The pericardium meridian in traditional Chinese medicine refers to a thin membrane outside the heart that can act as a substitute for the heart to resist external pathogens. When the body is invaded by external pathogens, it can protect the heart by taking on the attack. It is an important meridian for protecting the heart. So, where is the exact location of the pericardium meridian?
Pathway of the Pericardium Meridian of Hand Jueyin
The pericardium meridian originates in the chest and belongs to the pericardium network. It passes through the diaphragm and runs through the upper, middle, and lower burners. Its branches originate from the chest, pass through the armpit at a point 3 inches below the armpit, and go up to the armpit. It then enters the elbow along the medial line of the upper limb, passes through the wrist, and enters the palm. It runs along the radial side of the middle finger to the tip at the Middle Cavity point. Another branch originates from the palm and runs along the ulnar side of the ring finger, connecting with the Triple Burner meridian at the Guan Chong point.
Which acupoints are located on the pericardium meridian?
The pericardium meridian has a total of 9 acupoints from Tian Chi to Zhong Chong, with a total of 18 acupoints on both sides. These acupoints are Tian Chi, Tian Quan, Qu Ze, Xi Men, Jian Shi, Nei Guan, Da Ling, Lao Gong, and Zhong Chong.
Qu Ze is located in the middle of the elbow crease, on the radial side of the biceps tendon.
Xi Men is on the palm side of the forearm, 5 inches above the wrist crease, along the line connecting Qu Ze and Da Ling.
Nei Guan is on the palm side of the forearm, 2 inches above the wrist crease, between the flexor carpi radialis tendon and the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.
Da Ling is located at the midpoint of the wrist crease, between the flexor carpi radialis tendon and the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.
Lao Gong is on the palm, between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones, slightly on the 3rd metacarpal bone, at the fingertip of the middle finger when making a fist.
Tian Chi is located in the 4th intercostal space on the chest, 5 inches beside the midline.
Jian Shi is in the anterior forearm, 3 inches above the wrist crease on the palm side, between the flexor carpi radialis tendon and the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.
Tian Quan is in the anterior arm, 2 inches below the anterior axillary fold, between the long and short heads of the biceps brachii.
Zhong Chong is at the tip of the middle finger.
Functions and effects of the pericardium meridian
In traditional Chinese medicine, the pericardium meridian, also known as "Shan Zhong," is the membrane that surrounds the heart outside the heart. Due to its proximity to the heart and lungs and its role as the origin of the body's Qi, it can assist in the circulation of Qi and blood in the heart and lungs, harmonize Yin and Yang, and promote a pleasant state of mind. It also has a protective effect on the heart.
Symptoms of disorders in the pericardium meridian
Disorders of the pericardium meridian are mainly manifested as heat in the palms, difficulty in flexing and extending the arms, swelling in the armpits, distension and stuffiness in the chest and hypochondrium, heart pain, restlessness, facial flushing, yellowing of the eyes, and unpredictable mood swings.
Diseases treated by the pericardium meridian
The pericardium meridian is mainly used to treat diseases of the circulatory system, such as the chest and heart, as well as disorders of the nervous and mental systems and diseases in the areas traversed by this meridian. The most commonly used acupoint on the pericardium meridian is Nei Guan, which is often used to treat diseases of the spleen and stomach, as well as nausea and vomiting. It can also be used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and arrhythmia.
When is the best time to massage the pericardium meridian?
The pericardium meridian is most active during the evening from 7 to 9 PM, which is the time when the digestive system is working to digest the dinner. It is best to wait for half an hour after dinner to start massaging the acupoints on the pericardium meridian, so as not to interfere with the circulation of Qi and blood.
