Heart 1 (HT 1) Ji Quan — Supreme Spring

This point, lies in the centre of the axilla. It regulates Heart qi, unbinds the chest and benefits the arm.

Heart 1 (HT 1) Ji Quan 極泉 — Supreme Spring

Location

In the centre of the axilla, on the medial side of the axillary artery, at the level of the highest point of the axillary fold.

Anatomy

Within the axilla, medial to the axillary artery; the axillary artery and vein; the ulnar nerve, median nerve and medial brachial cutaneous nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Regulates Heart qi and unbinds the chest
  • Activates the channel and benefits the arm
  • Calms the spirit

Indications

Cardiac pain and oppression of the chest, dryness of the throat, pain of the costal region, cold and pain of the elbow and arm, and frozen shoulder.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, perpendicular insertion, avoiding the axillary artery.

Moxibustion Suitability

Moxibustion is generally avoided here owing to the vessels and nerves of the axilla.

Point Combinations

With PC-6 for cardiac pain; with LI-15 and SJ-14 for shoulder and arm pain.

Classical Text References

Indicated in the classical literature for cardiac pain, dryness of the throat and disorders of the arm.

Cautions & Contraindications

Avoid the axillary artery and the median and ulnar nerves; needle with care.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

Check Also

PubMed research

Traditional Chinese Medicine Improves Nutritional Status in Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in improving nutritional status among Chinese maintenance hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis of - Frontiers in nutrition, 2026.