Shaofu Point (HT-8 / Lesser Mansion)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shaofu (HT-8 / Lesser Mansion). Learn its benefits for chest pain, palpitations, insomnia, and heart conditions – the Heart meridian Ying-Spring point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Chest pain, palpitations, proneness to fright, insomnia, forgetfulness, little finger contracture, palm heat, and brachial neuralgia.
Precise Location
Located on the Heart Meridian, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, where the tip of the little finger touches when the fist is clenched.
Location Method
Sit upright, extend the arm with the palm facing up, elbow flexed at approximately 45°. With the thumb extended, bend the other four fingers toward the palm – the point is at the intersection of the line between the little and ring fingertips and the heart line.
Massage Method
Lightly hold the back of the other hand with four fingers, bend the thumb and press with the fingertip into the point – a sore and distending sensation will occur. Apply once each morning and evening, for 3–5 minutes per side. Therapeutic actions: Clears heart fire and calms the spirit, regulates qi and drains dampness.
Compatibility
Rheumatic heart disease: Combine with Shaofu (HT-8), Neiguan (PC-6), Daling (PC-7), Gongsun (SP-4), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Disease overview: In TCM, rheumatic heart disease falls under categories such as "palpitations," "wheezing syndrome," "edema," and "heart bi-syndrome." Pathogenesis involves wind-cold-dampness invading internally, transforming into heat over time, lodging in the heart – causing heart vessel obstruction, poor circulation, the heart losing nourishment, and mental restlessness, manifesting as palpitations, severe palpitations, and possibly yang qi decline with cold limbs, pale complexion, dark cheek color, purple lips and tongue. Water-damp retention affects the lungs, spreads to skin and limbs, causing edema, cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, abdominal distension, and inability to lie flat. Massage sequence: Press Shaofu, Neiguan, and Daling – 5 minutes each; then press Gongsun and Sanyinjiao – 5 minutes each. Palpitations: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Shaofu (HT-8). Childhood enuresis: Combine with Qihai (RN-6), Guanyuan (RN-4), Shaofu (HT-8), Taixi (KI-3), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6).
Efficacy & Actions
In modern urban life, people consume large amounts of high-protein, high-fat, high-nutrient foods with insufficient exercise to burn excess energy – making them prone to myocardial hypoxia, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris. Regular pressing of Shaofu can relieve chest oppression and help control these conditions effectively – providing excellent prevention and health benefits for various heart diseases. This point belongs to the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian and is the Ying-Spring point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Fire element in the five-element theory). It clears heart fire and calms the spirit, regulates qi and drains dampness. It is a commonly used point for treating heart, chest, and mental disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shao" refers to Shaoyin; "Fu" means mansion or storehouse. As the Ying-Spring point of the Heart Meridian, meridian qi gathers here like a storehouse – hence the name Shaofu (Lesser Mansion).
