HT7 Shenmen Dog Acupuncture Point
Shén Mén 神门Professional veterinary acupuncture overview of HT7 Shenmen in dogs, including anatomical location, calming applications, Yuan-Source function, and safety notes.
| Chinese Name | 神门 |
| Pinyin | Shén Mén |
| Meridian | Heart Meridian (HT) |
| Anatomical Location | At the ulnar end of the wrist crease, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon, in the depression just above the carpus between the flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum superficialis. |
| Main Indications | Palpitations, insomnia, epilepsy, anxiety, stress, irritability, chest pain, restlessness, mental agitation, dizziness, forgetfulness, fright-induced palpitations. |
| Classical Function | ⭐ Yuan-Source; Key calming and sedating point. |
| Meridian Color | Heart Meridian | Fire (Imperial Fire) | Red |
Clinical Overview
In veterinary acupuncture practice, HT7 is one of the most important points for calming the spirit and settling the mind, especially when anxiety, hyperarousal, or sleep disturbance are part of the presentation.
TCVM practitioners often include HT7 in protocols aimed at nourishing Heart Blood, clearing internal heat, calming Shen, and supporting emotional regulation and sleep.
Veterinary Disclaimer
This educational content is not intended to replace professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary acupuncturist.
Yuan-Source Calming Point
HT7 is the Yuan-Source point of the Heart meridian, and its name means “Spirit Gate.” It is traditionally used for palpitations, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and fright-related emotional disturbance, making it a cornerstone point for calming and sedating treatments.
HT7 Canine Acupuncture Point Placeholder
Use this area for the canine HT7 map or your future TCVM illustration.
Pinpoint Location
Anatomical Landmark
On the ulnar side of the wrist crease, find the depression on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. In dogs, this point sits just above the carpus on the inner-lateral wrist region and can be palpated as a soft indentation at the wrist fold.
Primary Clinical Indications
- Palpitations: A classic point for fright-related palpitations, chest discomfort, and emotional agitation.
- Insomnia: Frequently used to help settle the mind and improve sleep quality.
- Epilepsy: Commonly included in calming protocols for seizure-prone or neurologically reactive dogs.
- Anxiety: Helps reduce stress, irritability, restlessness, and hypervigilance.
Recommended Point Pairings
In clinical veterinary acupuncture, HT7 is often paired with other calming, chest, and spirit-settling points depending on presentation.
Frequently paired with PC6 for anxiety, palpitations, nausea related to stress, and emotional dysregulation.
Often combined with Yintang and GV20 for insomnia, restlessness, and difficulty settling.
May be integrated with GV14, PC7, and ST36 when calming support is needed alongside broader systemic regulation.
Modern Veterinary Interpretation
From a modern veterinary rehabilitation perspective, HT7 is a highly accessible point near the carpus and is often used for anxiety, sleep issues, and behavioral regulation.
Integrative veterinarians may include this point within broader calming, sleep, palpitations, and seizure-support plans involving acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and medical management.
Safety & Needling Notes
Professional Veterinary Use
Because HT7 lies near the carpal crease and tendon structures, needling depth and angle should only be handled by trained veterinary professionals. Recommended technique: needle perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun, with careful tendon avoidance.
Gentle Acupressure Guidance
Pet owners exploring supportive acupressure can use gentle, steady pressure on the wrist crease for 1–2 minutes per side. Avoid forceful pressure if the dog shows discomfort or pulls away.
Editorial & Veterinary Review
This educational resource was prepared by the PetAcu editorial team using veterinary acupuncture references, TCVM educational materials, canine rehabilitation resources, and integrative veterinary literature.
Canine Acupuncture Atlas
Browse the complete veterinary acupuncture point database for dogs.
Explore Atlas →Dog Conditions That Acupuncture Treats Well
Explore integrative TCVM and acupuncture resources for dogs.
View dog conditions →Find a Veterinary Acupuncturist
Discover integrative veterinary practitioners and rehabilitation clinics.
Browse directory →