HT7 (Shenmen) vs PC6 (Neiguan) — Which Acupoint Is Right for You?

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@graph”: [
{
“@type”: “MedicalWebPage”,
“headline”: “HT7 (Shenmen) vs PC6 (Neiguan) Comparison”,
“description”: “A simple explanation of the differences between Shenmen and Neiguan, and which situations each is best suited for.”,
“inLanguage”: “en-US”,
“datePublished”: “2026-03-03”,
“about”: [
{
“@type”: “AnatomicalStructure”,
“name”: “Shenmen (HT7)”
},
{
“@type”: “AnatomicalStructure”,
“name”: “Neiguan (PC6)”
}
]
},
{
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “I get confused between HT7 and PC6 locations. How do I tell them apart?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “HT7 is on the wrist crease on the pinky-finger side. PC6 is 3 finger-widths up from the wrist crease toward the elbow, in the middle of the forearm. Their locations are completely different!”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is acupressure really effective for insomnia?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Many people feel the effect for mild insomnia. However, for severe insomnia, be sure to consult a specialist.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can pregnant women do this?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Both HT7 and PC6 are relatively safe acupoints for pregnant women. PC6 in particular can also help relieve morning sickness!”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How much pressure should I apply?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “A slight aching or tingling sensation is sufficient. If it hurts, you are pressing too hard!”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I press it during the day instead of just before bed?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Of course! Press it anytime you feel anxious or tense. It’s especially helpful before an exam or presentation.”
}
}
]
}
]
}

Why Compare Shenmen and Neiguan?

Both HT7 and PC6 are located on the inner wrist, close to each other, and both are said to bring peace of mind — which is confusing! HT7 is the ‘Gateway of the Heart,’ so it directly soothes the mind, while PC6 is the ‘Inner Gate,’ releasing the connection between body and mind. They share the same wrist, but their roles are quite different!

HT7 (Shenmen) — The ‘Gateway of the Mind’ on the Inner Wrist at the Pinky-Finger Side

HT7 is located on the inner wrist, on the pinky-finger side at the wrist crease. It belongs to the Heart meridian.

How to Find It

See the crease where your wrist bends? On that crease, find the hollow at the very end on the pinky-finger side. It’s just outside the tendon!

How to Press It

Press gently with the opposite thumb for 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time, repeated

Best for

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Heart palpitations

PC6 (Neiguan) — The ‘Motion Sickness Buster’ on the Inner Wrist, 3 Finger-Widths Up from the Wrist Crease

PC6 is located on the inner wrist, 3 finger-widths up from the wrist crease toward the elbow. It belongs to the Pericardium meridian.

How to Find It

Turn your palm face up, then place 3 fingers side by side starting from the wrist crease toward the elbow. The point at the tip of the third finger, between the two tendons, is PC6.

How to Press It

Press firmly with the opposite thumb, 1–2 minutes, with a slight tingling sensation

Best for

• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Motion sickness

Side-by-Side Comparison!

Which One Is Right for You?

• “My thoughts won’t stop when I lie down to sleep” → Start with HT7! It gently calms the mind.
• “My heart is racing and I feel anxious” → HT7! It is connected to the Heart meridian and calms palpitations.
• “Stress makes me feel nauseous” → PC6! It tackles nausea and anxiety at the same time.
• “I get sweaty palms and tension before exams” → Start with PC6! It’s great for releasing tension.
• “I have chronic difficulty sleeping” → Both! Try pressing HT7 + PC6 together.

Even Better When Used Together!

Try this routine 30 minutes before bed: press HT7 for 1 minute → PC6 for 1 minute → 5 deep breaths. HT7 soothes the mind and PC6 releases body tension, making it much easier to prepare for sleep. Doing this as a daily habit will build up the effect over time!

Frequently Asked Questions