HT 5 — Tōng Lǐ (通里) — Penetrating the Interior
On this page
1. Overview
HT 5 — Tōng Lǐ (通里) — is an acupuncture point on the Heart meridian. Its English name, Penetrating the Interior, 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, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the palmar forearm, 1 cun above HT 7, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.
3. Actions
- Luo-Connecting point of the Heart — connects to the Small Intestine
- Calms the Mind and clears Heart Heat
- Benefits the tongue and voice — a classical point for aphonia
- Regulates Heart rhythm
4. Indications
- Sudden loss of voice (aphonia) — a primary classical indication
- Palpitations, bradycardia and arrhythmia
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Stiff tongue and difficulty speaking
- Wrist pain
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 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 5 is the Luo-Connecting point of the Heart meridian, connecting to the Small Intestine. It has a specific classical action of restoring the voice — sudden aphonia from emotional shock is a primary indication. For cardiac arrhythmia, HT 5 combined with PC 6 and CV 14 is a key combination.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use HT 5 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Anxiety, Insomnia, Stress. 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.
