Acupuncture Points for Urinary Incontinence (2025 Guide For Acupuncturists)

Research shows that acupuncture may reduce episodes and symptoms of incontinence in women, offering real relief for those struggling with this condition.

In a meta-analysis of 10 clinical studies, acupuncture significantly reduced episodes of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI). Women who received acupuncture also reported higher rates of symptom improvement compared to those who used other treatments like medication or pelvic floor exercises.

Electroacupuncture, which involves a gentle electrical current, was especially effective in reducing SUI. Although the studies varied in quality, and some types of acupuncture had less evidence than others, the overall results were positive. 

For example, electroacupuncture combined with pelvic floor exercises showed that twice as many women were completely cured compared to other treatments.

Dr. Christina Escobar, a specialist in urinary health, talks about a kind of treatment called percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation – which is medical-speak that is equivalent to administering acupuncture to a certain point called SP6 San Yin Jiao. This treatment, which lasts less than 30 minutes and is done weekly, has shown a success rate of around 60% with minimal side effects.

SP6 San Yin Jiao , which is an amazing lower extremity Master Point, is not the only point used for urinary conditions or for urinary incontinence. There are a plethora of points to consider when treating urinary incontinence, which I will be elaborating on below.

We will divide the acupuncture points into 3 categories: local points, distal points and master points.

1. Local Points

Local points are located in close proximity to the organ we are targeting. For urinary function, local points include those in the lower abdomen, on the lower back, as well as around the sacrum.

CV2 Qu Gu 曲骨 – This point is anatomically located right in front of the urinary bladder and is frequently chosen in the treatment of bladder dysfunction. Research shows that just this point alone resulted in statistically significant short-term symptomatic improvement in UI in women.

CV3 Zhong Ji 中及 – You can think of this point as just slightly above CV2. It also has a direct effect on bladder function and strengthens bladder control. 

CV4 Guan Yuan 关元 – Traditionally, CV4 is included to strengthen overall body resilience. Moxibustion is often used on this point because it is associated with boosting “yang” in the body, which helps with enhanced urogenital function.

CV6 Qi Hai 气海 – This point supports vitality and energy in the body and is frequently paired with CV4. It is considered an energy center in the body, and is important because increasing energy here is understood to help urinary function.

LR13 Zhang Men 章门 – At the lower margin of the free end of the 11th rib, this point is very close to the kidney. Local stimulation enhances kidney and bladder function, which benefits urinary incontinence.

BL23 Shen Shu 肾俞 – This is the Shu point of the kidney. It strengthens bladder and kidney function. It is also located in close proximity to the anatomical kidneys

BL28 Pang Guang Shu 膀胱俞 – This is the Shu point of the bladder, and is targeted to support bladder function. In terms of anatomical location, it is at the level of the second sacral foramen, which means it is close to where the bilateral ureters connect the kidneys to each side of the bladder.

GV4 Ming Men 命门 – This point can be translated as “Life Gate.”⁠ It is the battery pack of the body, the source of power for the kidneys, the urogenital organs and the reproductive system. Together with BL23 and BL28, all these lower back acupuncture points are important to use when treating UI.

GV7 Zhong Shu 中枢 – This point translates as central pivot and is associated with gut and digestive function. While this point is much further away from the anatomical location of the bladder and kidneys, it can be helpful in treating cases of urinary incontinence when the gut and digestive function are also showing signs of weakness.

2. Distal Points

Distal points are points that are found at the extremities. For the upper extremities, this means points from the elbow down to the fingers. For the lower extremities, it is below the knees all the way to the toes.

The distal points most relevant to urinary function are in the lower extremities. I will outline the lower extremity distal points first.

Lower Extremity Distal Points

Lower extremity distal points are connected to the pelvis and bladder via nerves like the sciatic nerve which then splits into tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve. Many of these points below lie along the path of the nerves mentioned above.

BL39 Wei Yang 委阳 – As a major point in resolving Dampness in the urogenital area, Wei Yang is specifically indicated for regulating urination. It does so by stimulating the transformation of body fluids to facilitate healthy excretion from the bladder.

