Skip to main content

Constipation acupoints

Here are the points to use

Click through the slideshow to learn the sequence at your own pace, then watch the video.

  • Title
    LI 4
    LI 4

    This point is located on hand, in the web between the thumb and index finger. 

    Place the hand palm down. When the thumb and pointer finger are pressed together, the point is located at the highest point of the muscle between the first and second metacarpal bones. 

  • Title
    LI 11
    LI 11

    This point is located at the elbow, on the outside edge of the elbow crease, midway between the thumb side edge of the bicep tendon and the protruding bone on the outside of the elbow.

    Bend the elbow at a 45-90 degree angle and hold straight out with palm up. In the elbow crease find where the bicep tendon meets in the crease, then draw a line along the crease to the outside of the elbow where the bone protrudes. The point is mid-point on this imaginary line, in the soft depression.

  • Title
    TW 6
    TW 6

    This point is located on the outer forearm, four fingers widths from the wrist crease, in the depression between the radius and ulna (forearm bones). 

    On the dorsal aspect of the forearm, measure four fingers width from the wrist crease. Using the tip of the index finger, feel for the depression between the radius and the ulna bones, staying slightly closer to the edge of the radius (bone that connects to the thumb side). Stimulate with the index finger or the thumb. 

  • Title
    Sp 15
    Sp 15

    This point is located on the abdomen, in the depression at the border of the rectus abdominis muscle (6-pack muscle group) at the level of the umbilicus. 

    Locate the lateral border of the rectus abdominis muscle. The point is located in the depression at the outside edge, at the level of the umbilicus. Apply pressure with one or two fingers.

  • Title
    Kid 6
    Kid 6

    This point is located below the inner ankle bone, one finger’s width below the most prominent point, in the small groove between the ligaments. 

    Locate the most prominent part of the inner ankle bone. Measure one fingers width below the most prominent point. Using the tip of your index finger, feel for a small groove located between two tendons (flex and invert the foot to highlight the tendons). The point is located in this groove. If you can’t find the groove, feel for the spot in that area that is most sensitive.

  • Title
    With abdominal cramping: add Liv 3
    Liv 3

    This point is located on the top of the foot in the space between the bones leading up to the first and second toe.

    Place your finger between the first and second toe. Slide your finger toward the top of the foot, staying between the two bones. The point is located in the space between the two bones, roughly one third of the way between the base of the toes and the ankle.

Video

Back to GI/nausea sequences

 

Disclosure

The acupoint protocols shared in these materials are general in nature, intended to provide complementary therapeutic support to patients in an easily reproducible format. In contrast, licensed acupuncturists and healthcare providers trained in Chinese Medicine develop individualized acupoint prescriptions through patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning based on Chinese Medicine theory. The acupoints used by licensed acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine providers to treat specific symptoms and address the root causes of illness may vary widely from the following protocols, based on the individual.

© 2024 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Privacy Statement