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The classic states: The Heart is the official of the sovereign, from which Shen (Spirit/Mind) emerges. It is also stated: The Heart resides below the pulmonary tube and above the diaphragm, attached to the fifth thoracic vertebra of the spine. Its connection is with the vessels, and its luster manifests in the complexion. It opens into the ears, and it is also said to open into the tongue. Furthermore, it is stated that this meridian (Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian) has little blood but abundant Qi.

The *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) states: The Heart weighs twelve taels, contains seven orifices and three hairs, holds three he of essence fluid, and primarily functions to store Shen (Spirit).

Zhang Jiebin states: The Heart is pointed and round in shape, resembling the pistil of a lotus. Within it are orifices of varying numbers, which guide the primordial Qi. There are no perforating orifices at the bottom, while the top connects to the tongue. There are four ties in total, which connect to the other four Zang organs. Outside the Heart, there is red-yellow fat wrapping it, known as the Pericardium (Xin Bao Luo). Below the Heart is the diaphragm, which attaches circumferentially to the spine and ribs, shielding turbid Qi so that it cannot ascend to smoke the Heart and Lungs; this is what is referred to as Dan Zhong (Chest Center).

The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian originates in the Heart, emerges to belong to the Heart system (Xin Xi), descends through the diaphragm, and connects with the Small Intestine. Its branch ascends from the Heart system, flanking the pharynx, and connects to the Eye System (Mu Xi). Its straight branch returns from the Heart system, ascends into the Lung, emerges downward from the axilla, follows the posterior medial border of the upper arm, runs posterior to the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, descends into the elbow, follows the posterior medial border of the forearm, reaches the end of the styloid process of the ulna (posterior radial bone tip), enters the posterior medial aspect of the palm, follows the medial side of the little finger, and exits at its tip.

The Hand-Shaoyin meridian originates in the Heart, descends through the diaphragm, and directly connects with the Small Intestine. The branch returns from the Lung system, travels upward to the throat, and connects to the pupil. The straight branch ascends into the Lung, emerges from the axilla, passes through Shaohai (HT3) in the elbow, follows the posterior medial border of the forearm to the center of the palm, and injects into Shaochong (HT9) at the end of the styloid process.

[Note] The meridian of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian originates in the Heart, emerges to belong to the Heart system, descends from the Heart system through the diaphragm, and connects with the Small Intestine. The branch of this meridian ascends from the Heart system, flanking the pharynx, and connects to the Eye System. The straight branch of this meridian returns from the Heart system, ascends to connect with the Lung, runs posterior to the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, descends to emerge from the axilla, which is Jiquan (HT1). From Jiquan (HT1), following the posterior medial border of the upper arm, is Qingling (HT12). From Qingling (HT12), descending into the elbow and following the posterior medial border of the forearm, is Shaohai (HT3). From Shaohai (HT3), reaching the end of the styloid process of the ulna, are Lingdao (HT4), Tongli (HT5), Yinxi (HT6), Shenmen (HT7), and other acupoints. From Shenmen (HT7), entering the posterior medial aspect of the palm, is Shaofu (HT8). From Shaofu (HT8), following the medial side of the little finger and exiting at its tip, is Shaochong (HT9), where it terminates and connects with the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian.