What is Heart Meridian-1 (HT1)?
Heart Meridian-1 (HT1) is an acupoint on the Small Yin Meridian of the Hand (Heart Meridian) located in the center of the armpit. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is also called the “Spirit Meridian,” and it is an important acupoint that regulates heart function and promotes mental stability. It is particularly an acupoint where rapid effects can be expected in emergency situations.
How to Find the Exact Location
Step 1: Extend your arm to the side and expose the armpit area.
Step 2: Find the deepest part of the armpit, that is, the center of the armpit crease.
Step 3: Press that area with your finger and you will be able to feel the pulse (pulsation of the axillary artery) at HT1.
Step 4: The precise acupoint is located in the hollow depression just to the side and slightly inward from the arterial pulse.
Acupressure Technique
Basic acupressure method:
1. Sit in a comfortable position and extend your arm to the side.
2. Use your opposite thumb to locate the HT1 acupoint.
3. Slowly inhale while pressing for 5 seconds, then release.
4. Repeat 10-15 times, 3-5 times per day.
Acupressure techniques by symptom:
• Heart palpitations: Rather than pressing deeply, gently massage in circular motions.
• Chest pain: Press gently and hold to the point of feeling slight tenderness.
• Depression: Press slowly while meditating to stabilize mind and body.
Main Benefits
- Heart palpitations – Stabilizes irregular heartbeats and normalizes heart rhythm.
- Chest pain – Improves qi and blood circulation around the heart to alleviate pain.
- Upper extremity pain – Relieves nerve compression in the arm and promotes blood circulation.
- Depression and anxiety – Stabilizes mind and body and relieves mental tension.
- Sleep disorders – Regulates heart function to promote restful sleep.
When is the Best Time to Apply Acupressure?
Optimal time: Evening hours (3 PM – 5 PM) when the Heart Meridian is most active. However, in emergency situations, acupressure can be applied at any time without time restrictions.
Recommended situations: Apply acupressure when you feel chest tightness, when your heart is beating rapidly, when your arm feels numb or tingling, when you cannot sleep due to anxiety, or when you feel depressed due to stress.
Precautions
Contraindications: The armpit contains an important blood vessel called the axillary artery, so you must not press directly on the arterial pulse. Always find the precise HT1 acupoint located on the outside of the arterial pulse and apply acupressure there.
Important notes: If you have a heart attack or acute heart disease, you must receive guidance from medical professionals. If pain is too severe or symptoms worsen, visit the hospital immediately. During pregnancy, it is advisable to consult with a doctor before applying acupressure.
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