Safety & Contraindications
Please read this before using any point clinically or on yourself. A few simple rules keep acupuncture, acupressure and flower medicine safe.
Point locations, needling depths and cautions in this app are summarised study aids and may contain simplifications. Cross-check every point against an authoritative source — in particular the WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations and a standard text such as Deadman & Al-Khafaji's A Manual of Acupuncture — and adapt to the individual. The lists below are not exhaustive.
🤰 Points to avoid in pregnancy
Certain points strongly move Qi and Blood or stimulate the uterus and are classically contraindicated during pregnancy. The most widely cited are:
*BL67 is used to help turn a breech baby — but only under qualified professional supervision, never as self-care.
Use these with caution in pregnancy (lower abdomen, sacrum and strong blood-movers), especially with needles or firm pressure:
This list is a guide, not exhaustive — confirm contraindications for every pregnant patient with a qualified practitioner.
💉 Needling safety (acupuncture)
- Needling should be performed only by trained, licensed practitioners using sterile, single-use needles and clean technique.
- Points over the chest, upper back and above the collarbone carry a risk of pneumothorax (puncturing the lung) if needled too deeply or at the wrong angle.
- Respect depth and angle near nerves, blood vessels, the eyes, and the throat.
- Do not needle over infections, open wounds, moles, or areas of poor sensation.
👆 Acupressure — safe self-care limits
- Press firmly but never to sharp pain. Stop if it hurts, feels wrong, or causes dizziness.
- Avoid pressing on wounds, rashes, varicose veins, recent injuries or surgical sites.
- Acupressure is for everyday comfort — it is not a treatment for serious, acute or unexplained conditions.
- Observe the pregnancy points above — avoid LI4, SP6, GB21 and firm lower-abdominal pressure during pregnancy.
🌸 Flower medicine & AYUSH
- Bach flower remedies are a complementary self-help practice for emotional balance — not a treatment for medical or psychiatric illness.
- The Medicinal Flowers of AYUSH are a traditional-medicine reference; many are potent herbs and should be used only under a qualified AYUSH / traditional-medicine practitioner.
🩺 When to see a professional instead
- Symptoms that are severe, persistent, worsening or unexplained.
- Any red-flag signs — chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, high fever, uncontrolled bleeding, fainting.
- Pregnancy, serious illness, or if you take medication — check with your doctor before self-care.
In a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately. Do not rely on acupressure, acupuncture or flower remedies for urgent or life-threatening conditions.
This page is educational and not a substitute for professional training, diagnosis or medical advice. See our Terms & Conditions for the full disclaimer.