HT-5 - Penetrating the Interior
通里 - Tōng lǐ
Point Region: Forearm
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: On the front and inner side of the forearm, on the thumb side of the tendon at the little-finger edge of the wrist (flexor carpi ulnaris), 1 cun above the wrist crease. It lies 1 cun above HT-7.
Distances are in cun, a unit that scales with each person's body. As a guide, the width of your thumb at its joint is 1 cun, and your four fingers held together, measured across the middle joints, are 3 cun.
How to Locate:
- Turn your palm up and find the tendon at the little-finger edge of your wrist
- From the wrist crease, measure one thumb-width up the forearm
- The point is on the thumb side of the tendon
How to Apply Pressure
With the palm up, press gently one thumb-width above the wrist crease, just on the thumb side of the tendon at the little-finger edge of the wrist. Light pressure is enough; if you have a serious heart condition, ask your doctor first.
Traditional Indications
In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:
- Insomnia
- Wrist pain
- Finger spasms
- Palpitations
- Speech disorders
- Stuttering
- Bladder dysfunction
Related Health Concerns
Related Acupoints
Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.
Important Precautions
Avoid this point with:
- Avoid during acute mania episodes
- Use caution with severe cardiac conditions
- Avoid excessive stimulation in hyperactive states
Take care:
- Luo-connecting point - effects may be felt in distant areas
- Can strongly affect speech and bladder function
- Monitor for emotional responses during treatment