What are the methods for locating acupoints?

Dec 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

The location methods of acupoints generally include the bone-length measurement method, surface landmark method, finger measurement method, simple location method, and anatomical landmark method. The bone-length measurement method uses the physiological length of human bones as a reference, assigning fixed measurements to different body regions to determine acupoint locations by measuring surface distances. This method is widely applicable, highly accurate, and one of the most commonly used clinical location techniques, as it is not affected by individual body type differences.

Acupoint localization methods generally include the bone-length measurement method, surface anatomical landmark method, finger measurement method, simple and convenient acupoint location method, and anatomical structure-based method. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Bone-Length Measurement Method: This method uses the physiological length of human bones as a reference, assigning fixed measurements to different body parts to determine acupoint locations by measuring surface distances. It has wide applicability, provides accurate positioning, and is one of the most commonly used clinical methods, unaffected by individual body size differences.

2. Surface Anatomical Landmark Method: This relies on natural anatomical landmarks on the body's surface for localization, divided into fixed and movable landmarks. Fixed landmarks include facial features and bony prominences; movable landmarks refer to depressions or skin lines that appear during joint flexion or extension. This method is simple, intuitive, and easy to master.

3. Finger Measurement Method: Uses the width of the patient’s own fingers as a unit of measurement to locate acupoints, such as thumb-body inch or transverse index-middle finger body inch. This method is flexible and convenient, suitable for rapid localization, but requires adjustment according to the patient's body size to ensure accuracy.

4. Simple and Convenient Acupoint Location Method: Quickly determines acupoints through simple movements or common reference points—for example, crossing the tigers’ mouths of both hands to locate Lieque (LU7), or bending the elbows with arms hanging down to find Quchi (LI11). This approach is easy to understand and suitable for daily health care or beginners, offering high efficiency in localization.

5. Anatomical Structure-Based Method: Locates acupoints based on knowledge of anatomical structures such as muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Requires familiarity with regional anatomy and involves identifying acupoints by palpating muscle fibers, arterial pulsations, and other features. Suitable for precise localization and clinical treatment.

To ensure accurate acupoint placement, multiple methods should be combined and cross-verified. During operation, maintain a comfortable posture for the patient, use gentle techniques, and avoid excessive pressure. Beginners are advised to study under the guidance of qualified medical professionals, gaining familiarity with human anatomical structures and the distribution patterns of acupoints.

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