "wind" are in Chinese Medicine may be used for stroke, epilepsy, headache. Can be used as an dizziness or faintness "emergency" balancing point for overstimulation from qigong, acupuncture and/or hypertension.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. The cervical huatuo points are not needled as often, but used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at C2

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of C2

C2 innervates the forehead and the frontal lobe. The relationship with the Broca's speech area left side of C2 may be used for speech disorders such as stuttering or post-stroke asphasia.
Due to the relationship with the frontal lobe used for a range of anxiety and depression related disorders as well as conditions such as OCD, ADD/ADHD, PTSD, and insomnia. Generally the left side is for more insomnia and ocd related symptoms and the right side is for more standard anxiety/depression realm symptoms.
May also be used for headaches, acne, sinus issues and/or visual issues, usually with other supporting points.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. The cervical huatuo points are not needled as often, but used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at C3

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of C3

C3 innervates the eyes, sinuses, temporal lobe areas and and is used for a range of eye, vision and sinus issues. In the right circumstances, combines well with Yintang and LI 4.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. The cervical huatuo points are not needled as often, but used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at C4

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of C4

C4 innervates the areas of the mouth, jaw and chin. May be used for a range of dental issues, bell's palsy, tmj as well as shoulder tension and/or neck issues due to holding tension in the upper parts of the body.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. The cervical huatuo points are not needled as often, but used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at C5

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of C5

C5 innervates the areas of the larynx and pharynx, area is used for cough, tonsilitis, asthma, neck pain, snoring (often with C3 huatuo), vocal issues (loss of voice, etc.).
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. The cervical huatuo points are not needled as often, but used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at C6

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of C6

C6 innervates the thyroid gland and is used for a range of thyroid issues - hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, etc. Also used locally for problems down in the arm and hands, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel, etc.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. The cervical huatuo points are not needled as often, but used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at C7

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of C7

C7 innervates the parathyroid gland and as it has a role in calcium utilization, this point is use dfor a range of bone problems, arthritis, bone spurs, osteoporosis, etc. Also used locally for problems down in the arm and hands, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel, etc.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. The cervical huatuo points are not needled as often, but used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at L1

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of L1

L1 innervates and influences the adrenal gland, the testis or the vagina areas. It is used for a range of hormonal issues including menstrual issues, PMS, fertility issues, sexual issues, etc.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at L2

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of L2

L2 innervates and influences the kidneys and kidney system in Chinese Medicine terms, the seminal vesicles in men and the uterine tube in women. The kidney system involves the thyroid, the sex hormones, the bone and bone marrow, accordingly this area is important for a range of issues including fertility, overall vitality, strength of the lower body, health of the bone and a host of other issues.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at L3

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of L3

L3 innverates the prostate in men and the ovaries in women. In women, then, this point may help with a range of ovarian issues - cancer, fertility and/or menstrual issues, cysts, etc. In men this point can be very helpful for prostate problems and fertility issues. For both it may be used for early morning diarrhea or constipation as well as a range of sexual issues.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at L4

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of L4

L4 innervates the large intestine and is used for a range of colon issues, distention, diarrrhea, constipation, crohn's, IBS and more. Also useful for low back and/or sciatic pain, weakness in the lower extremities, etc. Collections of damp/heat in the lower warmer are also influenced here - such issues as leukorrhea, spermatorrhea, hemorrhoids and others.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at L5

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of L5

L5 innervates the descending colon and is used for the entire range of bowel issues, hemorrhoids, constipation, IBS, diarrhea, etc. The huatuo at L1 or L2, however, is often the area that is blocked with this range of issues. This area may be used for low back pain, sciatic pain, problems with the lower extremities, enuresis, polyuria and other related issues.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at S1

In the area around the 1st sacral foramen, UB 31

S1 influences the ureter and is used along with S2 and S3 for a range of menstrual issues, fertility issues, PMS, etc. May be useful for low back pain.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at S2

In the area around the 2nd sacral foramen, UB 32

S2 influences the bladder and is used for a range of bladder issues, such as blood in the urine, or burning, as well as women's issues and reproductive issues.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at S3

In the area around the 3rd sacral foramen, UB 33

S3 influences the external genitalia and is used for pain in the reproductive organs or other issues, genital pain, PMS, etc.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at S4

In the area around the 4th sacral foramen, UB 34

S4 influences the urinary tract and is used for a range of urinary disorders.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at S5

In the area around UB 35

S5 influences the rectum and is ussed for hemorrhoids and other local issues.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T1

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T1

T1 innervates the windpipe and affects the bone marrow, used for a range of lung and immune issues (with T2 and T3), a range of neck issues, releasing exterior heat (colds/flus/fever), neck and shoulder problems. T1, T2 and T3 are used for a range of immune and autoimmune conditions within the tam healing system.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T2

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T2

T2 innervates the bronchus and thymus gland and is used for a range of immune issues (with T1 and T3), including symptoms such as chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. T1, T2 and T3 are used for a range of immune and autoimmune conditions within the tam healing system.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T3

