Point of the Day Heart 7

Heart 7

Chinese Name: Shenmen

English Name: Spirit Gate

Location on the Body: Medial side of the wrist crease

Why I would use this point: Heart 7 is a very versatile point that I use for a variety of indications and conditions ranging from emotional imbalance, to muscular skeletal pain, to constipation. Heart 7 is the primary point to release pressure pain at the area of Kidney 27, which is located at the medial end of the collar bone. Pain in this area can often result from surgery or trauma. If a patient comes in with pain at the medial meniscus of the knee, it is very likely that I will use this point and send them home with magnets at the site of the knee pain and at Heart 7. I very commonly use this point in combination with Small intestine 5, also located at the wrist, to relieve pain at the posterior aspect of the shoulder, as well as to increase the range of motion of the shoulder joint. Also, Heart 7 does a wonderful job of helping relieve constipation, as well as reduce stress, calm anxiety and depression, and balance the emotions. Overall, one of my favorites!

Licensed Acupuncturists must know the location, application, and indication of hundreds of acupuncture points across the entire body. I spent over 3,300 hours at the New England School of Acupuncture studying this material and its clinical effects. In Point of the Day, I will introduce you to an acupuncture point I may use in my clinical practice.