Connecting Li (HT-5) Pressure Point: Benefits & Technique

The Connecting Li pressure point (HT-5) is a Heart meridian point on the inner wrist that may help with heart palpitations, dizziness, sore throat/voice issues, wrist discomfort, and speech disruptions (like stuttering).

Introduction & Definition

HT-5—commonly translated as Connecting Li and known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Tongli (通里)—is a classical point on the Heart (HT) meridian. In TCM, it is the Luo-Connecting point of the Heart channel, meaning it helps regulate the Heart’s connecting network and its relationship to the paired Small Intestine channel.

In practical acupressure terms, the Connecting Li pressure point is most often used when symptoms look like “Heart channel involvement,” such as:

  • Palpitations or an unsettled chest sensation
  • Dizziness (especially when paired with anxiety or a “fluttery” feeling)
  • Throat and voice symptoms (sore throat, sudden voice changes)
  • Speech/tongue coordination issues (including stuttering in some traditional indications)
  • Local wrist or forearm discomfort along the inner wrist line

Summary Table

Anatomical illustration of Connecting Li pressure point location on inner forearm
Attribute Details
Pressure Point Name HT-5 – Connecting Li (Tongli)
Body Area Wrist
Exact Location Inner wrist, about 1 finger-width above the wrist crease, on the thumb-side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon
Common Uses Heart palpitations, dizziness, sore throat/voice issues, wrist pain, stuttering/speech difficulty
Stimulation Technique Firm thumb or finger pressure, 1–3 minutes
Contraindications Use caution in pregnancy; avoid strong pressure over sensitive wrists, nerve pain, or known vascular issues

Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions

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From a TCM viewpoint, HT-5 is used to regulate Heart Qi, calm agitation, and influence the Heart’s network vessel (Luo). Because the Heart channel “opens to the tongue” in TCM theory, Tongli is also traditionally associated with speech and tongue function.

From an anatomy-informed perspective, the point sits near:

  • The flexor carpi ulnaris tendon (a key wrist/forearm flexor structure)
  • The ulnar nerve and ulnar artery region (which is why careful technique matters)

This combination helps explain why people often notice HT-5 as a “responsive” point—sometimes tender, sometimes radiating—especially when there’s wrist overuse, forearm tension, or heightened autonomic arousal (stress physiology).

Common presentation patterns where HT-5 is considered:

  • Palpitations with anxiety or restlessness (TCM: Heart Qi disharmony; modern: stress response)
  • Dizziness with a fluttery chest feeling (rule out medical causes first)
  • Sore throat or voice strain alongside chest tightness or emotional stress
  • Wrist pain/weakness along the inner (ulnar) wrist line, especially with gripping or repetitive flexion
  • Speech disruption (traditional indication; not a substitute for neurological evaluation)

Location

Person applying Connecting Li pressure point technique on themselves at home

To find HT-5 (Connecting Li/Tongli), turn your palm upward and relax your wrist.

  1. Locate the wrist crease on the palm side.
  2. From that crease, move about 1 finger-width (roughly 2 cm) up the forearm.
  3. Feel for the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon (it becomes more distinct if you gently flex your wrist or lightly grip).
  4. HT-5 is on the thumb-side (radial side) of that tendon, not directly on top of it.

For orientation, HT-5 lies on the same Heart meridian line between Lesser Sea (HT-3) Pressure Point and HT-7, and it is close to Spirit Path (HT-4) Pressure Point.

How to Stimulate It

Use acupressure on HT-5 when you can keep the wrist neutral and relaxed.

Basic technique (recommended)

  1. Support your forearm on a table or your lap, palm up.
  2. Place your thumb pad on HT-5 and your fingers on the back of the wrist for counter-support.
  3. Press firmly but comfortably (think “good pressure,” not sharp pain).
  4. Hold for 1–3 minutes, breathing slowly.
  5. Repeat on the other wrist.

Pressure level & sensation

  • Aim for a 3–6/10 intensity: noticeable, possibly tender, but not electric, stabbing, or numbing.
  • A mild ache or warmth is common. Stop if symptoms radiate sharply into the ring/pinky fingers (possible ulnar nerve irritation).

Frequency

  • For occasional symptoms: 1–2 sessions/day for several days.
  • For stress-related patterns: brief holds 3–5 times/week may be more sustainable than intense daily work.

