HT 1 — Jí Quán (极泉) — Highest Spring
HT 1 (Ji Quan, “Highest Spring”) is the first point of the Heart channel, located in the axilla. It is used for shoulder, arm and chest pain along the Heart channel, post-stroke hemiplegia, and as an awakening point in collapse and palpitations.
On this page
1. About HT 1 (Ji Quan)
HT 1 — Jí Quán — is the first point of the Heart meridian and the starting point of the channel on the body surface. Located at the highest point of the axillary fossa, it is anatomically close to the brachial plexus and axillary artery, requiring careful needling.
2. HT 1 location
In the centre of the axillary fossa, medial to the axillary artery. Located with the arm abducted.
3. Actions
- Unblocks the Heart channel and relieves pain
- Regulates Qi and Blood in the chest
- Awakens the Shen
4. Indications
- Cardiac pain, palpitations
- Shoulder, axillary and medial arm pain
- Frozen shoulder with axillary restriction
- Hemiplegia of the arm after stroke
- Intercostal neuralgia
- Cubital and elbow pain
5. Needling
Avoid the artery. Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun with care, or use as an acupressure / soft-needle point. Anatomical caution — the brachial plexus and axillary vessels run close to this point. Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner.
6. Clinical notes
HT 1 is anatomically dangerous and is therefore underused, but is highly effective for Heart channel pathology and frozen shoulder with restriction in the axilla. In post-stroke rehabilitation it is a useful point for restoring sensation and motor function to the medial arm.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use HT 1 carefully within tailored acupuncture prescriptions for frozen shoulder, axillary restriction and post-stroke arm rehabilitation. I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
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