HT4 Spirit Path

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

HT4 (Lingdao, “Spirit Path”) is the Jing-River Point 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 transverse wrist crease (HT7), on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. It calms the Spirit (Shen), clears Heart fire, regulates Heart Qi, relaxes the sinews and invigorates the channel.

Location

On the palmar aspect of the forearm, 1.5 cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease (HT7), on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion, 0.3 to 0.5 cun deep.

TCM functions

Calms the Spirit (Shen), clears Heart fire, regulates Heart Qi, relaxes the sinews and invigorates the channel..

Indications

Sudden loss of voice, elbow and arm contraction, sadness and fear, fright palpitations, heart pain, dry throat, hysteria, restless Zang disorder, spasmodic pain of the elbow and arm, sudden cardiac pain, inability to speak, forgetfulness, melancholy and weeping, fear of people, diminished qi with desire to laugh, chest and back pain, clenched jaw, sudden turmoil disorder..

Jing-River PointMetal Point

Clinical notes

As the Jing-River and Metal point of the Heart channel, Lingdao is a key point for addressing acute emotional and vocal issues. Its ability to regulate Heart qi makes it effective for sudden conditions like fright palpitations, anxiety, and especially sudden loss of voice (aphonia) due to emotional shock. It is also a valuable local point for pain and contraction along the Heart channel in the arm and elbow.

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 transverse wrist crease (HT7), on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.

What is HT4 used for?

HT4 calms the Spirit (Shen), clears Heart fire, regulates Heart Qi, relaxes the sinews and invigorates the channel. Common clinical indications include sudden loss of voice, elbow and arm contraction, sadness and fear, fright palpitations, heart pain, dry throat, hysteria, restless Zang disorder, spasmodic pain of the elbow and arm, sudden cardiac pain, inability to speak, forgetfulness, melancholy and weeping, fear of people, diminished qi with desire to laugh, chest and back pain, clenched jaw, sudden turmoil disorder.

How is HT4 needled?

Perpendicular insertion, 0.3 to 0.5 cun deep.

Which meridian is HT4 on?

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

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⚠️ 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.