Xinshu Point (BL-15 / Heart Shu, Back Transporting Point of the Heart)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Xinshu (BL-15 / Heart Shu). Learn its benefits for heart pain, palpitations, insomnia, and mental disorders – the Back Transporting Point of the Heart – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Chest pain radiating to the back, heart pain, palpitations, manic disorders, epilepsy, insomnia, forgetfulness, vomiting with inability to eat, dysphagia, shoulder and back pain, nocturnal emission, and night sweats.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra, count down 5 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra – the point is 2 finger-widths (approximately 1.5 cun) lateral to the lower edge of this spinous process.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Xinshu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat heart pain and palpitations. Therapeutic actions: Calms the heart and settles the spirit, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, harmonizes qi and blood.
Compatibility
Heart pain and palpitations: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6). Insomnia and forgetfulness: Combine with Shenmen (HT-7) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Manic disorders and epilepsy: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fenglong (ST-40). Nocturnal emission and night sweats: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Taixi (KI-3). Dysphagia and vomiting: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Zusanli (ST-36). Shoulder and back pain: Combine with Jianjing (GB-21) and Tianzong (SI-11).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Back Transporting Point where qi of the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian is transported to the back. It calms the heart and settles the spirit, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, harmonizes qi and blood. It is a key point for treating heart and mental disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Beishu. "Xin" refers to the Heart; "Shu" means point of transport. This point is where Heart Meridian qi is transported to the back – an important point for treating heart disorders – hence the name Xinshu (Heart Shu).
Contraindications
The deep layer of Xinshu contains the lungs and pleural cavity – vertical or deep needling should be avoided to prevent injury to internal organs. Oblique needling is generally used; vertical needling should not exceed 0.8 cun, optimally angled toward the spine. Moxibustion is permissible.
