Yinxi (Yin Cleft), also known as HE-6, is a well-documented pressure point located on the Heart meridian, deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is classified as the xi-cleft point of the Heart channel, meaning it is where qi and blood accumulate in cases of acute conditions related to the Heart.
Top benefit:
This pressure point is known to calm the spirit, clear heat from the Heart, and stop excessive night sweating, making it highly effective for anxiety, palpitations, hot flashes, and insomnia.
Yinxi may also appear in some texts as “Yin Accumulation” or “Heart Xi-Cleft,” but it is most commonly referred to as Yinxi or HE-6 in both Eastern and Western acupuncture literature.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure Point Name | Yinxi (Yin Cleft) – HE-6 |
| Body Area | Forearm |
| Exact Location | 1 cm (or ~half a thumb width) above the wrist crease, on the palm side of the forearm, near the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris |
| Common Uses | Anxiety, insomnia, night sweats, palpitations, hot flashes, emotional instability |
| Stimulation Technique | Apply steady, moderate pressure for 1–2 minutes using your thumb or index finger |
| Contraindications | Use caution during pregnancy; avoid overstimulation on inflamed or injured skin |
Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions
Yinxi (HE-6) is most often used to address symptoms linked to the Heart system in TCM, particularly when heat disturbs the Shen (spirit). This can manifest as:
- Sleep disturbances like insomnia, especially when accompanied by vivid dreams or restlessness
- Emotional conditions such as anxiety, sadness, or irritability
- Cardiovascular symptoms, including palpitations or a fluttering chest
- Menopausal symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes
From a biomedical lens, its location along the ulnar aspect of the forearm makes it relevant for influencing nearby nerves and vascular structures, potentially explaining its role in calming nervous tension and regulating heartbeat.
Location
Yinxi is located on the anterior side of the forearm. To find it:
- Start at the wrist crease, directly on the palm side.
- Move about 1 cm (half a thumb width) upward toward the elbow.
- It lies just radial (thumb side) to the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris, along the Heart meridian.
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, stop night sweats, support sleep, or calm emotional spikes, the app guides you through every session with visuals and audio.
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How to Stimulate It
- Method: Use the pad of your thumb or index finger.
- Pressure level: Moderate; you should feel a dull ache but not pain.
- Duration: 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Frequency: 1–3 times per day, especially in the evening for sleep support.
- Posture: Seated or lying down with the forearm relaxed and palm facing up.
- Pairing: Often combined with HE-7 (Spirit Gate) for sleep and emotional balance, or KID-6 (Shining Sea) for night sweats.
Benefits and Common Uses
Stimulation of Yinxi (HE-6) offers a wide range of therapeutic effects:
- Mental-emotional: Reduces overactivity of the mind, calms the spirit, soothes panic and nervousness
- Cardiac-related: Eases palpitations, racing heart, and emotional heart heat
- Endocrine and menopausal: Mitigates hot flashes and spontaneous night sweating
- Sleep regulation: Supports deeper, more restful sleep
In clinical settings, it’s a go-to point for patients experiencing emotional overload, hormonal imbalance, or chronic insomnia rooted in Heart Yin deficiency.
Physiological Functions & Mechanisms
Energetically, HE-6 acts as a xi-cleft point—these are known for treating acute pain and disorders of their respective organs, in this case, the Heart. It disperses heat and supports Yin and Blood, essential for grounding the spirit (Shen).
Modern interpretations suggest that its calming effects may be linked to stimulation of the ulnar nerve and vascular modulation, which can influence parasympathetic tone and cardiac rhythm.
Practitioner Insight
When working with clients experiencing emotional exhaustion or burnout, I’ve often found HE-6 to be particularly soothing in the evenings. A few minutes of mindful breathing while pressing this point—sometimes paired with gentle music or guided meditation—can create a tangible shift in their sense of inner calm.
Safety & Contraindications
- Avoid if there’s any skin irritation, open wounds, or recent injury at the site.
- Use caution in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
- Do not overuse: prolonged or overly frequent stimulation may cause fatigue.
- Always pair use with other supportive lifestyle practices like proper hydration and rest.
For more on acupressure use and safety, see our acupressure safety guide and explore our full acupressure resource library.
As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.
Related Points & Techniques
- HE-7 (Spirit Gate): Enhances emotional and sleep-related effects of HE-6
- PC-6 (Inner Gate): Useful for palpitations and anxiety
- KID-6 (Shining Sea): Often paired to relieve night sweats and nourish Yin
- Techniques: Combine with slow breathing, aromatherapy, or herbal teas for synergistic results
💡 More sessions featuring Yinxi (HE-6) are available in our Pressure Points Guide App.
Scientific Perspective
While targeted studies on HE-6 are limited, its role in managing symptoms of insomnia and palpitations is supported by broader research on Heart meridian acupoints. Clinical reviews have found acupuncture and acupressure on Heart channel points beneficial in modulating heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and subjective stress scores, particularly among menopausal and high-stress populations (PubMed, NIH).