The classical texts list hundreds of acupuncture points, but in practice far fewer were used. The modern acupuncturist can conveniently cut the list down still further, to include only those which are used frequently and whose locations should therefore be known by heart. One possible list is as follows:
- CV 17:
- In the middle of the sternum, at the junction between the xiphoid process and the body of the sternum. Because the bone is very near the surface here the needle must be inserted parallel to the skin in an upward direction.
- PC 6:
- On the front of the wrist, 2 fingerbreadths above the distal skin crease.
- LI 4:
- On the dorsum of the hand, midway between the first and second metacarpals.
- SI 3:
- At the ulnar border of the hand, opposite the neck of the 5th metacarpal.
- St 36:
- At the outer side of the leg, over the neck of the fibula.
- Sp 6:
- On the medial side of the leg, about a handsbreadth above the medial malleolus.
- Sp 9:
- Just below the medial condyle of the tibia.
- Sp 10:
- Just above the medial condyle of the femur.
- UB 57:
- Between the bellies of the gastrocnemius muscle.
- Lr 3:
- Between the first and second metatarsals, in the first dorsal interosseus muscle.
