NCCAOM Acupuncture Point Locations Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A practitioner needs to locate ST36 (Zusanli). Which of the following descriptions accurately identifies the location of this point?
- On the medial side of the lower leg, 3 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia.
- On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to ST35, one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia. (Correct answer)
- 2 cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
- In the depression between the upper portion of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, at the base of the skull.
Correct answer: On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to ST35, one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.
ST36 (Zusanli) is located 3 cun inferior to ST35 (the depression below the patella) and one finger-breadth (middle finger) from the anterior crest of the tibia, in the tibialis anterior muscle.
Question 2: A patient presents with nausea and anxiety. The practitioner decides to needle PC6 (Neiguan). Where is this point located?
- On the anterior midline, 3 cun below the umbilicus.
- 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease, superior to the styloid process of the radius.
- On the flexor aspect of the forearm, 2 cun proximal to the wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis. (Correct answer)
- 3 cun superior to the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia.
Correct answer: On the flexor aspect of the forearm, 2 cun proximal to the wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
PC6 (Neiguan) is correctly located on the inner forearm, 2 cun above the wrist crease, situated between the prominent tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles.
Question 3: Which of the following points is located by first identifying the medial malleolus and measuring 3 cun superiorly along the posterior border of the tibia?
- ST36 (Zusanli)
- LV3 (Taichong)
- KID3 (Taixi)
- SP6 (Sanyinjiao) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
SP6 (Sanyinjiao), the 'Three Yin Intersection,' is located 3 cun directly superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, in a depression along the posterior border of the tibia.
Question 4: To treat a patient's occipital headache and stiff neck, an acupuncturist selects GB20 (Fengchi). This point is found in the depression between which two muscles?
- Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius (Correct answer)
- Splenius capitis and Levator scapulae
- Tibialis anterior and Extensor digitorum longus
- Palmaris longus and Flexor carpi radialis
Correct answer: Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius
GB20 (Fengchi), or 'Wind Pool,' is located at the base of the skull in the depression formed between the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle and the trapezius muscle.
Question 5: A classic method for locating LU7 (Lieque) involves crossing the thumb and index finger of both hands (the 'tiger's mouth'). When this is done, the point lies:
- In the center of the anatomical snuffbox.
- Directly on the head of the radius.
- In the depression directly under the tip of the index finger, superior to the radial styloid process. (Correct answer)
- At the midpoint of the transverse wrist crease on the radial side.
Correct answer: In the depression directly under the tip of the index finger, superior to the radial styloid process.
A traditional and practical way to find LU7 (Lieque) is to interlock the patient's hands between the thumb and index finger. The point is located in the depression found directly beneath the tip of the practitioner's index finger, just proximal to the styloid process of the radius.
Question 6: A practitioner is planning a treatment to tonify Kidney Yang and fortify the Original Qi. They choose to needle CV4 (Guanyuan). Which measurement accurately describes this point's location?
- On the anterior midline, 4 cun below the umbilicus.
- On the anterior midline, 2 cun below the umbilicus.
- On the anterior midline, 3 cun below the umbilicus. (Correct answer)
- On the anterior midline, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus.
Correct answer: On the anterior midline, 3 cun below the umbilicus.
CV4 (Guanyuan), the 'Gate of Origin,' is located on the anterior midline of the abdomen, 3 cun inferior to the center of the umbilicus.
NCCAOM Acupuncture Point Locations Questions and Answers 1
A practitioner needs to locate ST36 (Zusanli).
Which of the following descriptions accurately identifies the location of this point?