In human anatomy, the Heart Protector, also known as the Pericardium, refers to the sac that encloses the heart, providing structural support and protecting it against infection. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Heart Protector has an additional role, which is to allow healthy interaction between the Heart and the outside world. The Heart Protector Meridian (HP6) guards the Heart’s gate, opening and closing it to regulate access to its Shen (spirit or consciousness), maintaining balance in how we engage with the world emotionally.
However, if the Heart Protector is imbalanced and weakened, it fails to fulfil its role, leaving the heart's gate unguarded and open to unwanted intruders that may cause harm.This can result in allowing inappropriate intimacy, easily hurt feelings, or simply being too open and vulnerable. On the other hand, if the gate remains closed, nothing can get in, much like when we close our hearts to people, leaving us feeling isolated, cold, joyless, and defensive. Heart Protector 6 is therefore needed to help regulate the opening and closing of this gate, allowing love and compassion to flow in and out freely but appropriately.
To explore the functions of the Heart Protector and discover key therapeutic points along its meridian, take a look at The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine by Ted J. Kaptchuk or Chapter 14 of Shiatsu Theory and Practice by Carola Beresford-Cooke.
The acupressure point, Heart Protector 6 (HP6) is located on the inner wrist. To locate it, make a fist and place three fingers on the crease of the wrist. HP 6 is located between the two tendons underneath and in line with your index finger. Stimulate this point by gently massaging it with your finger for 30 seconds.
Key benefits of stimulating HP6 are:
Mental health
- Calms the mind and reduces anxiety, manic, sadness apprehension, and fear
Cardiovascular health
- Helps with hypertension, sudden heart pain and palpitations
Sleep
- Promotes restful sleep by calming the mind and reducing restlessness
- Treats insomnia
Digestion
- Alleviates digestive issues like hiccups, bloating and belly pain, vomiting and nausea
Limb pain
- Relieves pains in upper arm, armpits and wrists
The power of point pairing: Heart Protector 6 (HP6) and Triple Heater 5 (TH5)
Within the Fire element, the Heart Protector (a Yin meridian) and the Triple Heater (a Yang meridian) are paired together to create a complementary relationship. In TCM, the link between paired Yin and Yang meridians is made by specific points that belong to a group called Luo. HP6 and TH5 are both from the Luo group, combined to regulate Qi and blood flow and treat both physical and emotional imbalances in times of anxiety, heart palpitations and chest tightness.
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Heart Protector 6, also called Nèiguān meaning Inner Pass, is a powerful point, offering a simple yet profound way to restore balance to both body and mind. Whether you are seeking to quiet a restless mind or settle an upset stomach, HP6 invites you to open the gate to inner peace and vitality with just a touch.
By Hana Starace, Certified Shiatsu & Nutritional Practitioner