BL40 Wei Zhong 委中 – This is commonly used distal point in the treatment of lower back pain, sciatica in pregnancy or even knee pain. When it comes to skin conditions, it is a good point to let blood to clear Blood Heat. In the context of urinary dysfunction, needling this point unblocks the Bladder channel and clears heat – from a modern scientific perspective,  it is able to improve bladder urination function. 

BL59 Fu Yang 跗阳 – This is an ankle point that associates closely with acute pain associated with urogenital function. In the case of urinary incontinence, it helps in situations of overactive bladder (OAB).

BL63 Jin Men 金门 – This point is translated as “Golden Gate” and is another point that helps with soothing overactive bladder muscles and goes hand in hand with the use of BL59. In the clinic, I locate it by bisecting the line between the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal bone and the lateral malleolus.

GB41 Zu Lin Qi 足臨泣 – This point pairs with SJ5 Wai Guan in the classical framework, and is used to strengthen the Dai channel, which is associated with pelvic and urinary conditions.

LR3 Tai Chong 太冲 – Ensures smooth Qi flow throughout the body. This point is often paired with LI4 to create a Four Gates protocol, which is a base protocol for clear out excessive qi in the body. Use it for stressed out patients.

SP6 San Yin Jiao 三阴交 – This is the point that helps to course qi and blood in body. It is also a common point selected for posterior tibial nerve stimulation. When you needle it, the ideal outcome is a tingling sensation down to the plantar aspect of the foot, or to the big toe.

SP9 Yin Ling Quan 阴陵泉 – Supports fluid metabolism. This point matches anatomically with the lymphatic bottleneck located on the medial aspect of the medial epicondyle of the tibial bone. Select this if there is clear presentation of lower limb water retention.

What follows are a slew of Kidney channel points. Choosing a delicate tweak on the Kidney channel is a no brainer for bladder conditions. The kidney channel also runs alongside the path of the tibialis posterior nerve, which links to the urogenital regions. 

In the end, you can choose only one specific point if your intention is very clear. But if you want to, you can also ‘anchor’ that point in by adding on other points on the same channel.  

KI3 Tai Xi 太溪 – This is the Yuan Source point on the Kidney channel, important for building up deficiencies in Kidney Yin. This means diseases of debility, dryness and weakness benefit from this point. This point relates to supplementing the bone and the brain, and has been researched  for stimulating cognitive function in the elderly. When used for treating UI, the best candidates are menopausal or elderly patients.

KI5 Shui Quan 水泉 – This translates as “Water Source” and is used to treat dribbling of urine. It is also indicated for blurry vision and a feeling of downbearing or prolapsed uterus. For this reason, KI5 is chosen for weakness that shows up as dribbling and downbearing – and this is common in postpartum stress urinary incontinence. You can read more in this journal submission, where a middle-aged woman did not benefit from Kegel exercises, but benefited from acupuncture for SUI.

KI6 Zhao Hai 照海 – This point means “Shining Sea” and is analogous to enrich Yin fluids in the body. While its attributes are similar to KI3 Tai Xi 太溪, you can choose this point if the incontinence patient also presents with dry or hoarse throat and/or constipation. 

KI7 Fu Liu 复溜 – This translates as “Returning Current” and is a very important point for regulating water metabolism in the body, especially if there are night sweats experienced by the patient. It is also chosen if the urinary incontinence is associated with Yang deficiencies. This point is in close proximity to SP6 San Yin Jiao 三阴交 and the patient may feel a tingling down to the heel or big toe if you are precise in needling the point. 

KI9 Zhu Bin 筑宾 – This point translates as “Guest House” and is a very important point for treating pain that is caused by Yang Deficiency Cold. If the urinary incontinence is due to weakness and the patient is easily cold, and even suffers from inguinal hernia, this is a perfect match. If the patients also has spontaneous emotional outbursts of anger, then this is the point to choose.

KI10 Yin Gu 阴谷 – This point translates as “Yin Valley” is included when there is urine leakage together with other signs of perimenopause like abnormal uterine bleeding and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Upper Extremity Distal Points

While the upper extremity distal points are much further away from the bladder, they are often chosen to pair with the lower extremity distal points. One example would be the pairing of LI4 with LR3 to regulate the movement of ‘Chi’ within the body. Another would be using SJ5 and SP6 together to improve water metabolism in the body.