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T3

T3 innervates the lung and lymph systems and is used for a range of immune issues (with T1 and T2), including symptoms such as allergies, asthma, chest pain, cough, voice issues, lyme disease, and frequent infections. T1, T2 and T3 are used for a range of immune and autoimmune conditions within the tam healing system.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T4

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T4

T4 innervates the breast and influences the sweat glands and hair follicles, important point for breast cancer in the tam healing system, excessive, irregular or lack of sweat, inability to control body temperature and many skin problems, acne, psoriasis, etc..
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T5

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T5

T5 influences the heart and pericardium systems - in the tam healing system the left side is more for heart issues and the right is more for pericardium issues. A range of psychoemotional issues, depression, anxiety, etc. as well as cardiovascular issues, lower body edema, palpitations, chest pain, etc.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T6

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T6

T6 innervates the diaphragm, used for a range of respiratory issues, asthma, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc.. Also used for esophageal issues (more on the left side) including a supporting role in some types of reflux and other digestive issues.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T7

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T7

T7 (Left) innervates the spleen and is an important point for any blood related issues - both in terms of circulation but also in terms of disease. Due to the role in body fluids and blood a range of issues that are more prominent at night may be indicated, insomnia, frequent nighttime urination, dream disturbed sleep and/or nightmares. Used for esophageal issues and a range of digestive issues. Also influences the circulation into the lower back and legs, so any issues with legs, swelling, weakness, etc. and as a secondary point for back pain.
T7 (Right) influences the abdominal blood vessel - used for a range of circulatory issues including raynaud's syndrome, hand and/or feet that are too hot or too cold or vasculate between the two abdnormally. Also any systemic diseases that travel in or involves the blood, AIDS/HIV, leukemia, anemia, etc. More strongly influences digestion and issues that are stronger from noon through the afternoon.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T8

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T8

T8 (Left) innervates the esophagus and is used for conditions such as reflux and a range of digestive issues worsened by poor diet and drinking too many fluids with meals. Also useful as support points for leg and foot problems.
T8 (Right) innervates the pancreas and is used for blood sugar related conditions as well as a range of blood or organ related cancers, pancreatic, bone marrow, blood, hodkin's lymphoma, leukemia, etc.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T9

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T9

T9 (Left) innervates the stomach and is used for a range of digestive issues including gas, bloating, ulcers and heartburn as well as stomach cancer.
T9 (Right) innervates the liver and is used for a range of physical liver as well as liver system issues from a Chinese Medicine perspective, this includes hormonal issues such as PMS and menstrual problems, stress related digestive issues and physical liver issues such as cirrhosis, hepatitis and cancer.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T10

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T10

T10 (Left) innervates the gall bladder and is used for issues such as gallstones, high cholesterol and other digestive issues.
T10 (Right) innervates the bile duct and is used for gallbladder/bile duct related issues.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T11

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T11

T11 innervates the small intestine and is used for a range of digestive and assimilation issues and with related factors edema in the abdomen or lower part of the body.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

EX Huatuojiaji at T12

.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T12

T12 innervates the transverse colon and is used for colon issues such as constipation, diarrhea, or colon cancer.
Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. May be needled and used with tuina and/or tonren therapy.

A group of 34 points, .5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous processes of T1-L5. note: "C#" refers to the cervical vertebrae, "T#" to the thoracic vertebrae, and "L#" to the lumbar vertebrae.

Used extensively within the Tam Healing System and Tong Ren Therapy. See Tam Healing System - Huatuo Jiaji Points for details.

Regulate the 5 Zang & the 6 Fu.
T1-T3 Huatuo Points: disorders of the upper limbs and lungs.
T4-T6 Huatuo Points: disorders of the HT.
T7-T9 Huatuo Points: LV/GB issues.
T10-T12 Huatuo Points: ST/SP issues.
L1-L2 Huatuo Points: KD issues.
L3-L5 Huatuo Points: UB, LI, SI, Uterine & Lower Limb issues.
Herpes Zoster (shingles) - needle level of effected nerve segments

Midway between LI 15 and the anterior axillary crease.

Local point for shoulder a/or chest pain

EX Jinjin (L) and Yuye (R)

On the veins on either side of the frenulum of the tongue - Jinjin is on the (L)eft side and Yuye is on the (R)ight side.

Issues of the tongue - swollen tongue esp. w/difficult speaking, salivary gland issues, post-stroke asphasia.
Sun Si Mao indicated bleeding the point for sudden swelling of the tongue which obstructs breathing.

2 cun below ST 36.

Found on the (R)ight leg, acute or chronic appendicitis or enteritis

On the dorsum of the hand between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones, about .5 cun posterior to the metacapalphalangeal joint.

Acute issues of the neck - strain, sprain, whiplash (needle on effected side)

2 cun proximal to ST 41 on the ST 36 - ST 41 line.

Issues related to thinking - memory improvement, mental clarity

Found on the inside of the lower leg, 7 cun above the internal malleolus and 0.5 cun from posterior edge of the tibia.

Post-operative pain, often used with electro-acupuncture.

0.5 - 1.0 cun anterior to the auricular lobe Indication: Deviation of the eyes and mouth, ulceration on tongue and mouth. Oblique 0.5 - 1.0.

