One of the things that still fascinates me, even after 25 years of practice, is how versatile a single acupuncture point can be. Ancient Chinese medicine practitioners, working centuries before modern anatomy or neuroscience existed, identified specific points on the body that could influence multiple systems at once — pain, digestion, hormones, mood, circulation — all from one precise location. Somehow, they figured this out through generations of careful observation. It still amazes me today.
In this post, I want to walk through a few of the acupuncture points I use most often, and show you just how much one point can do.
Why Precise Location Matters So Much
Before I get into specific points, I want to talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: not all acupuncturists locate points the same way, and precision really matters.
An acupuncture point isn’t just a general area — it’s a specific location, often no bigger than a few millimeters, where the effect of treatment is strongest. Research has shown that the skin’s electrical resistance actually changes at these points, which is part of how they can be identified. I’ve found that I can feel these subtle differences in the skin very easily, simply by running my fingers along the area. I’m honestly not sure if it’s from starting meditation at around five years old, or just years of practice tuning into the body’s subtle signals — but I’ve come to think there’s a real connection between that early training and how intimately I can sense where the Qi is moving. Whatever the reason, precise point location is a skill, not a given, and it’s something I take a lot of care with in every session.
GB20 FengChi— Multiple Uses From One Point
Located at the base of the skull, where the neck muscles meet the head, GB20 the Wind Gate, is one of the most versatile points I use. It’s well known for relieving tension headaches and neck pain, but its usefulness doesn’t stop there — I also use it to help with dizziness, eye strain, and general upper-body tension, especially in patients who spend long hours at a computer. One point, several very different complaints, all addressed at once.
ST36 ZuSanLi— A Point With a Reputation
ST36, located below the knee on the outer shin, might be one of the most famous points in all of acupuncture — sometimes called the “Three Mile Point,” based on an old belief that treating it could give a tired traveler three more miles of walking strength. I use it for knee pain and general muscle soreness, but it’s also one of my go-to points for digestive support and boosting overall energy. It’s a great example of how one point can support both a specific physical complaint and a person’s overall vitality at the same time.
CV6 QiHai— Balance and Regulation
Just below CV4, CV6 is another point I return to frequently, particularly for hormonal balance and regulating the menstrual cycle. Like CV4, it’s part of a small cluster of points I often use together when supporting fertility, but I’ve also found it helpful for general energy and vitality in patients outside of fertility work. CV6 is named QiHai- the Sea of Qi, and it is the lower seat of energy. Marital artists often focus here to cultivate more energy.
SP6 SanYinJiao — Where Three Meridians Meet
SP6, located a few finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, might be the best illustration of versatility on this whole list. Its name, San Yin Jiao, means “Three Yin Intersection” — it’s the meeting point of three different meridians: the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney. Because it sits at that intersection, treating this single point can influence all three systems at once.
I use SP6 often for menstrual regulation and general gynecological support, and it’s a point I return to frequently in fertility work alongside CV6. It’s also useful for digestive complaints and for supporting better sleep, since it has a calming, Yin-nourishing effect on the body. And for patients further along in pregnancy, SP6 is one of the points I may use as part of labor support work — it’s traditionally understood to help encourage the body toward labor when the time is right, which is part of why many practitioners are cautious about using it earlier in pregnancy.
Three meridians, several very different applications, one point. It’s one of my favorite examples of just how much thought went into this system centuries ago.
One Point, Many Doors
What I hope comes through in all of this is that acupuncture points aren’t one-trick tools. A single, well-located point can open several different doors in the body at once — which is part of why finding it precisely matters so much. A few millimeters off, and you may miss the full effect entirely.
If you’re curious how these points might apply to what you’re dealing with — whether that’s pain, fertility, or something else — I’d be glad to talk it through with you.