Pericardium Meridian
The heart's protector — and the channel of PC-6, the best-known acupressure point for nausea.
Pathway
The Pericardium meridian begins in the chest, connects with the pericardium, and descends through the diaphragm to the upper, middle, and lower burners. A branch emerges at the chest, ascends to the axilla, and runs down the medial arm between the Lung and Heart channels.
It crosses the elbow and wrist, ending at the tip of the middle finger at PC-9 Zhongchong. A further branch runs from the palm to the ring finger, where it meets the Triple Burner channel.
Role in TCM theory
- Protecting the heart (心包絡) — The pericardium is described as the heart's outer membrane and its protector, shielding the ruler from disturbance.
- The inner gate — PC-6 Neiguan, the "inner gate", is the channel's best-known point and a mainstay of traditional nausea care.
- Fire pair with the Triple Burner — Pericardium and triple burner share the Fire element and are described as interior–exterior partners.
- A channel of the chest and arm — Its medial arm pathway makes it central to traditional work on chest tightness and inner-arm tension.
Common acupoints on the Pericardium meridian
| Point | Name | Location | Traditional use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC-6 | Neiguan (內關) | Two cun above the wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis | The luo-connecting point; traditionally used for nausea and chest discomfort |
| PC-7 | Daling (大陵) | At the middle of the wrist crease, between the tendons | The shu-stream and yuan-source point; classically calming |
| PC-8 | Laogong (勞宮) | At the center of the palm, between the second and third metacarpals | The ying-spring point; traditionally used for heat and restlessness |
Point locations follow the WHO Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature (1991). Gentle acupressure is generally considered low-risk; needling must only be performed by a licensed practitioner.
The 7–9 pm window
7–9 pm is the pericardium's peak. Traditional advice favors light social time, reading, or quiet hobbies — engagement without overstimulation.
How this is viewed today
PC-6 is the most extensively studied acupressure point, particularly for nausea. Several systematic reviews find it may reduce nausea in some settings, though evidence quality varies. Persistent or severe nausea should be medically evaluated.
Sources & further reading
- Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經), c. 2nd century BCE.
- Nanjing (難經), c. 1st–2nd century CE.
- World Health Organization, Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature, 2nd ed., 1991.
- Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Acupuncture: What You Need To Know.
Related: Heart meridian · Triple Burner meridian · Body clock · all twelve meridians