Introduction to Heart
Meridian
Acupuncture Points
The heart meridian is a critical pathway in traditional Chinese medicine,
governing the circulation of blood and energy throughout the body.
Mastering the acupuncture points along this meridian can unlock powerful
healing benefits.
by Riyas Deen
Heart 7 (Shenmen)
1
Point Specification
Located on the wrist, in the depression at the ulnar end of
the transverse crease.
2
Needle Angle/Depth
Perpendicular insertion, 0.5-1 cun deep.
3
Stimulation Method
Gentle manipulation, moxibustion, and electrostimulation.
Indications: Anxiety, insomnia, depression, palpitations. Combination
points: HT6, PC6, SP6. Benefits: Calms the spirit, reduces stress,
promotes relaxation.
Heart 6 (Yinxi)
Point Specification
Needle Angle/Depth
Stimulation Method
On the palmar wrist crease, 1 cun
Perpendicular insertion, 0.5-1 cun
Gentle manipulation, moxibustion.
proximal to the base of the thenar
deep.
eminence.
Indications: Chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, insomnia. Combination points: HT7, PC6, LI4. Benefits: Calms the heart, promotes
sleep, relieves chest discomfort.
Heart 5 (Tongli)
1
Point Specification
2
Needle Angle/Depth
On the palmar wrist
Perpendicular insertion,
crease, 0.5 cun proximal to
0.5-1 cun deep.
the base of the little finger.
3
Stimulation Method
4
Indications
Gentle manipulation,
Palpitations, chest pain,
moxibustion.
insomnia, anxiety.
Combination points: HT7, PC6, LU7. Benefits: Calms the heart, tonifies
the blood, improves sleep quality.
Heart 4 (Shangxin)
Point Specification
Needle Angle/Depth
On the palmar wrist crease, 2
Perpendicular insertion, 0.5-1
cun proximal to the base of
cun deep.
the thumb.
Stimulation Method
Indications
Gentle manipulation,
Chest pain, palpitations,
moxibustion.
insomnia, depression.
Combination points: HT7, SP6, LR3. Benefits: Regulates heart qi, calms
the spirit, relieves chest discomfort.
Heart 3 (Shaohai)
Point Specification
Needle Angle/Depth
On the palmar wrist crease, in the
Perpendicular insertion, 0.5-1 cun
depression medial to the flexor
deep.
carpi ulnaris tendon.
Stimulation Method
Indications
Gentle manipulation, moxibustion.
Chest pain, palpitations, anxiety,
depression.
Combination points: HT7, PC6, LI4. Benefits: Regulates heart qi, calms the
spirit, relieves cardiovascular symptoms.
Heart 2 (Yinling)
Point Specification
Needle Angle/Depth
Stimulation Method
On the palmar wrist crease, 1 cun
Perpendicular insertion, 0.5-1 cun deep.
Gentle manipulation, moxibustion.
proximal to the base of the little finger.
Indications: Chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, depression. Combination points: HT7, PC6, LI4. Benefits: Regulates heart qi, calms the spirit,
improves circulation.
Heart 1 (Jiquan)
Point Specification
On the palmar wrist crease, in
the depression at the radial
Needle Angle/Depth
end.
Perpendicular insertion, 0.5-1
cun deep.
Stimulation Method
Gentle manipulation,
moxibustion.
Indications
Palpitations, chest pain,
insomnia, depression.
Combination points: HT7, PC6, SP6. Benefits: Tonifies the heart qi, calms
the spirit, improves sleep.
Heart Meridian: Overview
Pathway
Functions
Clinical Applications
The heart meridian runs from the
Regulates the heart, controls blood
Treating cardiovascular issues,
center of the palm, up the arm, and
circulation, calms the mind and spirit,
emotional/mental disorders, and
connects to the heart. It is
and maintains overall harmony and
promoting overall health and
responsible for the circulation of
balance.
wellbeing.
blood and vital energy (qi) throughout
the body.
Conclusion and Key
Takeaways
1
3
Holistic Approach
2
Targeted Treatment
The heart meridian is a
Mastering the acupuncture
critical component of the
points along the heart
body's energetic system,
meridian can provide
connecting the physical
powerful and targeted relief
heart to the emotional and
for a wide range of
spiritual aspects of health.
conditions.
Balance and Harmony
Stimulating the heart meridian can restore balance, calm the
spirit, and promote overall well-being.