Acupuncture Points Commonly Used for

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Other

Digestive Conditions
Traditionally, a variety of acupuncture/acupressure points have been utilized for gastrointestinal
complaints.

Acupuncture/Acupressure Points Commonly Used for

Digestive Complaints (Abdomen)
(CV12 Zhongwan, CV4, Guanyuan, SP14 Fujie, ST27 Daju)

Acupuncture/Acupressure Points Commonly Used for Digestive Complaints (Abdomen)

Acupuncture/ Acupressure Points Commonly Used for

Digestive Complaints (Back)
(BL18 Ganshu, BL21 Weishu, BL23 Shenshu, BL27 Xiaochangshu, BL33 Zhongliao)

1
Acupuncture/ Acupressure Points Commonly Used for Digestive Complaints (Back)

 Note:

 The above-mentioned points are just a few examples of the acupuncture points that can
be used to treat IBS patients. Many other important points exist on other parts of the
body, including the upper and lower limbs. In clinical practice, acupuncture points will be
selected based on each patient’s signs and symptoms as manifested on the day of the
treatment.

 The location of the acupuncture points described in the figure and in textbooks should be

considered rough locational guides. Experienced acupuncturists will locate effective
points through palpitation.

 Both traditional theory and scientific research show that stimulating exactly the same
acupuncture point can elicit entirely different responses at two different times. In other
words, effective acupuncture treatment does not depend solely on the selection of
acupuncture points, but equally or more so depends on how those acupuncture points are
stimulated by using acupuncture and moxibustion.

It is important to receive treatments from qualified acupuncturists who have the knowledge and
skills to locate effective meridian points and induce favorable physiological responses through
acupuncture.