HT-5 - Penetrating the Interior
通里 - Tōng lǐ
Point Region: Wrist
HT-5, or 'Tongli' (meaning 'Penetrating the Interior'), is the 'Luo-Connecting' point of the Heart channel. Its name refers to its ability to 'penetrate' the 'interior' and connect with the deeper layers of the body and mind.
As a 'Luo-Connecting' point, Tongli serves as a communication hub between the Heart and its partner meridian, the Small Intestine. It is also used to address a wide range of emotional and psychological issues, as it helps to 'calm the Shen' (spirit) and restore a sense of inner peace. It is a go-to point for a lack of connection, a sense of 'emptiness' in the heart, and a feeling of being 'stuck' emotionally.
Tongli acts as a vital access point to the heart and the mind, 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 cun above the transverse wrist crease.
How to Locate:
- Turn your palm face up
- Locate the wrist crease closest to your palm
- Feel for the prominent tendon on the pinky side of your wrist
- Measure 1 finger-width up from the wrist crease
- The point is just to the thumb side of this tendon
Primary Functions
Speech & Communication
- Improves speech and language function
- Treats speech impediments and disorders
- Enhances verbal communication skills
- Reduces tongue stiffness affecting speech
Emotional & Mental
- Calms the mind and reduces mental distress
- Alleviates anxiety and nervous tension
- Promotes emotional expression
Circulatory System
- Regulates heart function and rhythm
- Improves circulation and blood flow
- Reduces cardiac irregularities
Nervous System
- Calms nervous system hyperactivity
- Improves neural communication pathways
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Arrhythmia
- Insomnia
- Mania
- Wrist pain
- Finger spasms
- Palpitations
- Speech disorders
- Stuttering
- Bladder dysfunction
- Urinary retention
- Hysteria
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
HT-5 Protocols
Speech Anxiety & Heart Rhythm Support (3 minutes)
- Sit upright with forearm resting palm-up
- Locate HT-5 (1 cun above HT-7 on the radial side of the tendon)
- Apply gentle pressure for 30 seconds
- Massage in small circles for 1 minute to support clear expression and calm palpitations
- Repeat pressure while breathing deeply and slowly