Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin (HT)
The Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin pertains to the heart and therefore has a close relationship with this organ. It is an important meridian that governs the human body. This meridian originates from the heart, emerges at the tip of the little finger, and links with the Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang. It mainly travels along the posterior border of the medial aspect of the upper limb. It is indicated for conditions such as cold reversal (cold extremities) of the upper limbs and heat in the palms.
Active Hours
Wu hour, Heart Meridian
Functions
The Lingshu (Spiritual Pivot), in the chapter "Meridians" (Jing Mai), records: "The Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin governs disorders of the heart: yellow eyes, pain in the hypochondriac region, pain and coldness along the posterior border of the medial aspect of the upper arm and forearm, and heat and pain in the palm."
Related Conditions
Visceral patterns (Zang-fu symptoms): When the Heart Meridian is affected, symptoms such as heat and pain in the palms, vexation, heart pain, palpitations, insomnia, and mental disturbances may occur. Meridian patterns (Jing-luo symptoms): When the Heart Meridian is disordered, it may easily give rise to dry throat, thirst with desire to drink, hypochondriac pain, excessive dreaming, forgetfulness, and along the pathway of the Heart Meridian, symptoms such as pain, numbness, coldness (cold reversal), and unstable blood pressure, among others.
Daily Care
This is the time of day when drowsiness and fatigue are most likely to set in. The heart propels the blood circulation, nourishing the spirit, nourishing the qi, and nourishing the sinews. If you can take a short nap during the Wu hour (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.), it greatly benefits the nourishment of the heart, and can even make you feel energetic throughout the afternoon and evening. However, the nap should not exceed one hour, as it may otherwise easily lead to insomnia at night. After the nap, moderate exercise helps dredge the qi and blood throughout the entire body and strengthen the functions of the zang-fu organs. Every day during the Wu hour when the Heart Meridian is in command, and also before bedtime, bring the five fingers together and slightly bend them to tap the acupoints along the pathway of the Heart Meridian. The force should be comfortable, and each session only needs to last about 5 minutes. This can relieve vexation and excessive dreaming, and promote sleep.
Acupoints
No acupoints listed for this meridian yet.