LI4 He Gu 合谷 – Ensures smooth Qi flow throughout the body. This is also an anti-inflammatory point and can be paired with LR3 Tai Chong 太冲 for patients who are easily stressed.

LI11 Qu Chi 曲池 – Reduces excess heat and restlessness. This point is an anti-inflammatory point and is often used in tandem with LI4.

PC6 Nei Guan 内关 – Important point for calming the heart and spirit. Especially important for urge incontinence and anxiety, as it promotes emotional balance.

SJ5 Wai Guan 外关 – This is a special point that is classically used together with GB41 Zu Lin Qi 足临泣 for strengthening the Dai channel (associated with urogenital function). Modern science associates this point with lighting up the Brodmann areas in the brain – which means this point may influence how the brain effectively controls urinary function..

SI3 Hou Xi 后溪 – Supports bladder control in conditions related to spinal injury. Also useful in patients with neck and upper back pain. 

SI6 Yang Lao 养老 – Aids in recovery after operation. Also effective for treating incontinence in the elderly.

Next are points on the Heart channel. Just like the numerous points to select from along the Kidney channel, these Heart channel points have similar but slightly different indications. Heart and Kidney channel points are most suitable for patients with urinary incontinence who have reduced life force but an overstimulated central nervous system.

HT3 Shao Hai 少海 – This is a calming point and is useful in treatment spasm and contractions in the body, making it a great point to pair with BL40 Wei Zhong 委中.

HT5 Tong Li 通里 – This point is chosen to calm the central nervous system, and is used to increase the threshold associated with stress incontinence and OAB.

HT6 Yin Xi 阴郄 – This point is relevant for when the urinary incontinence happens together with UTI, which is more common in menopausal women. It is also a relevant point for treating OAB.

HT7 Shen Men 神门 – This point translates as “Spirit Gate” and is effective in treating UI associated with anxiety. I often pair it Yin Tang, which is the Master Point for calming an overactive forebrain.

3. Master Points

Master points have been used throughout the history of acupuncture to balance “energies.” As acupuncturists, we will almost always include these points as they provide a holistic approach to the treatment.

The idea is always to treat the whole body, and as a recipient of acupuncture, you could respond to these points in two ways. One is to poo-poo the points, and decide that you don’t want to use them – we always acquiesce and will not include these points if the patient doesn’t think of them as helpful. The other way is more a “why not” approach, which means to accept the points chosen by your acupuncturist.

GV20 Bai Hui 百会 – This is the top most point on the body. It is associated with lifting upwards and is always added when treating ‘leakage’ in the body.

EXHN1 Si Shen Cong 四神聪 – These are 4 points tucked in neatly around GV20. These points are associated with increased brain function, but in the case of urinary incontinence, they are meant to anchor in and support the function of GV20.

EXHN3 Yin Tang 印堂 – This is an important point to turn down the forebrain and is associated with the pituitary gland. In general, it creates calm within the entire nervous system.

CV17 Tan Zhong 膻中 – This is the qi-boosting master point of the chest and lungs. In the treatment of urinary incontinence, it is used together with Yin Tang, Zhong Wan and Guan Yuan to tighten the connection between head, chest, gut and the urogenital regions.

CV12 Zhong Wan 中脘 – Supports digestive health, but also important for overall balance as expressed above..

CV14 Ju Que 巨阙 – This is a point between CV12 and CV17 that addresses emotional aspects linked to bladder control.

BL14 Jue Yin Shu 厥阴俞 – Supporting somatic integration and convalescence, this point is located lateral to the fourth thoracic vertebrae (T4), which is considered an important level of the spine to be treating in Japanese acupuncture.

BL43 Gao Huang Shu 膏肓俞 – This point is relevant for those experiencing urinary incontinence but constitutionally weak or debilitated. In Japanese acupuncture, moxibustion is almost always administered on this point. This point is often paired with Bl 14 Jue Yin Shu 厥阴俞.

BL17 Ge Shu 膈俞 – This point associated with diaphragmatic function and can be helpful to calm a stressed-out nervous system. It is used in tandem with BL46 Ge Guan 膈关 to connect the upper and lower torso, especially useful for Heart-Kidney dissociation.

