Shaochong Point (HT-9 / Lesser Thoroughfare, also known as Jingshi)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shaochong (HT-9 / Lesser Thoroughfare). Learn its benefits for chest pain, palpitations, stroke, coma, and emergency resuscitation – the Heart meridian Jing-Well point for acute conditions – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Chest pain, palpitations, little finger contracture, palm heat, stroke with coma, febrile diseases with unconsciousness, and manic disorders.
Precise Location
Located on the Heart Meridian, on the radial side of the distal phalanx of the little finger, approximately 0.1 cun lateral to the nail corner.
Location Method
Extend the hand with the palm facing downward. Lightly hold the little finger with the other hand and bend the thumb – the point is where the thumbnail tip reaches at the lower edge of the nail corner on the side nearest the ring finger.
Massage Method
Sit upright with the hand extended, palm facing downward, elbow flexed inward. Lightly hold the little finger with the other hand, bend the thumb, and press vertically with the thumbnail – a stinging sensation will occur. Left first, then right – once each morning and evening, for 3–5 minutes per side. Therapeutic actions: Generates heart qi, clears heat and extinguishes wind, revives the patient and opens the orifices.
Compatibility
Intercostal neuralgia: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14), Jianjing (GB-21), Rugen (ST-18), and Shaochong (HT-9). Disease overview: Intercostal neuralgia is persistent pain in one or several intercostal areas with paroxysmal exacerbation. Primary cases are rare; secondary cases are often related to viral infection, toxin stimulation, or foreign body compression – pain is usually stabbing or burning, distributed along the intercostal nerves. Massage sequence: Sit upright with back straight, feet flat shoulder-width apart, left palm and right hand back overlapped on the lower abdomen, eyes slightly closed – relax for 1–2 minutes. First rub Dazhui with four fingers for 0.5–1 minute until warm; then knead Jianjing with the middle finger pad for 1 minute; pinch Hegu 20 times; rub Rugen clockwise with the palm root for 0.5–1 minute until warm; finally pinch and knead Shaochong 30 times. Stroke: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Baihui (GV-20), Fengchi (GB-20), Shixuan (EX-UE11), and Shaochong (HT-9). Jaundice: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zhongfeng (LR-4), Qimen (LR-14), and Shaochong (HT-9).
Efficacy & Actions
Shaochong on the little finger is closely related to the heart. When a heart attack occurs, firm pressure on the fingertip can help alleviate symptoms. In emergency situations such as sudden stroke with locked jaw and unconsciousness, or acute heart attack – while rushing the patient to the hospital, pinching Shaochong can promote qi and blood circulation and help revive the patient. This point belongs to the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian and is the Jing-Well point where the meridian qi emerges (corresponding to the Wood element in the five-element theory). It generates heart qi, clears heat and extinguishes wind, revives the patient and opens the orifices. It is a commonly used point for treating heart, chest, and acute mental disorders – especially effective for emergency resuscitation. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. “Shao” refers to the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian; “Chong” means thoroughfare or main passage. As the Jing-Well point of the Heart Meridian, qi rushes out from here – hence the name Shaochong (Lesser Thoroughfare). It is also known as “Jingshi.”
