Chinese Name: Shenmen (English translation: Spirit Gate)

Location:  On the wrist, at the ulnar end of the transverse crease of the writs, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon m. flexor carpi ulnaris.

Classification:  Yuan-Source point of the Heart Meridian
Shu-Stream point of the Heart Meridian

Indications:

• Insomnia, amnesia
• Cardiac pain, palpitations due to fright, irritability, chest pain
• Mania, epilepsy, stupor

Functions: Calms the Shen, tonifies and regulates the Heart Blood and Qi.

Notes: HT 7 is the point for emotional issues, especially excessive Anxiety and worry. Clinically, Yuan-Source points are of great significance in treating diseases of the internal organs. Yuan-Source points are the sites where the Yuan (Primary) qi of the Zang-Fu organs passes and stays. Puncturing the Yuan-Source points stimulates the vital energy of the regular meridians, regulates the functional activities of the internal organs, reinforces antipathogenic factors and eliminates pathogenic factors. This method of treating diseases deals principally with the root causes. The Yuan (source) point from the affected meridian is often combined with the Luo (Connecting) point of the internally-externally related meridians in use. Shu-Stream points are where the qi starts to pour down the meridian. They are known to alleviate heaviness and pain in the joints. On Yin Meridians, Shu-Stream points are identical to the actions of Yuan-Source points.

Needling: Perpendicular insertion .3 - .5 cun.