The Shaofu (Lesser Mansion) pressure point—also designated as HE-8—is located on the palm, specifically in the depression between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, just proximal to the 5th metacarpophalangeal joint. You can find it easily when making a loose fist: it lies under the tip of the little finger as it touches the palm.
Shaofu belongs to the Heart meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It plays a central role in managing internal heat, emotional unrest, and energetic disharmony, especially those arising from excess heart fire. In clinical and energetic contexts, this point is often used to calm the spirit, soothe agitation, and relieve heat-related conditions such as mouth ulcers or palm heat.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure Point Name | Shaofu – HE-8 (Lesser Mansion) |
| Body Area | Palm |
| Exact Location | Between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, proximal to the 5th MCP joint |
| Common Uses | Anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, sore throat, mouth ulcers |
| Stimulation Technique | Press with opposite thumb for 1–2 minutes with moderate pressure |
| Contraindications | Avoid in cases of palm inflammation or open wounds |
Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions
Shaofu (HE-8) is indicated in conditions involving excess internal heat or “heart fire” that disturbs the mind. Clinically, it supports conditions such as:
- Heart palpitations and arrhythmias
- Insomnia due to mental restlessness
- Emotional agitation including anxiety and irritability
- Burning sensations in the palms or chest
- Sore throat or painful mouth ulcers linked to systemic heat
In Western anatomical terms, its location aligns with the palmar surface of the hypothenar region. It involves branches of the ulnar nerve and superficial palmar arch systems that can influence tactile sensitivity and circulatory tone in the hand.
Location
Shaofu lies on the palm, in the natural depression formed when making a gentle fist. To find it:
- Make a loose fist.
- Observe where the tip of your little finger touches the palm—this marks the HE-8 location.
- You’ll find it between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, just before the joint of the pinky finger (5th MCP joint).
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 calm anxiety, fall asleep more easily, or soothe inner tension, the app guides you through every session with visuals and audio. Click here to download our app.
How to Stimulate It
- Posture: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.
- Method: Use the thumb of your opposite hand to apply moderate pressure on the point.
- Duration: Hold for 1–2 minutes, optionally using small circular motions.
- Frequency: Once or twice daily, especially before sleep or during periods of heightened stress.
- Pairing Suggestions: This is often used in conjunction with HT-7 (Spirit Gate) and PC-6 (Inner Gate) for compounded emotional support.
Benefits and Common Uses
Physical
- Regulates heart rhythm
- Alleviates sore throat and dry mouth
- Reduces heat in the palm and upper body
Emotional & Energetic
- Calms the mind and eases anxiety
- Promotes restful sleep
- Clears excess heart fire and harmonizes Shen (spirit)
Physiological Functions & Mechanisms
From a TCM viewpoint, Shaofu disperses internal heat and calms Shen by clearing the Heart meridian. Energetically, it releases congestion in the chest and facilitates a smoother flow of qi toward the upper body.
Modern interpretations suggest it may also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to reduce cortisol and promote relaxation through sensory stimulation of the palm’s rich nerve network.
Practitioner Insight
In my experience, HE-8 is a discreet but powerful point for emotional rebalancing. I often suggest it to clients who have restless sleep linked to overthinking or emotional overheating. When paired with slow breathing and gentle pressure, it works almost like a reset button for the heart-mind connection.
Safety & Contraindications
- Avoid stimulating if the palm is injured, inflamed, or has open wounds.
- Use light pressure if the point is hypersensitive or sore.
- Pregnancy caution: Not typically contraindicated, but use gentle methods and consult a qualified practitioner for anxiety-related protocols.
More safety guidelines can be found in our Acupressure Safety Guide and the full Acupressure category archive.
As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.
Related Points & Techniques
- HT-7 (Spirit Gate): for emotional stability and sleep
- PC-6 (Inner Gate): for heart-related anxiety and digestive issues
- GV 24.5 (Third Eye Point): to quiet the mind
- Breathwork and visualization amplify Shaofu’s calming effects
- Moxibustion is not commonly applied here due to the sensitive palm area
More sessions featuring Shaofu (HE-8) are available in our Pressure Points Guide App.
Scientific Perspective
While direct clinical studies on HE-8 are limited, research supports acupressure’s ability to reduce heart rate variability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances via autonomic nervous system modulation. Stimulating points along the Heart meridian has been associated with neuroregulation and improved emotional control (NIH, PubMed).