The first point of the Heart channel — and the highest. Jiquan (HT-1) sits in the very armpit, at the spring where the Heart Meridian rises to the surface. It opens the chest, calms the heart and frees the arm, making it one of the most direct points for reaching the Heart's domain.
Name & story
The name 极泉 Jiquan means "Utmost Spring" or "Supreme Source". 极 (jí) means the highest, the utmost — the very pinnacle — and 泉 (quán) means a spring of water bubbling up from the earth. Together they paint a picture of a wellspring emerging at the highest point of the body's channel — the Heart Meridian beginning its long descent from the armpit all the way to the little finger. It is as though the Heart's vital energy rises here to the surface like fresh spring water from the depths, making this the most exalted and primary source of the entire channel.
Point family & character
Jiquan (HT-1) belongs to the Heart Meridian (HT) and is its very first point — the starting point of the channel as it emerges in the axilla.
Five-element dynamics
The Heart belongs to the Fire element, the most Yang of all the organs, and it is the sovereign — the Emperor — of the entire body in Chinese medicine. The Shen, the spirit and consciousness, is said to reside in the Heart. Jiquan (HT-1), as the opening gate of this royal channel, is where the Heart's Fire and its Qi first rise to the surface. When that Fire becomes agitated — producing anxiety, palpitations and restlessness — or when the channel itself is blocked, causing pain and numbness down the arm, this first and highest point on the channel can open the door and let the channel flow freely again.
Location
Jiquan (HT-1) is found in the centre of the axilla — the armpit — at the peak of the armpit hollow when the arm is raised. It lies over the pulsation of the axillary artery.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies in the centre of the axilla (armpit), where the axillary artery can be felt pulsing. Important structures in the area include the axillary artery, axillary vein and the brachial plexus of nerves.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly, carefully avoiding the axillary artery. The needling sensation may travel down the arm toward the hand, following the course of the Heart Meridian.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Gentle acupressure or massage at the armpit hollow can be used at home to stimulate the point. The area also responds to gentle stretching of the arm overhead, which opens the axilla and encourages free flow of Qi along the channel.
Functions
Regulates the Heart and calms the Shen; relieves chest tightness and pain. Activates the channel and alleviates pain along the Heart Meridian (HT), freeing the arm and shoulder. Benefits the axilla region.
Indications
Chest pain and tightness, heart palpitations. Pain, numbness or coldness of the arm, elbow or hand along the Heart Meridian (HT). Shoulder and axilla pain. Dry throat and thirst. Scrofula (lymph node swellings) in the axilla region.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
As the first and utmost point of the Heart Meridian (HT), Jiquan sits closest to the Heart itself — the home of the Shen. When the Heart is disturbed by emotional turmoil, grief or long-held sadness, the chest tightens as if something is locked inside. Jiquan can help unlock that holding, open the chest and allow the Heart's Qi to circulate once more, bringing a sense of relief, openness and emotional ease.
Point combinations
With HT-7 (Shenmen) — to calm the Shen and address heart palpitations and anxiety. With BL-15 (Xinshu) — to nourish and regulate the Heart and settle the spirit in cases of insomnia and anxiety. With PC-4 (Ximen) — for acute chest pain and palpitations when the Heart channel is obstructed.
Clinical spotlight
Jiquan (HT-1) carries a particular significance in channel theory: as the very first point of the Heart Meridian (HT), it is the gateway through which the channel's Qi enters the arm. Clinically it is valued for its ability to activate the whole length of the Heart Meridian, making it especially useful in conditions of arm numbness, tingling or pain travelling along the inner arm to the little finger — patterns that can arise in certain cardiac and neurological presentations. Its proximity to the axillary artery and brachial plexus also gives it a strong local influence over the shoulder and axilla region.
The golden tip
To stimulate Jiquan (HT-1) at home, raise one arm and use the opposite hand to gently press or massage the centre of the armpit hollow for 1–2 minutes. A sensation of tingling or warmth spreading down the inner arm toward the hand tells you the right spot has been found. This is especially helpful for a sense of tightness or constriction in the chest, or for numbness along the inner arm.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.