The Shenmen Point, also known as HT7, is an amazing and wonderful way to help manage stress, anxiety, and insomnia – increasing health challenges in our fast-paced modern lives.
The Shenmen Point is a popular go-to for professionals who incorporate traditional Chinese medicine into their wellbeing services because it’s an effective tool that can be self-administered whenever needed.
The name Shenmen, translates to “Spirit Gate” in English. Applying pressure to this point can open up this ‘gate’, helping to relieve blocked energy associated with our spirit, mind, and emotions.
Being a key player on the Heart meridian, the Shenmen Point, when stimulated, can nourish the blood and have a cooling, calming effect on our internal ‘fire’. This makes it an ideal method to address issues related to the mind, emotions, and heart such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, and even palpitations.
You might wonder, how scientifically substantiated is this? In a clinical study conducted in 2019[1], Shenmen was found to significantly aid in relieving symptoms of insomnia, psychological stress, agitation, and even withdrawal symptoms from substances like alcohol and nicotine.
This special point is found in two locations on our bodies – one is on the ear, and the other, more accessible one is near our wrist crease along the heart meridian. I personally prefer the wrist point because my body seams to prefer this, but it’s more important to use the point that feels most comfortable for you.
Locating this point is simple – it’s at the wrist crease, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon, nestled between the ulna and the pisiform bones.
Here’s a quick tip for those of us who spend a lot of time working with a computer mouse: as Shenmen is conveniently located near the wrist crease, using a massage tool or object placed under your wrist can help apply pressure to the point, effectively performing self-acupressure on this HT7 point while you’re busy at work.
Here are some of the benefits and ways to self-massage this wonderful point:
Stress/Anxiety/Panic: Apply mild pressure to the Shenmen Point for 15-30 seconds, alternating between your left and right hand for a total of 3-5 minutes. Repeat this a few times per day as needed or regularly.
Insomnia: Similar to the first point, applying mild pressure for 15-30 seconds, alternating hands for up to 3-5 minutes can assist in better sleep. You can practice this throughout the day or right before bedtime.
Motion sickness: This point can also help with symptoms of motion sickness such as nausea and vertigo. Applying pressure via thumb or fingernail on this point can offer relief.
Memory loss/Forgetfulness: As Shenmen can help calm your mind, it can also clear the mind and help with forgetfulness. Regular massages of the Shenmen point daily can help keep your memory sharp.
Chest tightness/Palpitations/Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD): Given Shenmen’s connection to the heart meridian and our chest/heart area, it’s an excellent point to help with issues like chest tightness, palpitations, and GERD.
There are a plethora of tools available to support you on your wellbeing journey and sometimes it’s helpful to expand your mind and be open to new approaches.
Always seek professional guidance if you’re unsure about using these practices or if you’re dealing with persistent stress, anxiety, or other health concerns.
Author:
Viki Thondley
Viki Thondley-Moore is an Integrative Holistic Counsellor, Brain-Based Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Mind-Body Somatic Practitioner, Wellness Coach, Meditation Teacher, Educator and Disordered Eating Specialist. Viki is founder of MindBodyFood and Founder/Director of the MindBodyFood Institute.
