It should first be said that all acupuncture points are soulful or affect the spirit. Heart 7 is an example of a point providing a very specific function for the spirit. Heart 7 is the foremost acupuncture point to calm and regulate the spirit. It is located at the inner wrist crease at the pinky side of the hand. As its translated name indicates it provides a doorway to the spirit. This point provides the most direct access to the heart.

This multifaceted point is considered the most tonifying point on the channel. As an earth point on the heart channel, Heart 7 provides grounding of the spirit and nurturing of the physical and spiritual aspects of the heart. Heart 7 is also considered a source point where most of the energy of the heart channel collects close to the surface of the skin. It is also considered a shu-stream point which provides the transporting function throughout the meridian. The shu stream points of a yin channel such as the heart are used to tonify and harmonize (i.e. regulate).

In Chinese medicine the heart has five principal functions of 1) governing the blood and vessels, 2) housing the spirit, 3) opening into the tongue, 4) governing sweating and 5) manifesting in the complexion.

Many of the indications related to the heart can be treat via this channel such as chest pain, arrhythmias, palpitations, regulating and calming the spirit, disorders of the tongue and speech, disorders of the throat, disorders of the eyes and face. The main indications for shen men (Heart 7) are insomnia, mania-depression, loss of voice, heart pain, palpitations and painful throat obstruction.

By Sharon McDermott, MS, L.Ac.
To make an appointment with Sharon McDermott in New York
please visit her website www.healthyhealingli.com
Or Find an Acupuncturist in another area.

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