PC6 (Neiguan) vs HT7 (Shenmen) — Which acupoint should you press?

What’s the difference between Neiguan and Shenmen?

The inner wrist is a treasure trove of the most frequently used acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine. In particular, Neiguan (PC6) and Shenmen (HT7) are often confused because they’re located close to each other and share common benefits (insomnia, anxiety, stress relief). However, these two acupoints have distinct differences. Neiguan belongs to the Pericardium meridian and is powerful for physical symptoms like “nausea and heart palpitations,” while Shenmen belongs to the Heart meridian and is more effective for emotional stability like “anxiety and depression.” This article provides a thorough comparison of these two acupoints that are similar yet different.

Understanding Neiguan (PC6) in depth

Precise location

Neiguan is located approximately 2 cun (about 1.5 times the width of your thumb) from the inner wrist crease toward the arm. When you press your wrist with your finger, Neiguan is the hollow depression between the two large tendons (palmaris longus tendon and flexor carpi radialis tendon). To find the precise location, slowly rub the inner side of your wrist with your fingers and feel the border between the two forearm bones. The indented area in the center is Neiguan.

Recommended for people who

Neiguan is an acupoint especially for those suffering from “physical discomfort.” It provides immediate relief when you frequently experience motion sickness or car sickness, nausea, or digestive discomfort. It’s also effective when your heart suddenly feels like it’s dropping or you experience heart palpitations and a startling sensation in your chest. Neiguan improves digestive issues caused by stress, irregular heartbeat, and heaviness in the shoulders and arms. It’s highly recommended for people who frequently experience physical discomfort in daily life, particularly those with sensitive digestion.

Acupressure technique and tips

When applying pressure to Neiguan, slowly press vertically with your upright thumb. Maintain pressure at a level that’s “uncomfortable but pleasant” (7-8/10), pressing firmly for 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time, then resting for 5 seconds. Repeat this 5-10 times. Applying pressure 3-4 times daily (morning, afternoon, evening, and before bed) is ideal. When motion sickness or nausea occurs, applying pressure immediately provides quick relief. Firm, steady pressure is more effective than circular rubbing motions.

Understanding Shenmen (HT7) in depth

Precise location

Shenmen is located just above the inner wrist crease, in the depression on the radial (thumb) side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon (the tendon on the pinky side). Simply put, it’s at the edge of the inner wrist crease, a finger’s width toward the thumb from the pinky side. You can feel the indented area on the inner side of your wrist when you bend your wrist backward—that’s Shenmen. It’s closer to the wrist crease and more toward the pinky side compared to Neiguan.

Recommended for people who

Shenmen is a “mental health acupoint” that promotes emotional peace. It’s effective when you lie awake at night, wake frequently during sleep, or feel anxious and can’t fall asleep easily even when lying down. It also helps when your heart suddenly feels like it’s dropping and you experience fear. Shenmen is beneficial when you feel depressed, stuffy, or chest tightness from stress. For the modern symptom of “insomnia due to anxiety,” Shenmen should be the first acupoint to consider. It’s recommended for people who want to calm their body and mind and find inner peace.

Acupressure technique and tips

When applying pressure to Shenmen, also slowly press with your thumb. Apply slightly gentler pressure than Neiguan (6-7/10), pressing firmly and maintaining for 40 seconds to 1 minute. Especially effective is pressing Shenmen on both wrists simultaneously while lying in bed before sleep and practicing deep diaphragmatic breathing—this maximizes the sleep-inducing effect. When you feel anxious, you can apply pressure anytime. Deep, slow pressing is more effective than circular rubbing. Making it a habit to apply pressure for 2-3 minutes every night before bed will improve sleep quality.

Key comparison summary

Pressing both together creates synergy

Many practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine actually prescribe Neiguan and Shenmen together when patients have complex symptoms from insomnia or stress. For example, when anxiety causes heart palpitations and disrupts sleep, they stabilize the anxiety and sleep first by stimulating Shenmen, then address physical discomfort with Neiguan. When experiencing both digestive problems and insomnia from stress, applying pressure to both acupoints is also effective. When pressing both, it’s recommended to first apply pressure to Shenmen to calm the mind (2-3 minutes), then follow with Neiguan (2-3 minutes). Pressing both Neiguan and Shenmen on both wrists simultaneously while practicing deep breathing before bed can achieve both stress relief and better sleep at the same time.

Conclusion: Selection guide by situation

Choose Neiguan: When you feel motion sickness coming on while traveling, suddenly feel nauseous, experience poor digestion, or feel your heart palpitating—when you want to address physical discomfort immediately. Choose Neiguan for quick relief in urgent situations. Choose Shenmen: When you can’t sleep at night, persistent anxiety won’t go away, you’re feeling depressed, or your mind feels uneasy from stress. Consistently apply pressure to Shenmen if you want long-term emotional and physical balance. Apply pressure to both: When you experience both digestive problems and insomnia from stress, or when you’re uncomfortable both physically and emotionally, stimulating both acupoints together provides the best results. Ultimately, Neiguan and Shenmen are on the same wrist but serve different purposes. If you accurately identify your symptoms and choose the right acupoint, simple finger acupressure alone can significantly improve daily discomfort.