Heart Meridian
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HT-6
Xi-Cleft Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Wrist
Location
On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, 0.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces upward.
Main Actions
- Nourishes Heart Yin and clears Empty-Heat of the Heart
- Invigorates Heart Blood
- Subdues rebellious Qi
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Yinxi HE-6 is mostly applied to nourish Heart Yin, especially if there are also Empty-Heat symptoms such as night sweating, dry mouth, insomnia, mental restlessness or the feeling of 'steaming bones'. It is often used together with Fuliu KI-7 for this pattern of Heart Yin Deficiency.
In additional to that, as the Accumulation-Xi point of the Heart Channel, it can strongly invigorate the Blood and Qi. Therefore it can treat Blood Stagnation in the chest with typical symptoms like stabbing pain or fullness in the chest as well as palpitations.
Finally Yinxin HE-6 subdues Rebellious Qi so as to avoid Blooding going upward. Thus it can treat vomiting of blood or nose blood.
Classical Sources
《铜人腧穴针灸图经》(Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing): "Treats loss of voice and inability to speak, shivering and chills, counterflow cold, heart pain, cholera with chest fullness, nosebleeds, and fright."
《针灸甲乙经》(Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing): Lists Yinxi as the Xi-Cleft point of the Hand Shaoyin Heart channel, with indications including heart pain, fright palpitations, and sweating disorders.
《针灸大成》(Zhenjiu Dacheng): Records its use for cardiac disorders, night sweating from yin deficiency, vomiting blood, and sudden loss of voice.
How to Locate
The flexor carpi radialis muscle has a distinct tendon which can be easily palpated ulnar and proximal to the wrist crease. It attaches to the pisiform bone. Yinxi HE-6 is located directly on the radial side of the tendon, 0.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces upward. 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 passes through this area, and the ulnar nerve lies on the ulnar side. Avoid deep needling to prevent vascular or nerve injury. Do not flex the wrist during needle retention. This point is typically sensitive to needling due to its location near neurovascular structures. Use gentle technique and monitor for excessive bleeding upon needle withdrawal.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–1 cun vertically or obliquely in a proximal or distal direction. Caution: Ulnar artery/nerve. Painful point!
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the wrist, with possible sensation radiating along the ulnar aspect of the forearm toward the elbow or into the little finger. Due to proximity to the ulnar nerve, patients may experience a mild electric or tingling sensation if the needle approaches neural structures.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Xi-Cleft Point
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