Shaohai Point (HT-3 / Lesser Sea, also known as Qujie)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shaohai (HT-3 / Lesser Sea). Learn its benefits for heart pain, toothache, elbow-arm pain, and mental disorders – the He-Sea point of the Heart Meridian – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Heart pain, elbow and arm contracture with pain, toothache, manic disorders, numbness, and axillary and hypochondriac pain.
Precise Location
Located on the Heart Meridian, in the depression at the midpoint of the line connecting the medial end of the elbow crease and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
Location Method
Sit upright, raise the arm with the elbow slightly flexed, palm facing upward. Lightly hold the elbow tip with the other hand, four fingers on the outside – the point is where the thumb pad rests on the inner side of the elbow tip, at the depression at the medial end of the elbow crease.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press, knead, or pluck with the thumb. ② Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom. Press the point with the thumb pad – once each morning and evening, for 1–3 minutes on each side. Therapeutic actions: Regulates qi and unblocks the collaterals, benefits the heart and calms the spirit.
Compatibility
Hysteria: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Yintang (EX-HN3), Baihui (GV-20), and Shaohai (HT-3). Disease overview: Hysteria is a common mental disorder triggered by obvious psychological factors such as life events, internal conflict, emotional agitation, or suggestion – characterized by acute, transient mental and physical disturbances without organic basis. Massage sequence: First rub Fengchi with both middle fingers, while using both thumbs to massage Taiyang for 3–5 minutes; then with both thumbs, alternately slide from Yintang upward to Baihui, repeating 3–5 times; finally press Shaohai firmly with the thumb pad, repeating 5–8 times. Once daily, with 10 days as one course. Neurasthenia: Combine with Cuanzhu (BL-2), Shenting (GV-24), Yintang (EX-HN3), Baihui (GV-20), and Shaohai (HT-3). Elbow and arm contracture with pain: Combine with Quze (PC-3) and Chize (LU-5).
Efficacy & Actions
"Toothache is not a disease, but the pain can be unbearable" – we are all familiar with this saying. Whether due to cold or heat sensitivity, or tooth decay, toothache can sometimes cause spasms and pain radiating to the elbow, arm, hypochondrium, and armpit. At such times, pressing Shaohai can effectively relieve pain and provide health benefits. This point belongs to the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian and is the He-Sea point where the meridian qi enters (corresponding to the Water element in the five-element theory). It regulates qi and unblocks the collaterals, benefits the heart and calms the spirit. It is a commonly used point for treating heart, chest, mental, and elbow-arm disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Shao" refers to Shaoyin; "Hai" means sea where rivers converge. As the He-Sea point of the Heart Meridian, where qi and blood converge like a sea – hence the name Shaohai (Lesser Sea). It is also known as "Qujie."
