28/08/2026
The Armpit Area in Traditional Chinese Medicine 🌿
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the armpit area is considered an important region where different Meridian pathways intersect. These pathways are associated with concepts of energy balance, organs, and emotions.
Anatomically, the area also contains the axillary lymph nodes, making it an important region when discussing the lymphatic and immune systems and holistic body care.
1. Heart Point HT1 – Ji Quan
The HT1 – Ji Quan point is located in the middle of the armpit area and is the first major point on the Heart Meridian.
Its traditional name is often translated as “Highest Spring” or “Spring of the Summit.”
In TCM, the Heart Meridian is associated with Shen, a concept relating to consciousness, the mind, emotional balance, and spiritual awareness.
For this reason, this area is traditionally used in some practices to support relaxation, comfort, and emotional balance, particularly during periods of stress or emotional pressure.
Gentle touch or pressure in this area is traditionally believed to help move Qi and relieve what TCM describes as emotional stagnation.
2. The Area and Its Connection to Emotions and Shen
In TCM, the Heart is associated with Shen, and therefore the Heart Meridian is also considered connected to emotional and mental well-being.
According to this traditional framework, ongoing stress and suppressed emotions may affect the balance and flow of Qi.
For this reason, gentle techniques such as light touch, gentle tapping, and mindful breathing around the armpit and chest area may be incorporated into relaxation and holistic body-care practices.
3. Connection with the Liver Meridian
According to TCM, the Liver is associated with the smooth flow of Qi and emotional balance.
When a person experiences ongoing stress or suppressed emotions, TCM may describe this state as Liver Qi Stagnation.
Within the traditional TCM framework, this may be associated with feelings of tension or discomfort around the chest, ribs, and sides of the body.
4. The Armpit and Other Energy Pathways
Several Meridian pathways associated with the Heart, Pericardium, Liver, Gallbladder, and other systems are located around or near the armpit region.
For this reason, the area is considered important in some TCM practices involving gentle bodywork, particularly during sessions focused on relaxation, body awareness, and a sense of internal balance.
5. The Relationship with the Lymphatic System
From an anatomical perspective, the armpit contains the axillary lymph nodes, which are part of the lymphatic and immune systems.
Therefore, gentle care of the tissues surrounding the armpit may be incorporated into certain massage and relaxation techniques.
However, it is important not to confuse the concept of Qi flow in TCM with lymphatic circulation described by modern anatomy and medicine. They are two different frameworks and concepts.
Gentle Practices for Caring for the Armpit Area 🌿
Gentle Tapping – Pai Da:
Very light tapping around the area may be used to increase body awareness and encourage a feeling of relaxation.
Gentle Circular Massage:
The fingertips can be used to make gentle circular movements over the surrounding tissues, while avoiding deep or painful pressure.
Mindful Breathing:
Gentle touch can be combined with slow, deep breathing to create a calmer and more relaxing experience.
🌿 Conclusion
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the armpit is not viewed simply as a physical area. It is considered an important region where different Meridian pathways meet and is traditionally associated with the Heart, Shen, Liver, and emotional balance.
From a modern anatomical perspective, the armpit contains important blood vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes, so the area should always be treated gently and mindfully, without strong or painful pressure.
Note: Concepts such as Qi, emotional storage, and Qi stagnation belong to the traditional framework of TCM. They should not be presented as medical diagnoses or as a replacement for appropriate medical assessment.
