In urgent situations, such as when someone collapses, loses consciousness, or experiences sudden chest pain, most of us instinctively reach for the emergency call button. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners in ancient China utilized a natural emergency relief point on the pinky finger: the Lesser Rushing (Shao Chong, HT9) acupoint.
Shao Chong has significant potential in cases of acute crises. TCM views it as a life-restoring switch during emergencies and a valuable tool for addressing emotional or physical turmoil.
A Legacy Rooted in Classical Medicine
Shao Chong first appeared in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing,” the oldest surviving manual on acupuncture and moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort), compiled nearly 2,000 years ago. Shao Chong is classified as a Jing-Well point, a group of points located at the tips of fingers and toes known for their rapid effects, especially their ability to expel pathogenic heat and restore consciousness.
In TCM theory, excessive heat invading the Heart meridian can lead to a range of issues, including high fever, chest pain, and extreme emotional states such as mania or deep depression. As the Jing-Well point of the Heart meridian, Shao Chong is effective in quickly draining heat, helping to bring a person back from states of internal chaos. This is why it is often used in emergencies such as fainting, heart attacks, or strokes—situations when the body and mind are overwhelmed and require a reset.
When Modern Science Meets Ancient Practice
While Jing-Well points have been used for millennia, modern research is examining how they work from a biomedical standpoint, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like brain injury.
In one study, researchers examined the effects of bloodletting acupuncture at all twelve Jing-Well points of the hands, including Shao Chong, on mice with traumatic brain injuries. The results were promising: Mice that received treatment immediately after injury showed faster neurological recovery, better cerebral blood flow, and significantly less brain swelling. Blood circulation in the treatment group began improving within just one to two hours.
The findings point to a biological mechanism behind the long-recognized TCM belief that Jing-Well points can rapidly revive and restore vital function, possibly by reducing inflammation, improving microcirculation, and supporting brain recovery after trauma.
How to Locate and Stimulate Shao Chong
Shao Chong is located on the side of the pinky finger, near the ring finger, just a couple of millimeters away from the corner of the nail. Press around this area until you find a spot that feels sore or numb when pressed, indicating the presence of an acupoint.
There are several ways to work with Shao Chong, depending on your needs and current health condition:
- Pressure: Press the point firmly for three to five seconds, rest for three seconds, and repeat for up to three minutes.
- Circular Massage: Use your thumb or index finger to massage in small circles for one to three minutes on each side.
- Toothpick Technique: Using the blunt end of a clean toothpick can give deeper stimulation that somewhat mimics acupuncture.
- Advanced Methods: A trained TCM practitioner may choose to use acupuncture or bloodletting on this point, especially in emergencies. This involves pricking the point to allow a small drop of blood to escape, facilitating rapid heat release and energetic movement. This method should not be attempted without professional guidance.
Precautions
Avoid stimulating Shao Chong if there’s any injury or open wound in the area. For bloodletting techniques, strict sanitation before and after is essential to avoid infection.
A Powerful Ally in Your Self-Care Toolkit
While this point is particularly important in emergencies, it also applies to daily life. You can include Shao Chong in your wellness routine to enhance alertness, clear mental fog, and help regulate strong emotional fluctuations. The stimulation might initially feel intense, so it’s best to start with a light massage, pay attention to how your body reacts, and use it purposefully when you need clarity, calmness, or a quick reset.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 12 May 2025
