HT-8 - Lesser Mansion
少府 - Shào fǔ
Point Region: Hand
HT-8, or 'Shaofu' (meaning 'Lesser Mansion'), is the 'Ying-Spring' and 'Fire' point of the Heart channel. Located on the palm of the hand, its name refers to its position as a 'lesser mansion' where the energy of the Heart meridian gathers and pools.
As a 'Ying-Spring' point, Shaofu is a go-to point for '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. It is also used to address 'palpitations' and 'chest pain' that come from a lack of rest or nourishment.
Shaofu 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 palm, between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones, where the tip of the little finger rests when a fist is made.
How to Locate:
- Make a loose fist with your hand
- Notice where the tip of your little finger touches your palm
- Open your hand and locate this spot
- The point is between the 4th and 5th knuckle bones in your palm
Primary Functions
Emotional & Mental
- Calms the mind and reduces emotional distress
- Alleviates anxiety and nervous tension
- Reduces mental agitation and restlessness
- Promotes emotional balance and stability
Circulatory System
- Regulates heart function
- Reduces palpitations and cardiac discomfort
- Improves circulation to hands and fingers
Musculoskeletal System
- Relieves hand and finger pain
- Reduces palm muscle tension
- Improves hand flexibility and dexterity
Digestive System
- Calms digestive upset from emotional stress
- Reduces stress-related stomach discomfort
Nervous System
- Calms nervous system agitation
- Reduces stress response
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Palpitations
- Heat in the palms
- Hand curling
- Emotional vexation
- Irritability
- Chest pain
- Genital itching
- Urinary dysfunction
- Finger contracture
- Palm sweating
- Restlessness
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
HT-8 Protocols
Irritability & Heat Clearing (3 minutes)
- Sit comfortably with palm facing up
- Locate HT-8 (between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, where the tip of the little finger rests when making a fist)
- Apply firm pressure for 30 seconds
- Massage in circular motions for 1 minute to clear emotional heat and calm the Shen
- Repeat pressure while breathing deeply and relaxing the jaw