HT4 Spirit Pathway

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

HT4 (Lingdao, “Spirit Pathway”) is the Jing-River (Metal) point of the Heart Channel of Hand-Shaoyin Meridian. It is located on the palmar aspect of the forearm, 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. It calms the spirit, regulates heart qi, and alleviates pain.

Location

On the palmar aspect of the forearm, 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

TCM functions

Calms the spirit, regulates heart qi, and alleviates pain.

Indications

Cardiac pain, wrist pain, tremors, aphasia with stiffness of tongue.

Jing-River (Metal)Five-Shu

Clinical notes

HT4, a Jing-River (Metal) point, is crucial for regulating Heart qi and calming the spirit, particularly when there is deficiency or stagnation. It is renowned for treating cardiac pain, palpitations, and anxiety, especially when accompanied by a feeling of oppression in the chest. Its ability to alleviate pain extends to the arm and wrist, making it useful for carpal tunnel syndrome and other local neuropathies. It is empirically used for sudden loss of voice due to Heart qi stagnation.

On the Heart Channel of Hand-Shaoyin channel

HT4 is one of 9 points on the Heart Channel of Hand-Shaoyin Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is HT4 located?

HT4 (Lingdao) is located on the palmar aspect of the forearm, 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.

What is HT4 used for?

HT4 calms the spirit, regulates heart qi, and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include cardiac pain, wrist pain, tremors, aphasia with stiffness of tongue.

How is HT4 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

Which meridian is HT4 on?

HT4 is a point on the Heart Channel of Hand-Shaoyin Meridian (Shǒu Shàoyīn Xīnjīng).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.