Heart Meridian
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HT-7
Earth-Tu
Stream-Shu Point
Yuan-Source Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Wrist
Location
On the transverse crease of the wrist, in the articular region between the pisiform bone and the ulna, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.
Main Actions
- Calms the Mind and opens the Mind's orifices
- Nourishes Heart Blood
Indications
Commentary
Shenmen HE-7's main function is to calm the Mind and open the Mind's orifices by nourishing the Heart Blood. Therefore, it is able to treat typical symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, poor memory, palpitation and a Pale tongue. In fact, it is one of the most important points of the body and it can be applied in any Heart related disorders.
The Heart houses the Mind, which is responsible for not only emotional problems such as anxiety or depression but also memory and mental capacity.
HE-7 is powerful in calming the Mind, especially if there are anxiety and worrying under stressful situation due to Heart Deficiency. While in case of Heart Excess patterns such as Heart Fire or Heart Phlegm Fire, it is rather recommended to used Jianshi P-5 or Shaofu HE-8.
Together with Qiuxu GB-40, it treats Gall Bladder Qi Deficiency, thus eases symptoms such as timidity, fear, indecision and depression.
Through Lessor Yin, Shenmen HE-7 is able to influence some Kidney functions as well, especially the urinary and sexual functions in men or women. It can treat impotence in men and lack of sexual desire in women.
Similarly, it also treats menstruation disorders in women such as scanty period or absence of period. It is because the point nourishes the Heart Blood, which then tonifies the Uterus Blood through Uterus Vessel.
Finally, Shenmen HE-7 has an antispasmodic effect. It is effective in treating backache and tremors of the arm, especially in Parkinson's disease.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First systematic documentation of Shenmen as a point name. Records indications including 'incontinence—Guanmen and Shenmen with Weizhong are the main points.' Also lists treatments for mental disorders, palpitations, and spirit disturbances.
Nanjing (難經 - Classic of Difficulties), Chapter 66: Names this point 'Duigu' (兑骨) and establishes it as the Yuan-Source point of the Heart channel.
Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (銅人腧穴針灸圖經 - Illustrated Manual of Acupuncture Points on the Bronze Figure): Documents indications including spirit disorders as primary, plus malaria, insufficiency of Qi, wheezing, counterflow Qi, vomiting blood, excess body heat, incontinence, and epilepsy in children and adults.
Maijing (脈經 - Pulse Classic): States 'For Cold Damage with throat bi-obstruction, needle the Hand Shaoyin point, at the wrist by the small finger over the moving artery, insert needle 3 fen and tonify.'
How to Locate
Position the forearm in a relaxed supinated position. As the location of the wrist crease can vary, the proximal border of the pisiform bone should be used for reference instead. Shenmen HE-7 is located in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. Shenmen He-7, Yinxi HE-6, Tongli HE-5 and Lingdao HE-4 are all located on a line on the radial aspect of the tendon at 0.5 cun intervals.
Caution
The ulnar artery and ulnar nerve lie adjacent to this point—needle with care. Avoid deep needling. When needling, direct slightly toward the ulnar side. Not recommended for direct moxibustion (scarring moxa); indirect moxa or moxa stick is appropriate.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun vertically or transversely deep to the tendon parallel to the wrist crease 0.5–0.8 cun. Caution: Ulnar artery/nerve.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness at the wrist. A characteristic deqi may include a numb, tingling, or mild electric sensation extending toward the fingertips along the ulnar side of the hand. Some patients experience a calming or settling sensation as the spirit is calmed.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Earth-Tu
Transporting Type
Stream-Shu Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
Special Point Classifications
Yuan-Source Point
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