Atlas of Acupuncture

4.5 The Heart Channel System – Hand shaoyin(shou shao yin jing luo)

Location

With the elbow flexed, this point is in a depression between the

ulnar end of the transverse cubital crease and the medial epi-

condyle of the humerus.

How to find

This point should be located with the elbow slightly flexed and

the forearm in a supinated position. Find the ulnar end of the

transverse cubital crease and palpate towards the medial epi-

condyle of the humerus (➞3.2.2). HE-3is located in a depres-

sion approximately midway between ➞P-3and the medial

epicondyle. Or: With the elbow fully flexed, HE-3is located

directly at the medial end of the transverse crease.

Located on the same level are ➞P-3(ulnar to the tendon of the

biceps muscle), ➞LU-5(radial to the tendon of the biceps mus-

cle) and ➞L.I.-11(at the radial end of the crease).

Needling

0.5–1.5 cun obliquely in a distal or proximal direction or verti-

cally towards ➞L.I.-11.

Actions/Indications

● Transforms Phlegm, clears Heat (from the heart), calms the

shen

● Opens the channel and luo-vessels

Special features

He-sea point, Water point. Important local point, important

calming point.

Lesser Sea SHAOHAI HE-3

Cubital crease

Medial epicondyle of the humerus

HE-3

P-3

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Medial head of
the triceps brachii
Aponeurosis
of the biceps
brachii
Medial
epicondyle
Palmaris
longus
Right arm anterior aspect
Biceps
brachii
Tendon of
the biceps
brachii
P-3
HE-3
LU-5
Biceps tendon
P-3
LU-5
HE-3
Cubital
crease
Right arm
90 °
L.I.-11
Lateral epicondyle Olecranon
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