Facial issues - paralysis, bell's palsy, deviations of the eyes, mouth, etc..
Ulceration of the tongue and/or mouth.

Using the width of the mouth as the measure, construct a equilateral triangle with the navel at the apex, the two lower angles are Qipang.

Cold disorders of the lower abdomen - hernia, amenorrhea, cramping.
Moxa for infertility due to cold in the uterus

EX Shang Lian Quan

1 cun below midpoint of lower jaw, in the depression between the hyoid bone and the lower border of the jaw.

Local issues in the area - sore throat, congestion, difficulty swallowing, stiff tongue, loss of voice.
May be used as a local point for obstructive sleep apnea to help open the throat.

Directly below the midpoint of the arch of the eyebrow, just under the superior border of the orbit. Below Yuyao.

Disorders of the eyelids, pterygium.
Vision issues, optic nerve atrophy, glaucoma.

In the center of the heel on the bottom of the foot.

Needle or moxa to help with insomnia

EX Shiqizhui (Josen)

Below the spinous process of L5 on the posterior midline.

Lower back/body issues - back pain, sciatica, pain of the lower limbs.
Reactive in many gynecological conditions - useful local point

Tips of fingers.

Almost exclusively used in acute or emergency situations - restore consciousness (esp. from heat stroke), epilepsy (excess wind type), coma, high fever

Midpoint of the crease of each proximal interphalangeal joint.

Serious digestive conditions - severe malnutrition, malabsorbtion of food, poor digestion

A group of 4 points, at the vertex, 1 cun posterior, anterior and lateral to GV 20.

Pacifies wind and calms the spirit - useful for wind stroke, epilepsy, headache, dizziness, generally relaxation.
Non-needle methods w/children for poor development, mental retardation, ADHD.
Issues w/memory or thinking, combine with GV 20 a/or GB 20.

At temple, in a depression about 1 cun posterior to the midpoint between the lateral end of the eyebrow and the outer canthus of the eye.

Temporal, one-sided a/or migraine headaches.
Eye issues - pain, swelling, redness, photophobia, visual acuity.
Local point for tootache, facial paralysis, pain, etc.
Classically mentioned in the Ode of the Jade Dragon for swelling of the breast (bleed bilaterally).
Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Headaches, dizziness, eye and/or sinus issues. For migraines use with GB 20 and LI 4.

Center point between GV 14 and CV 22, below SI 16, behind LI 17 at the corner of the neck and shoulder, angling 45 degrees downward towards C7.

Note: This point is not a standard acupuncture point, it was developed by Master Tam for use within the Tam Healing System.
Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the circulation within the vertebral artery. Useful for alzheimer's, brain tumors, dyslexia, MS, and many brain issues related to circulation.
Falls into the category of Window of the Sky points within the Tam Healing system.

Level with LU 7 and proximal to LI 5 in a depression between the tendons that make up the anatomical snuffbox.

The "Extra" point is a popular point for use in smoking cessation treatments. It is located level with LU 7 and proximal to LI 5 in a depression between the tendons that make up the anatomical snuffbox.
This point can be used with needling and/or moxibustion for stop smoking treatments. It is often used in conjunction with other auricular and body points.
Some practitioners will only needle this point if it is sensitive ("ashi", or "ouch" point), others will use it regardless.

EX Xiao Chan Xue

1.5 cun distal from HT 3

Extra point used for arm tremors of any nature - parkinsons, familiar tremors, emotional tremors, etc.

Midpoint of the skin folds posterior to the earlobe, 5 fen anterior-superior to TH 17.

Xinming points were discovered by clinicians in the 70's.
A range of eye disease, macular edema, degeneration, glaucoma, etc.
Facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, and other facial spasms (wind).

At the depression 1 cun above the external end of eyebrow and 5 fen lateral.

Xinming points were discovered by clinicians in the 70's.
A range of eye disease, macular edema, degeneration, glaucoma, etc.
Facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, and other facial spasms (wind).

Lateral (ST 35) and medial knee depressions.

All knee disorders - pain, inflammation, etc.

On the dorsum of the hand, midway between the transverse wrist crease and the metacarpalphalangeal joint, between both the 2nd and 3rd and the 4th and 5th metacarpals (2 points on each hand).

Acute issues of the low back - pain, sprain, strain (needle the same side)

3.5 cun lateral to the lower border of L4 (GV 3).

Low back pain, especially from deficient KD

1 cun posterior to TH 17.

Sleep issues - insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep.
Eye Disorders.
Tinnitus.

Midway between the medial ends of the eyebrows

Calms the spirit - insomnia, anxiety, stress.
Frontal headache.
Sinus issues - congestion, sinusitis.
Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Eye and sinus issues, useful point for building the energy in the head during qi gong.

At the midpoint of the eyebrow in a depression directly above the pupil.

Frontal headache a/or pain in the supraorbital region.
Disorders of the eyelids, pterygium.

4 cun below the umbilicus, 3 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Uterine Issues - dysmenorrhea, infertility, prolapse

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