Heart Meridian (Shao Yin)

Introduction & pathophysiology

The Heart Meridian (Shao Yin) regulates blood circulation, consciousness, and emotions. In dysfunction, we see palpitations, angina pectoris, insomnia, memory loss, excessive laughing or crying, and mental issues. The 9 points run from the armpit to the pinky finger. The peak hour is from 11:00 to 13:00.

Functions within TCM

1. Regulates blood circulation
2. Consciousness and memory
3. Emotions (joy, anxiety)
4. Controls tongue and speech
5. Regulates sweating

Clinical applications

**Cardiology:** Palpitations, angina pectoris
**Psychiatry:** Insomnia, nervousness, memory loss
**Neurology:** Speech disorders, dizziness
**Sweat:** Excessive sweating, night sweats
**Emotions:** Laughing/crying spells

Primary dysfunction patterns

Heart Blood deficiencyInsomnia, paleness, palpitationsHeart Yin deficiencyNight sweats, dry mouth, restlessnessHeart HeatUlcers, thirst, restlessnessHeart Qi deficiencyFatigue, shortness of breath, weak pulse

Key points

HT-7Insomnia, memory loss, palpitationsHT-5Speech disorders, faintingHT-3Chest pain, armpit painHT-8Fever, angina, restlessnessHT-9Fainting, stroke, heat

Point selection per pattern

Heart Blood deficiencyHT-7, SP-6ST-36, BL-15Heart Yin deficiencyHT-7, KI-6ST-36, CV-4Heart HeatHT-8, PC-8LI-11, SP-10Heart Qi deficiencyHT-5, HT-7CV-14, BL-15

All points of the Heart Meridian (Shao Yin)

HT-1

Highest Spring

Jiquan

📍 Along the Heart meridian pathway on the chest, arm, hand

💊 Heart disorders (palpitations, chest pain), mental disorders (anxiety, insomnia, poor memory), speech disorders

📖 View details

HT-2

Green Spirit

Qingling

📍 Along the Heart meridian pathway on the chest, arm, hand

💊 Heart disorders (palpitations, chest pain), mental disorders (anxiety, insomnia, poor memory), speech disorders

📖 View details

HT-3

Lesser Sea

Shaohai

📍 Along the Heart meridian pathway on the chest, arm, hand

💊 Heart disorders (palpitations, chest pain), mental disorders (anxiety, insomnia, poor memory), speech disorders

📖 View details

HT-4

Spirit Path

Lingdao

📍 Along the Heart meridian pathway on the chest, arm, hand

💊 Heart disorders (palpitations, chest pain), mental disorders (anxiety, insomnia, poor memory), speech disorders

📖 View details

HT-5

Inward Connection

Tongli

📍 Along the Heart meridian pathway on the chest, arm, hand

💊 Heart disorders (palpitations, chest pain), mental disorders (anxiety, insomnia, poor memory), speech disorders

📖 View details

HT-6

Yin Cleft

Yinxi

📍 Along the Heart meridian pathway on the chest, arm, hand

💊 Heart disorders (palpitations, chest pain), mental disorders (anxiety, insomnia, poor memory), speech disorders

📖 View details

HT-7

Spirit Gate

Shenmen

📍 On the wrist, at the ulnar side, in the depression distal to the pisiform bone, at the ulnar end of the wrist crease

💊 Insomnia, palpitations, Anxiety, poor memory, depression, mania, cardiac pain, chest tightness, night sweats

📖 View details

HT-8

Lesser Mansion

Shaofu

📍 Along the Heart meridian pathway on the chest, arm, hand

💊 Heart disorders (palpitations, chest pain), mental disorders (anxiety, insomnia, poor memory), speech disorders

📖 View details

HT-9

Lesser Surge

Shaochong

📍 Along the Heart meridian pathway on the chest, arm, hand

💊 Heart disorders (palpitations, chest pain), mental disorders (anxiety, insomnia, poor memory), speech disorders

📖 View details

Contraindications & safety

HT-1Pneumothorax risk - superficial needling onlyHT-7Caution with pacemakerHT-9Avoid with weakness

Relation with other meridians

Exterior-interior with Small Intestine (SI)
Cooperation with Kidney (KI) for Yang
Reinforcing back points: BL-15, BL-14

Clinical notes

Heart time: 11:00-13:00
Rest is important - afternoon nap ideal
HT-7 is the most important calming point

Comorbidity & drug interactions

Beta blockersMask palpitations - assess before medicationBlood pressure medicationMay lower too much - check pulse before treatmentAntiarrythmicsInteract with HT-7 - use caution

Prognostic signs

Irregular pulse|Cardiac evaluation recommended
Weak pulse at HT-7|Heart Qi deficiency - moderate prognosis
Rapid pulse|Heat - quick response

Conclusion

The Heart Meridian is essential for cardiovascular issues, sleep disorders, and mental health.