HT-4 - Spirit Pathway

灵道 - Líng dào

Point Region: Wrist

HT

Heart Meridian

手少阴心经 - Shǒu Shàoyīn Xīn Jīng

HT-4, or 'Lingdao' (meaning 'Spirit Pathway'), is the 'Jing-River' and 'Metal' point of the Heart channel. Located on the forearm, its name refers to its function as a 'pathway' for the 'spirit' to flow freely through the body.

As a 'Jing-River' point, Lingdao is a master point for addressing issues related to the voice and speech. It is a go-to point for a loss of voice, a hoarse throat, or a sense of 'stuckness' in the throat. It is also used to address emotional and mental restlessness, as it helps to 'calm the spirit' and clear heat from the channel.

Lingdao acts as a vital access point to the heart and the voice, providing a direct and effective way to address blockages and restore a sense of balance and harmony. It's a reminder of the power of local points to provide targeted relief and restore a sense of comfort and vitality to the upper body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris, 1.5 cun above the transverse wrist crease.

How to Locate:

  1. Turn your palm face up
  2. Locate the wrist crease closest to your palm
  3. Feel for the prominent tendon on the pinky side of your wrist
  4. Measure 1.5 finger-widths up from the wrist crease
  5. The point is just to the thumb side of this tendon
Location illustration for On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris, 1.5 cun above the transverse wrist crease.

Primary Functions

Emotional & Mental

  • Calms the spirit and reduces anxiety
  • Alleviates emotional disturbances
  • Promotes mental tranquility
  • Reduces nervous agitation

Speech & Communication

  • Improves speech clarity and articulation
  • Reduces stuttering and speech disorders
  • Enhances vocal expression

Circulatory System

  • Regulates heart rhythm
  • Reduces palpitations and irregular heartbeat
  • Improves cardiac function

Nervous System

  • Calms nervous system disorders
  • Reduces neurological symptoms

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Arm pain
  • Voice loss
  • Hoarseness
  • Eye pain
  • Elbow contracture
  • Finger numbness
  • Sudden muteness
  • Throat problems
  • Wrist pain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Forearm tension

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

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HT-4 Protocols

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