HT 3 — Shào Hǎi (少海) — Lesser Sea
On this page
1. Overview
HT 3 — Shào Hǎi (少海) — is an acupuncture point on the Heart meridian. Its English name, Lesser Sea, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
At the medial end of the cubital crease, anterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus when elbow is flexed.
3. Actions
- He-Sea point of the Heart — clears Heat and calms the Mind
- Transforms Phlegm-Fire disturbing the Heart
- Activates the meridian and relieves elbow pain
- Resolves nodules
4. Indications
- Anxiety and mania from Phlegm-Fire disturbing the Heart
- Palpitations from Heart excess patterns
- Medial elbow pain and golfer's elbow
- Scrofula and lymph node swellings
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1.0 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
HT 3 is the He-Sea and Water point of the Heart. Unlike HT 7 which nourishes and calms, HT 3 clears Heat and transforms Phlegm-Fire — appropriate for excess Heart patterns with agitation and mania. As a local point at the medial elbow it is used for golfer's elbow alongside local ashi points.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use HT 3 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Anxiety, Golfer's elbow. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
