Lingdao Point (HT-4 / Spirit Path)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Lingdao (HT-4 / Spirit Path). Learn its benefits for heart pain, hand numbness, and wrist-arm pain, plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Heart pain, numbness and loss of sensation in the hands, and wrist and arm pain.
Precise Location
In the anterior forearm region, 1.5 cun above the distal palmar wrist crease, at the radial border of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. With the palm facing up and the fist clenched tightly, locate the point along the medial edge of the tendon on the little finger side, 2 finger-widths above the wrist crease.
Location Method
Sit upright with the palm facing up and the fist clenched tightly. The point is 1.5 cun (approximately 2 finger-widths) above the wrist crease, at the radial border (thumb side) of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon – firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press, knead, or pluck with the thumb. ② Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom for 3–5 minutes, once every other day. Pressing, kneading, or plucking Lingdao with the thumb treats forearm pain. Therapeutic actions: Calms the spirit and stops palpitations, regulates qi and relieves pain, unblocks the collaterals and activates blood.
Compatibility
Heart pain: Combine with Xinshu (BL-15).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian and is the Jing-River point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Metal element in the five-element theory). It calms the spirit and stops palpitations, regulates qi and relieves pain, unblocks the collaterals and activates blood. It is a commonly used point for treating heart, chest, and arm disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Ling" means spirit – the heart governs the spirit; "Dao" means path or channel. This point is where Heart Meridian qi travels – hence the name Lingdao (Spirit Path).