BL46 Ge Guan 膈关 – Located lateral to the 7th thoracic vertebrae (T7), this point is at the same level of the spine as BL 17 Ge Shu 膈俞. Both can be effectively used to connect 

In addition to urinary incontinence acupuncture points, there is another method that relieves this condition – it is called HIFEM. This innovative, safe, and effective procedure strengthens your pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in bladder control.

What’s really impressive about HIFEM is that it specifically targets the muscles that support your bladder. Unlike Kegel exercises, which require active movement, HIFEM uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic fields to stimulate muscle contractions, effectively strengthening the pelvic floor muscles without any strenuous effort!

And here’s the kicker: HIFEM can deliver the equivalent of a cardio workout in just minutes a day! While you might be able to perform around 200 contractions on your own in 30 minutes, HIFEM can produce over 20,000 contractions in the same timeframe. 

Another fantastic aspect of HIFEM is that it works even when your muscles are at rest. Unlike traditional workouts that require warm muscles, HIFEM can target your pelvic floor muscles even when you’re relaxed, such as during sleep. This sets it apart from other therapies that rely on muscle readiness.

Plus, ify ou experience back pain, HIFEM can help strengthen your core and alleviate discomfort. The energy from HIFEM radiates throughout your body, toning the muscles in your lower back and abdomen. A stronger core can improve your overall stability and reduce the risk of injury.

At Soma Clinic, we offer a comprehensive urinary incontinence treatment package that includes a TCM consultation and the option to choose the HIFEM Kegel Throne for your treatment. 

This convenient, non-invasive procedure allows you to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles without breaking a sweat, simulating the effects of 10,000 Kegel exercises in just one session. 

This is a great choice that can help maximize your treatment for urinary incontinence. You can decide what works best for you as you work toward regaining control and confidence!

Acupuncture is an effective alternative therapy for urinary incontinence, targeting specific acupuncture points to restore balance and improve bladder control. These urinary incontinence acupuncture points help address underlying issues such as bladder weakness, hormonal imbalances, or nervous system disruptions. Key acupuncture points for treating urinary incontinence include Ren 3 (Zhongji), Bladder 32 (Ciliao), Kidney 3 (Taixi), and Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao).

• Ren 3 (Zhongji): Located on the lower abdomen, this point is essential for strengthening the bladder and regulating urinary function.
• Bladder 32 (Ciliao): Situated in the lower back, Bladder 32 is effective for promoting bladder control and addressing pelvic issues associated with incontinence.
• Kidney 3 (Taixi): This point, located near the ankle, is vital for boosting Kidney Qi, which supports bladder function and overall urinary health.
• Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao): Found on the lower leg, this point helps balance fluids in the body and supports the overall health of the pelvic region.

By stimulating these urinary incontinence acupuncture points, practitioners aim to restore energy flow (Qi), tonify the kidneys, and strengthen the bladder muscles. Acupuncture treatment for urinary incontinence can lead to improved bladder control and significant symptom relief, offering a holistic approach to managing this condition and improving quality of life.

Acupuncture is a proven, holistic therapy that can effectively treat urinary incontinence by addressing the root causes of the condition. Whether the incontinence is due to weakened pelvic muscles, nerve dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances, acupuncture helps restore balance to the body and improve bladder function. By stimulating specific acupuncture points to treat urinary incontinence, practitioners work to strengthen the bladder, enhance circulation, and regulate the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body.

Key acupuncture points commonly used to treat urinary incontinence include Ren 3 (Zhongji), Bladder 32 (Ciliao), Kidney 3 (Taixi), and Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao). Each of these points plays a crucial role in tonifying and regulating the body’s systems, including the urinary and reproductive organs.

• Ren 3 (Zhongji) strengthens the bladder and regulates urination.
• Bladder 32 (Ciliao) improves pelvic health and supports bladder function.
• Kidney 3 (Taixi) supports the kidneys, vital for bladder control.
• Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao) helps regulate fluid metabolism and supports the pelvic region.

Acupuncture for treating urinary incontinence is a safe, non-invasive method that can significantly improve bladder control and quality of life. Regular sessions can help reduce symptoms, offering lasting relief from this often embarrassing and disruptive condition.