Pairing options (common in practice)

Benefits and Common Uses

Cardiovascular-style symptoms (supportive care)

The Connecting Li pressure point is traditionally used for:

  • Heart palpitations and an irregular or “skipping” sensation (TCM: Heart Qi regulation)
  • Chest tightness or unsettled sensations that worsen with stress

Important: palpitations can be benign, but they can also be medically significant. If palpitations are new, severe, associated with chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath, seek urgent care.

Dizziness and head symptoms

HT-5 may be chosen when dizziness presents with:

  • Anxiety, restlessness, or a “wired” feeling
  • Throat tightness or voice strain patterns

Throat, voice, and tongue function (TCM use)

Because the Heart channel is classically linked to the tongue and speech, HT-5 is used for:

  • Sore throat or voice changes (especially when stress-related)
  • Stuttering or speech disruption in traditional indications (not a replacement for speech therapy or medical evaluation)

Local wrist and forearm discomfort

As a wrist-area point, HT-5 may help with:

  • Achy or fatigued wrist flexor tissues
  • Discomfort along the inner wrist line from repetitive use

Physiological Functions & Mechanisms

In TCM terms, HT-5 (Tongli) is said to:

  • Regulate Heart Qi and the Heart Luo vessel (supporting chest, spirit, and tongue/speech functions)
  • Harmonize the Heart–Small Intestine pairing through the Luo-Connecting pathway

From a modern, anatomy-informed lens, plausible mechanisms (not point-specific proof) include:

  • Peripheral nerve modulation: the region is close to the ulnar nerve pathway; gentle pressure may influence local sensory input and pain gating
  • Myofascial/tendon effects: pressure near the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon may reduce local tone and improve proprioceptive feedback
  • Autonomic downshifting: slow breathing combined with sustained pressure can support parasympathetic activity and reduce perceived palpitations in stress states

Evidence quality note: high-quality clinical trials specifically on HT-5 acupressure are limited. For broader context on acupuncture/acupressure research and safety, see the NIH-backed overview from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Practitioner Insight (first-person allowed here only)

In day-to-day acupressure work, I find HT-5 responds best when the wrist is fully relaxed and the pressure is steady rather than intense. If someone reports “zappy” sensations into the pinky/ring finger, I back off immediately and switch to gentler holds with slower exhalations—comfort and consistency tend to work better than force at this location.

Safety & Contraindications

Use conservative pressure on the Connecting Li pressure point because of nearby sensitive structures.

Use caution or avoid strong pressure if you have:

  • Symptoms suggestive of ulnar nerve irritation (tingling, numbness, shooting pain into ring/pinky finger)
  • Known vascular problems at the wrist or a history of clotting disorders (ask your clinician)
  • Recent wrist surgery, fracture, severe sprain, or active inflammatory arthritis flare

Pregnancy

  • There is no universal agreement on avoiding HT-5 in pregnancy, but in clinical wellness settings I recommend caution and lighter pressure unless guided by a qualified clinician.

When to seek medical care (do not self-treat only)

  • Palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or new neurological symptoms
  • Sudden speech changes (rule out stroke or neurological causes)
  • Persistent dizziness or recurrent faintness

For broader guidance, review our acupressure safety guide and browse more educational articles in our acupressure category.
As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.

Related Points & Techniques

Related Heart meridian points (same channel line)

Throat and voice support (common pairings)

Adjunct techniques

  • Resonant breathing: inhale gently through the nose, longer exhale (e.g., 4 seconds in, 6–8 seconds out) while holding HT-5
  • Gentle wrist mobility: after pressing, slowly circle the wrist 5–10 times each way without forcing range
  • Light tapping (percussion): 20–30 seconds over the point can be an alternative if sustained pressure feels too intense

Scientific Perspective

Modern research tends to evaluate acupuncture/acupressure by symptom category (e.g., anxiety, pain modulation, nausea) rather than single-point effects. Still, HT-5’s traditional indications overlap with areas where acupoint stimulation has been studied:

Because HT-5 lies near the ulnar nerve/artery region, the most evidence-aligned recommendation is conservative: use moderate pressure, prioritize comfort, and treat acupressure as supportive care, not a substitute for diagnosis or urgent evaluation.

Image Prompt

Black line illustration of a human Wrist showing the location of Connecting Li. Minimalist and educational style.

  • Image Title: HT-5 Pressure Point Location on the Wrist
  • Alt Text: Black line diagram showing HT-5 pressure point on the Wrist