HT-3 - Lesser Sea

少海 - Shào hǎi

Point Region: Upper arm

HT

Heart Meridian

手少阴心经 - Shǒu Shàoyīn Xīn Jīng

HT-3, or 'Shaohai' (meaning 'Lesser Sea'), is the 'He-Sea' and 'Water' point of the Heart channel. Located at the inner elbow, its name refers to its position as a 'lesser sea' where the energy of the Heart meridian gathers and pools.

As a 'He-Sea' point, Shaohai has a deep and powerful effect on the entire meridian and related organs. It is a go-to point for 'calming the Shen' (spirit) and 'clearing Heart fire'—a sense of agitation, restlessness, and insomnia. It is particularly effective for emotional and mental issues, as it helps to soothe the mind and restore a sense of inner peace.

The name 'Lesser Sea' speaks to its function as a deep and nourishing point that can help to restore the body's 'Yin' energy. By stimulating this point, you can help to calm the mind and nourish the body's deepest reserves of fluids and energy. This makes it an excellent point for anyone dealing with a sense of 'dryness' or 'emptiness' in the mind and body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: At the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, when the elbow is flexed.

How to Locate:

  1. Bend your elbow to 90 degrees
  2. Locate the horizontal crease that forms at your elbow
  3. Find the inner end of this crease
  4. The point is right at this inner end of the elbow crease
Location illustration for At the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, when the elbow is flexed.

Primary Functions

Emotional & Mental

  • Calms the mind and reduces mental restlessness
  • Alleviates depression and mood disorders
  • Promotes emotional stability and peace
  • Reduces mental agitation and worry

Nervous System

  • Calms the nervous system
  • Reduces neurological symptoms
  • Improves mental function and clarity

Musculoskeletal System

  • Relieves elbow pain and stiffness
  • Reduces arm muscle tension
  • Treats tennis elbow and repetitive strain

Circulatory System

  • Regulates heart function
  • Improves circulation to arms

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Epilepsy
  • Dizziness
  • Elbow pain
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting
  • Arm paralysis
  • Emotional agitation
  • Mental restlessness
  • Hysteria
  • Neurosis
  • Ulnar nerve pain
  • Tennis elbow

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

HT-3 Protocols

Arm Tension & Emotional Release (4 minutes)

  1. Sit comfortably with arm relaxed and palm facing up
  2. Locate HT-3 (medial end of the elbow crease when arm is flexed)
  3. Apply gentle pressure with thumb for 30 seconds
  4. Massage in circular motions for 1 minute to release tension and calm the heart
  5. Repeat pressure while breathing slowly and visualizing warmth flowing down the arm