Are you gearing up for the NCCAOM Acupuncture Point Location Exam? Let’s be honest. This is no small feat! There are 361 acupuncture points, and you need to be prepared for any exam question that comes your way.
The NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) acupuncture point location exam is a standardized test designed to assess an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in locating acupuncture points on the human body.
Your NCCAOM Acupuncture Point Location exam covers a wide range of acupuncture points found in various meridians throughout the body, including their location, name, and associated functions. Diplomat hopefuls are expected to demonstrate proficiency in locating these points accurately.
In this quick study guide, AOM Test Prep reviews 10 important acupuncture points you absolutely must have absorbed before taking the NCCAOM Acupuncture Point Location Exam.
Anmian, “Peaceful Sleep”
Acupuncture Point Location:
- Anmian is located on the head, specifically on the posterior aspect of the ear.
- It’s typically found approximately 0.5 cm directly behind the earlobe, in the depression between the mastoid process (the bony prominence behind the ear) and the angle of the jaw.
What it does:
- Promotes relaxation, and thereby reduces stress and anxiety.
- Improves sleep.
- Addresses emotional imbalances.
Bailao, “White Hair”
Acupuncture Point Location:
- Bailao is located on the back of the neck, approximately 1.3 cun lateral to the midline, in the depression below the external occipital protuberance, on the same level as Fengchi (GB20).
- Located on the Bladder Meridian.
What it does:
- Ideal for neck pain, headaches, and dizziness.
- Reduces tension and pain
Bitong, “Nose Passage”
Acupuncture Point Location:
- Bitong is located on the face, in the depression directly below the pupil, level with the inferior border of the ala nasi (the wing of the nose). It is positioned between the LI20 (Yingxiang) and ST3 (Juliao) acupuncture points.
- This acupuncture point is an Extra Point and does not belong to a specific meridian.
What it does:
- Clears nasal passages.
- Eases sinus congestion discomfort.
- Reduces inflammation.
Erbai, “Second White”
Acupuncture Point Location:
- Erbai is located on the index finger, specifically on the radial side of the second metacarpal bone, at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone on the radial side.
- Large Intestine Meridian of the Hand-Yangming.
What it does:
- Useful for toothaches, facial pain, headaches, and sore throat.
- Boosts clarity of vision and hearing.
Heding, “Meeting Peak”
Acupuncture Point Location:
- Heding is located on the posterior aspect of the neck, in the depression between the upper portion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the trapezius muscle, approximately 1.5 cun lateral to the midline of the body. It is found at the level of the transverse process of the atlas vertebra (C1).
- Gallbladder Meridian of the Foot-Shaoyang.
What it does:
- Helpful for vertigo, dizziness, headache, and neck stiffness.
- Promotes tension relief in shoulders and neck.
Huatuojiaji, “Huatuo’s Paravertebral Points”
Acupuncture Point Location:
- Huatuojiaji points are located bilaterally on the back, on either side of the spine. They are situated approximately 0.5 to 1 cun lateral to the lower border of each spinous process, starting from the first thoracic vertebra (T1) down to the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5). There are a total of 26 Huatuojiaji points corresponding to each vertebra.
- Not part of a specific meridian, but associated with the Bladder Meridian and Governing Vessel.
What it does:
- Useful for disorders of the back and associated organs.
- Sciatica, Disc herniation, and Scoliosis can benefit from Huatuojiaji.
Lanweixue, “Appendix Point”
Acupuncture Point Location:
- Lanweixue can be found at the superior anterior aspect of the lower leg, 5 cun below ST 35, one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia.
What it does:
- Helpful for indigestion
- Paralysis of the lower extremities
- Acute and chronic appendicitis
Luozhen, “Shivering Connecting Point”
Acupuncture Point Location:
- Luozhen is located on the ulnar aspect of the forearm, on the line connecting SI 5 (Yanggu) and SI 8 (Xiaohai), which are approximately 5 cun proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist.
- Small Intestine Meridian of the Hand-Taiyang.
What it does:
- Addresses disorders related to the shoulder and arm.
- Helpful for pain, stiffness, and weakness.
Sifeng, “Four Abundances”
Acupuncture Point Location:
- Sifeng is located on the extensor aspect of the forearm, approximately 2 cun below the elbow crease, in the depression between the radial side of the radius and the brachioradialis muscle.
- Large Intestine Meridian of the Hand-Yangming.
What it does:
- Useful rotator cuff injuries, golfer’s elbow, tendonitis, bursitis.
- Other Musculoskeletal concerns.
Taiyang, “Supreme Yang”
Acupuncture Point Location:
- Taiyang is located on the upper back, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), approximately at the level of the shoulders.
What it does:
- Helpful for disorders related to the head, neck and upper back.
- Headache, neck pain or stiffness, shoulder pain, eye concerns may all benefit from the use of this acupuncture point.
And there you have it! Ten acupuncture points to help you get started to study for your NCCAOM Acupuncture Point Location Exam. Once you feel your knowledge on acupuncture point location is up to speed, test out your acumen with an NCCAOM acupuncture point location practice test on AOMTestPrep.com!