Ever feel like your mind just won't settle down, no matter how tired you are? That restless, yet exhausted, state is something many of us know all too well. In Shiatsu, one of the key acupressure points we turn to for calming this state of mind is Heart 7 (HT7), known as Shenmen, or “Spirit Gate.” Heart 7 is celebrated for its gentle yet powerful influence over our spirits and emotional balance, calming the mind and general vitality of inner peace within the Fire Element.
You can find this point on the pinky side, just below the crease of the wrist. It's in the small hollow dip, right next to the tendon you feel when you flex your wrist.
Since the point is often partially “buried” under the pisiform bone, you may need to place your thumb on the bone, then roll your thumb into the depression just beside the bone on the wrist crease. Press for 1-2 minutes per side as often as you need for relaxation. Breathe deeply to enhance the calming effect.
HT7 is also considered the source point of the Heart meridian, meaning it directly accesses the meridian's core energy to balance the Heart and Fire Element. Together with the other three Fire element meridians, it regulates the flow of Qi and blood through the body, nurturing circulation and fostering emotional warmth. When the Fire Element is balanced, the Heart’s vitality supports blood flow and calms the mind and spirit (Shen), promoting restful sleep and inner peace. However, when unbalanced, one may experience physical and emotional tension signposted by anxiety, heart palpitations, or poor circulation.
If you’d like to explore this further, check out Chapter 6: Anxiety and Nervousness and Chapter 25: Insomnia of Michael Reed Gach’s Acupressure's Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments.
Key benefits of stimulating HT7 are:
Cardiovascular health
- Enhances blood circulation and Heart Qi
- Helps manage palpitation and irregular heartbeat
Emotional health
- Calms the Shen (spirit/mind)
- Reduces anxiety, nervousness, and overthinking
- Promotes mental clarity and emotional stability
Sleep support
- Improves sleep quality by alleviating insomnia and restlessness
The power of point pairing: Heart 7, Heart Protector 6 (HP6), and Lung 9 (LU9)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) this combination is commonly referred to as the Buddha’s Triangle.
Pressing of these wrist based points channels inner serenity, particularly addressing emotional imbalances like anxiety, stress, depression and grief. Fun fact, the Buddha’s Triangle was historically used by monks to steady the mind during meditation and was therefore nicknamed the “calming triangle” in TCM. Each of these points, in this triangular formation, have a distinct role in achieving this calming effect. HT7 concentrates on the spirit as well as on sleep, treating insomnia, sleep talk and poor memory. HP6 helps more centrally, targeting the emotional aspect of the “gut.” It unbinds chest pressure by regulating heart health and heals the stomach through alleviating nausea, vomiting, and stomach heat. Lastly, LU9 strengthens the lungs, helping clear phlegm, and supporting the Lung's function of descending Qi (that same sinking feeling when acceptance and calm finally sets in is exactly what we're talking about!).
Try this Summer!
Heart 7 is a valuable point for emotional healing, better sleep, and a peaceful heart. So free yourself from excess stress and overbearing emotional baggage this summer with HT7 and invite in calm, clarity, and ease.
By Hana Starace, Certified Shiatsu & Nutritional Practitioner