Acupuncture points for tennis elbow

Acupuncture is an effective method for treating tennis elbow. Generally, the acupoints used for treating tennis elbow include the Ashi point, Quchi (LI11), Hegu (LI4), Zhouliao (TE12), and Tianjing (TE10). It is recommended to perform acupuncture under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Ashi Point

The Ashi point refers to the location of the pain. For patients with tennis elbow, the most painful point on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus is the Ashi point. Acupuncture at the Ashi point can directly target the affected area, promoting circulation of blood and Qi in the local meridians and alleviating pain.

2. Quchi Point (LI11)

The Quchi point is located at the lateral end of the elbow crease. When the elbow is flexed, it lies at the midpoint of the line connecting Chize (LU5) and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Acupuncture at the Quchi point regulates the Qi and blood of the Yangming meridian, improving circulation and effectively treating pain caused by Qi and blood stagnation in tennis elbow.

3. Hegu Point (LI4)

The Hegu point is located on the dorsum of the hand and serves as the Yuan-Source point of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. Acupuncture at Hegu regulates the flow of Qi in the Large Intestine Meridian, influencing blood circulation in the elbow from a distant site, promoting meridian circulation, relieving pain, and providing auxiliary relief for tennis elbow pain.

4. Zhouliao Point (TE12)

The Zhouliao point is located on the elbow. This acupoint primarily treats elbow joint pain and numbness. Acupuncture at Zhouliao can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by tennis elbow.

5. Tianjing Point (TE10)

The Tianjing point is located in the posterior region of the elbow. Acupuncture at this point regulates fever, headache, and red, swollen, painful eyes. To some extent, it can also relieve pain associated with tennis elbow.

Patients with tennis elbow have local inflammation and pain, so the acupuncture manipulation should not be too aggressive. Excessive lifting-thrusting or twisting techniques may worsen tissue damage, leading to increased pain or swelling.