Locating Foot Acupoints: A Guide to Key Points on the Dorsum of the Foot

The dorsum of the foot hosts numerous acupoints that are vital in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for regulating the flow of Qi and blood, harmonizing organ functions, and addressing a wide range of health conditions. This guide provides precise anatomical locations for 14 key foot acupoints, along with their primary therapeutic indications. Understanding these points empowers you to perform safe and effective acupressure for self-care or under professional guidance.

Located anterior to the medial malleolus, in the depression medial to the tibialis anterior tendon. It is a point on the Liver meridian, often used for regulating the Liver and alleviating pain in the lower limbs.

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression anterior to the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones. This is the Yuan-Source point of the Liver meridian, widely employed to smooth Liver Qi, calm the mind, and relieve headaches, dizziness, and menstrual disorders.

On the dorsum of the foot, between the first and second toes, at the junction of the red and white skin proximal to the web margin. The Ying-Spring point of the Liver meridian, it clears Liver heat and benefits the eyes.

On the lateral side of the distal phalanx of the great toe, 0.1 cun (about 0.3 cm) from the corner of the toenail. The Jing-Well point of the Liver meridian, it is used for disorders of the lower abdomen and for calming the mind in cases of agitation.

At the center of the transverse crease of the ankle joint, between the tendons of extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus. The Jing-River point of the Stomach meridian, it treats ankle pain, headaches, and digestive issues.

At the highest point of the dorsum of the foot, between the tendons of extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus, where the dorsal artery of the foot is palpable. The Yuan-Source point of the Stomach meridian, it strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and regulates Qi flow.

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression anterior to the junction of the second and third metatarsal bones. The Shu-Stream point of the Stomach meridian, it alleviates edema and facial swelling.

On the dorsum of the foot, between the second and third toes, at the junction of the red and white skin proximal to the web margin. The Ying-Spring point of the Stomach meridian, it clears Stomach heat and relieves toothache and sore throat.

On the lateral side of the distal phalanx of the second toe, 0.1 cun from the corner of the toenail. The Jing-Well point of the Stomach meridian, it is used for mental disorders and nasal congestion.

Anterior and inferior to the lateral malleolus, in the depression lateral to the tendon of extensor digitorum longus. The Yuan-Source point of the Gallbladder meridian, it treats pain along the lateral side of the body and joint disorders.

On the lateral side of the dorsum of the foot, anterior to the junction of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, in the depression lateral to the tendon of extensor digiti minimi. The Shu-Stream point of the Gallbladder meridian, it benefits the eyes and ears and treats mastitis.

On the lateral side of the dorsum of the foot, medial to the tendon of extensor digiti minimi. This point is used for swelling and pain of the foot and breast disorders.

On the dorsum of the foot, between the fourth and fifth toes, at the junction of the red and white skin proximal to the web margin. The Ying-Spring point of the Gallbladder meridian, it clears Gallbladder heat and treats tinnitus and headache.

On the lateral side of the distal phalanx of the fourth toe, 0.1 cun from the corner of the toenail. The Jing-Well point of the Gallbladder meridian, it is used for headaches, eye disorders, and mental restlessness.

Apply steady, gentle pressure with your thumb or index finger for 1–3 minutes per point. Breathe deeply and maintain a relaxed posture. Acupressure can be performed daily, but avoid pressing on broken skin, inflamed areas, or during pregnancy on certain points (consult a licensed practitioner).

References

1. Huangdi Neijing Lingshu (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, Spiritual Pivot). Ancient Chinese medical text describing acupoint locations and meridians.
2. Nanjing (Classic of Difficulties). Classic text elaborating on acupoint theory and indications.
3. World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region. Manila: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, 2008.
4. Cheng Xinnong, ed. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 3rd ed. Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 2010.