Shaohai (Lesser Sea), known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as HE-3, is a calming and regulatory pressure point located at the inner elbow. It lies at the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, nestled in the depression just before the medial epicondyle of the humerus. It is best accessed when the elbow is flexed.
Widely used in both TCM and modern acupressure protocols, HE-3 is known to clear heat from the Heart meridian, settle the Shen (spirit), and help regulate emotional imbalances. Some sources also refer to it simply as the “Lesser Sea” point, with rare references calling it “Heart 3” or “HE3” in clinical acupuncture contexts.
Top Benefits at a Glance:
- Calms anxiety and emotional agitation
- Eases elbow stiffness and pain
- Helps relieve palpitations and insomnia
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure Point Name | Shaohai (Lesser Sea) – HE-3 |
| Body Area | Elbow |
| Exact Location | End of the inner elbow crease, near the medial epicondyle |
| Common Uses | Anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, elbow pain, tennis elbow |
| Stimulation Technique | Moderate thumb pressure for 1–2 minutes while elbow is bent |
| Contraindications | Avoid overpressure in cases of inflamed or injured elbows |
Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions
Shaohai (HE-3) is frequently used to address patterns related to Heart fire, Heart yin deficiency, or Liver-Heart disharmony. It is particularly helpful in:
- Emotional and psychosomatic conditions such as irritability, anxiety, and restlessness
- Cardiovascular symptoms like palpitations and mild arrhythmia-related tension
- Neuromuscular issues such as medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) and arm numbness
- Energetic conditions involving excess heat in the upper body or disrupted Shen (spirit)
This point supports emotional balance and improves circulation in the upper limbs by opening the heart channel and sedating excess heat.
Location
To find HE-3:
- Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle.
- Trace the inner (medial) end of the elbow crease until you reach the small hollow just before the bony protrusion of the inner elbow (medial epicondyle of the humerus).
- The point is in that depression.
Use one or two fingers to press gently into this hollow; as circulation increases, you may feel a subtle pulsing or warmth.
Looking for an easier way to use this point in your wellness routine? This pressure point is simple to locate and even easier to apply when guided step-by-step. It’s featured in over 70 evidence-based pressure point protocols inside our Pressure Points Guide app. Whether you’re looking to relieve anxiety, ease elbow pain, or support emotional balance, the app guides you through every session with visuals and audio.
👉 Click here to download our app
How to Stimulate It
- Tool: Use the pad of your thumb or knuckle
- Pressure: Apply firm but comfortable pressure—enough to feel slight sensitivity without pain
- Duration: 1–2 minutes
- Frequency: 1–2 times per day or as needed for emotional or joint relief
- Best Posture: Sit with the arm bent and supported, elbow flexed
- Pairing: Often used with HT-7 – Spirit Gate for calming effects
Benefits and Common Uses
Shaohai (HE-3) supports physical and emotional health by:
- Calming the Shen: Ideal for anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and irritability
- Clearing Heart fire: Used in TCM for insomnia with agitation, red complexion, and palpitations
- Relieving elbow and arm tension: Treats tennis elbow, numbness, and stiffness in the medial forearm
- Regulating circulation: Beneficial for poor blood flow in the upper limbs
Physiological Functions & Mechanisms
From a TCM perspective, Shaohai regulates the Heart meridian and helps cool internal heat. It’s considered a sedative point that releases stuck qi and disperses inflammation from the chest and arms.
Modern interpretations associate stimulation of this point with improved neuromuscular tone in the elbow joint and enhanced parasympathetic activity, potentially lowering stress response and improving vagal tone.
Practitioner Insight
I’ve found HE-3 incredibly helpful for clients who hold emotional tension in their chest and arms, especially those who experience insomnia tied to racing thoughts. I often pair it with deep, rhythmic breathing and HT-7 to calm the nervous system. If someone’s heart feels like it’s “beating in their throat” or their chest feels tight from stress, Shaohai is a quiet anchor point that helps bring everything down a notch.
Safety & Contraindications
- Avoid applying strong pressure if the elbow is inflamed, recently injured, or post-surgical
- Use caution in people with circulation disorders or nerve sensitivity in the arms
- If there’s discomfort, numbness, or pain, reduce pressure or stop stimulation
- Always ensure correct point identification before pressing
📘 Read our Acupressure Safety Guide
📂 Explore more in our Acupressure Category
As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.
Related Points & Techniques
- HT-7 (Spirit Gate) – Calms Shen, regulates Heart Qi
- PC-6 (Inner Gate) – For palpitations and nausea
- LI-11 (Crooked Pond) – Clears heat and benefits joints
- GV 24.5 (Third Eye) – For emotional calming
Other methods:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Tapping (EFT) near the Heart meridian
- Moxibustion, if guided by a qualified practitioner
🔄 More sessions with Shaohai (Lesser Sea) (HE-3) in our Pressure Points Guide App
Scientific Perspective
Emerging research suggests that acupoints like HE-3 may activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce sympathetic overactivity. Some studies show measurable improvements in heart rate variability and reductions in stress biomarkers following Heart meridian stimulation. While HE-3–specific trials are limited, broader Heart-channel acupressure has shown promise in calming emotional dysregulation and improving sleep quality.