NCCAOM Acupuncture Point Locations Questions and Answers

Question 1

A practitioner needs to locate ST36 (Zusanli). Which of the following descriptions accurately identifies the location of this point?

Accepted 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.

Answer

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.

Answer

2 cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

Answer

In the depression between the upper portion of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, at the base of the skull.

Question 2

A patient presents with nausea and anxiety. The practitioner decides to needle PC6 (Neiguan). Where is this point located?

Accepted 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.

Answer

On the anterior midline, 3 cun below the umbilicus.

Answer

1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease, superior to the styloid process of the radius.

Answer

3 cun superior to the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia.

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?

Accepted Answer

SP6 (Sanyinjiao)

Answer

ST36 (Zusanli)

Answer

LV3 (Taichong)

Answer

KID3 (Taixi)

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?

Accepted Answer

Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius

Answer

Splenius capitis and Levator scapulae

Answer

Tibialis anterior and Extensor digitorum longus

Answer

Palmaris longus and Flexor carpi radialis

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:

Accepted Answer

In the depression directly under the tip of the index finger, superior to the radial styloid process.

Answer

In the center of the anatomical snuffbox.

Answer

Directly on the head of the radius.

Answer

At the midpoint of the transverse wrist crease on the radial side.

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?

Accepted Answer

On the anterior midline, 3 cun below the umbilicus.

Answer

On the anterior midline, 4 cun below the umbilicus.

Answer

On the anterior midline, 2 cun below the umbilicus.

Answer

On the anterior midline, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus.