HT 7 — Shén Mén (神门) — Spirit Gate
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1. Overview
HT 7 — Shén Mén (神门) — is an acupuncture point on the Heart meridian. Its English name, Spirit Gate, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of 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 use HT 7 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
At the ulnar end of the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris.
3. Actions
- Nourishes Heart Blood and calms the Mind
- Clears Heart Fire
- Opens the Heart orifices
- Regulates and tonifies Heart Qi and Yin
4. Indications
- Insomnia — the most important point for Heart-related sleep disorders
- Anxiety, palpitations and restlessness
- Depression and emotional disturbance
- Poor memory and forgetfulness from Heart Blood deficiency
- Night sweats from Heart Yin deficiency
- Mania and agitation from Heart Fire
- Epilepsy and loss of consciousness
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun. Moxibustion applicable.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
HT 7 is the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point of the Heart meridian and is the single most important point for calming the Mind (Shen) and treating all disorders of the Heart in TCM. It directly addresses the Heart's role in housing the Shen and is the primary point prescription for insomnia, anxiety and emotional disturbance from a Heart-based pattern. Combined with SP 6 it nourishes Heart and Spleen Blood for Blood deficiency insomnia. Combined with PC 6 it powerfully calms the Heart and settles palpitations.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use HT 7 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, 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.
