The Heart Channel of Hand-Shaoyin originates from the heart. Emerging, it spreads over the "heart system" (i.e., the vessels connecting the heart with the other zang-fu organs) (1). It passes through the dia- phragm to connect with the small intestine (2).
The ascending portion of the channel from the "heart system" (3) runs alongside the esophagus (4) to connect with the "eye system" (i.e., the tis- sues connecting the eyeball) (5).
The straight portion of the channel from the "heart system" goes up- ward to the lung (6). Then it turns downward and emerges from the axilla
(Jiquan, H. 1). From there it goes along the posterior border of the medial aspect of the upper arm behind the Lung Channel of Hand-Taiyin and the Pericardium Channel of Hand-Jueyin (7) down to the cubital fossa (8). From there it descends along the posterior border of the medial aspect of the forearm to the pisiform region proximal to the palm (9) and enters the palm (10). Then it follows the medial aspect of the little finger to its tip (Shaochong, H. 9) (11) and links with the Small Intestine Channel of Hand-Taiyang. (See Fig. 44.)
There are altogether 9 points in this channel. They are described as fol- lows:
1. Jiquan (H. 1)
Location: In the centre of the axilla, on the medial side of the axillary artery.
Indications: Pain in the costal and cardiac regions, scrofula, cold and pain of the elbow and arm.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Avoid the artery. Mox- ibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Laterally, the axillary artery.
Innervation: The ulnar nerve, median nerve and medial brachial cu- taneous nerve.
2. Qingling (H. 2)
Location: When the elbow is flexed, the point is 3 cun above the medial end of the transverse cubital crease (Shaohai, H. 3), in the groove medial to m. biceps brachii.
Indications: Yellowish sclera, pain in the hypochondriac region, shoulder and arm.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli- cable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The basilic vein, the superior ulnar collateral artery. Innervation: The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, the medial brachial cutaneous nerve and the ulnar nerve.
Note: On the upper arm, the distance from the end of the axillary fold to the transverse cubital crease (Shaohai, H. 3) is measured as 9 cun.
3. Shaohai (He-Sea Point, H. 3)
Location: When the elbow is flexed, the point is at the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, in the depression anterior to the medial epicon- dyle of the humerus. (See Fig. 45.)
Indications: Cardiac pain, numbness of the arm, hand tremor, contrac- ture of the elbow, pain in the axilla and hypochondriac region, scrofula.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli- cable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The basilic vein, the inferior ulnar collateral artery, the ulnar recurrent artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve. 4. Lingdao (Jing-River Point, H. 4)
Location: On the radial side of the tendon of m. flexor carpi ulnaris, 1.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces up- ward. (See Fig. 45.)
Shaohai (H.3) Lingdao (H.4) „ Tongii (H.5) -„ Yinxi (H.6)-.. Shenmen (H.7) 10.5 cun cun
Indications: Cardiac pain, sudden hoarseness of voice, contracture of the elbow and arm, convulsion.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli- cable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The ulnar artery.
Innervation: The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve; on the ulnar side, the ulnar nerve.
Note: The distance from Shaohai (H. 3) to Shenmen (H. 7) is measured as 12 cun.
5. Tongli (Luo-Connecting Point, H. 5)
Location: When the palm faces upward, the point is on the radial side of the tendon of m. flexor carpi ulnaris, 1 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist. (See Fig. 45.)
Indications: Palpitation, dizziness, blurring of vision, sore throat, sud- den hoarseness of voice, aphasia with stiffness of the tongue, pain in the wrist and arm.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli- cable.
Regional anatomy See Lingdao (H. 4). 6. Yinxi (Xi-Cleft Point, H. 6)
Location: On the radial side of the tendon of m. flexor carpi ulnaris, 0.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist. (See Fig. 45.)
Indications: Cardiac pain, hysteria, night sweating.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli- cable.
Regional anatomy See Lingdao (H. 4).
7. Shenmen (Shu-Stream and Yuan-Source Point, H. 7)
Location: On the transverse crease of the wrist, in the articular region between the pisiform bone and the ulna, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of m. flexor carpi ulnaris. (See Fig. 45.)
Indications: Cardiac pain, irritability, mental disorders, epilepsy, poor memory, palpitation, hysteria, insomnia, yellowish sclera, pain in the hy- pochondriac region, feverish sensation in the palm.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli- cable.
Regional anatomy See Lingdao (H. 4).
8. Shaofu (Ying-Spring Point, H. 8)
Location: On the palmar surface, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones. When a fist is made, the point is where the tip of the little finger rests. (See Fig. 46.)
Indications: Palpitation, pain in the chest, twitching and contracture of the little finger, feverish sensation in the palm, skin pruritus, dysuria, enureses. Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is appli- cable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The common palmar digital artery and vein.
Innervation: The 4th common palmar digital nerve derived from the ulnar nerve.
Shaochong (H.9) Shaofu (H.8)
Fig. 46.
9. Shaochong (Jing-Well Point, H. 9)
Location: On the radial side of the little finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail. (See Fig. 46.)
Indications: Palpitation, cardiac pain, pain in the chest and hypochon- driac region, mental disorders, febrile diseases, loss of consciousness.
Method: Puncture obliquely 0.1 inch, or prick with three-edged needle to cause bleeding. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The arterial and venous network formed by the palmar digital proprial artery and vein.
Innervation: The palmar digital proprial nerve derived from the ulnar nerve.