HT-6 Yinxi
HT-6 Yinxi (陰郄) is a point on the Heart meridian. In TCM theory it is described as influencing the channel's qi, and it is traditionally used in the context of the whole pattern rather than as a stand-alone remedy. This page explains how to locate it, what the tradition says about it, and how to press it safely.
Location
Half a cun proximal to the wrist crease, on the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris.
How to find it
Find HT-7 at the wrist crease, then move half a finger-width up toward the elbow, staying beside the tendon.
Traditional functions
- Xi-cleft point of the Heart meridian
- Nourishes heart yin
- Regulates sweating
Traditional uses
- Night sweats in the traditional description
- Palpitations
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
How to press it
Press gently for 1 minute on each wrist, ideally in the evening.
Acupressure is generally a gentle practice. Use the pad of the thumb or finger, start with light pressure, and increase only to a comfortable level. A mild ache or warmth is common; sharp pain is a signal to ease off.
Safety
Night sweats with fever or weight loss needs medical evaluation.
How this is viewed today
HT-6 is used in clinical practice for sleep and sweating patterns; research is sparse.
Sources & further reading
- Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經), c. 2nd century BCE.
- Nanjing (難經), c. 1st–2nd century CE.
- World Health Organization, Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature, 2nd ed., 1991.
- Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Acupuncture: What You Need To Know.
Related: Heart meridian · Acupoint library · HT-7 Shenmen · HT-5 Tongli · KI-6 Zhaohai · all twelve meridians