If the body is a kingdom, the Heart is its king. The Heart Meridian is the path that carries the king’s commands throughout the body.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is called the Hand Shao Yin Heart Meridian.
The Heart is not just a muscular pump. It is called the “Ruler of All Organs” – the king of the body.
It is where the Shen (Spirit) resides, directly related to blood vessels, mind, and consciousness.
I) INTERNAL PATHWAY
The Heart Meridian originates from the Heart organ.
It has three important internal branches:
- HEART–LUNG BRANCH
From the Heart, Qi spreads to the chest and connects with the Lungs.
This reflects the close physiological relationship between Qi and Blood:
Heart governs Blood, Lungs govern Qi.
Blood relies on Qi, and Qi moves the Blood.
The meridian then emerges at HT1 – Jiquan, the center of the armpit. - HEART–EYE BRANCH
This branch ascends from the Heart to the throat, neck, face, and around the eyes.
It shows the connection between the Heart and the senses.
Looking into someone’s eyes can reveal the state of their Shen. - HEART–SMALL INTESTINE BRANCH
This branch descends through the diaphragm and connects with the Small Intestine.
In TCM, Heart and Small Intestine have an Interior–Exterior relationship:
- Heart – Yin, center, functional (Interior)
- Small Intestine – Yang, processing (Exterior)
The Small Intestine separates pure from impure, sending the refined up and waste down.
II) EXTERNAL PATHWAY
The Heart Meridian has 9 points from HT1 to HT9.
- HT1 – JIQUAN
“Supreme Spring” – The starting point of the Heart Meridian on the body surface.
Important in medicine and martial arts. - HT2 – QINGLING
“Clear Spirit” – located along the inner arm, helps smooth Qi flow. - HT3 – SHAOHAI
“Lesser Sea” – near the elbow crease, vital in controlling strikes. - HT4 – LINGDAO
“Spirit Path” – regulates Qi in forearm, wrist, and heart. - HT5 – TONGLI
“Connecting Flow” – connects to the Small Intestine meridian. - HT6 – YINXI
“Yin Cleft” – activates both superficial and deep blood-Qi, balances Heart Qi. - HT7 – SHENMEN
“Spirit Gate” – where Heart Qi gathers, influences mental state and sleep. - HT8 – SHAOFU
“Lesser Palace” – central in palm, focuses Heart Fire. - HT9 – SHAOCHONG
“Lesser Rushing” – at the tip of the little finger, where Heart Qi ends and links to the Small Intestine Meridian.
The Heart Meridian is the path of will and blood, from the armpit to the tip of the little finger, with each point carrying symbolic meaning – from the source of Qi to its final burst.
As the saying goes: “When the Heart is at peace, all is at peace.” Mastering the Heart Meridian is mastering your own Spirit.
