Do you go to bed hoping to recharge, only to wake up drenched in sweat or with a pounding heart? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), night sweats are viewed as more than an inconvenience—often called “night thieves,” they indicate a disruption in your internal balance. An acupoint on your wrist, Yin Cleft (Yin Xi, HT6), plays a significant role in restoring balance.
Ancient Techniques for Sudden Symptoms
Yin Xi is first mentioned in the “Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot),” a foundational TCM text that focuses on acupuncture therapy and the flow of internal energy. Yin Xi is part of a group of points known as Xi Cleft points, where qi (vital energy) and blood are believed to accumulate. These points are particularly effective for addressing acute and sudden conditions. Given its location on the Heart meridian, Yin Xi is commonly used for addressing sudden cardiac discomfort, such as sharp chest pain or palpitations.
One of the key aspects of Yin Xi is its connection to the yin energy within the body. As a point located on a yin meridian, Yin Xi plays a crucial role in replenishing depleted yin. TCM describes yin as the cooling and relaxing force in the body, essential for restful sleep and emotional calm. When yin is deficient, the body can become hot, restless, and agitated, often manifesting at night through symptoms like sweating. Yin Xi is frequently used to alleviate night sweats and restore balance to the heart system.
Additionally, TCM links pathogenic heat to more severe symptoms, particularly when excessive heat impacts the blood. Excessive heat can provoke sudden blood flow to the surface, resulting in symptoms such as nosebleeds or hemoptysis (coughing up blood from the respiratory tract). Although these symptoms can be alarming, TCM interprets them as clear indications of internal heat that need to be addressed. In such cases, Yin Xi proves to be particularly effective.
Validating Tradition Through Research
Modern clinical studies have examined how acupuncture compares to pharmaceutical treatments. One such study focused on thalamic pain, a condition in which stroke patients experience chronic pain due to damage in the brain areas that process sensory information. This study compared acupuncture to the commonly prescribed drug Carbamazepine. Eleven patients participated in a crossover trial and received both treatments during different phases of the study.
The acupuncture approach aimed to calm the spirit, improve blood circulation, and reduce internal heat—therapeutic goals that align with TCM theory. Both the acupuncture treatment and the medication significantly reduced pain levels, with the group that received acupuncture reporting a higher rate of noticeable pain relief.
While the statistical difference was not large enough to claim that acupuncture was superior, the findings suggest that acupuncture is at least as effective as Carbamazepine, with fewer side effects. One of the acupuncture points targeted in the treatment was Yin Xi, providing modern support for its traditional use in addressing pain and energetic imbalances.
How to Locate and Stimulate Yin Xi
To locate Yin Xi, turn your palm face-up. You’ll find a tendon running along the inner edge of your forearm—the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. From the crease of your wrist, measure about half an inch upward. Yin Xi lies just to the pinky finger side of this tendon. You will know you’ve found the right spot if you feel soreness, tenderness, or numbness when applying pressure.
Simple Ways to Stimulate the Point
- Pressure technique: Apply steady pressure for three to five seconds, then release for three seconds. Repeat this cycle for one to three minutes on each wrist.
- Massage: Using your thumb or index finger, gently massage the area in slow circles for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal Patch: For extended stimulation, use an herbal patch overnight.
For a deeper therapeutic effect, consider visiting a licensed TCM practitioner who can apply acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) techniques depending on your condition and health goals.
Precautions
Avoid using this point if you have cuts, bruises, or injuries in the area. If you’re opting for herbal patches, refrain from using products with strong synthetic ingredients, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Making Time to Heal
If you’re clocking enough hours of sleep but still waking up tired or overheated, give Yin Xi a try. Sometimes, it’s more than activating the point—it’s about caring for your body, slowing down, and being present with your own health. That moment of mindfulness, paired with centuries-old wisdom, can make a real difference in how you sleep and feel throughout the day.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 9 May 2025
