The Pericardium Meridian originates from the heart, extends to the pericardium, descends to the diaphragm, and connects with the Triple Burner Meridian. Its branches separate from the chest and pass through the flank, reaching the Tianchi acupoint located 3 inches below the armpit. The Pericardium Meridian serves as a protective tissue for the heart and also functions as a pathway for Qi and blood, clearing away external pathogens surrounding the heart. Let's take a look at the benefits of massaging the Pericardium Meridian.
Benefits of Massaging the Pericardium Meridian
When the Qi and blood of the Pericardium Meridian are abundant, the meridian is robust. Massaging the Pericardium Meridian can enhance the strength of the heart, facilitate the transmission of Qi and blood between the heart and lungs, balance Yin and Yang, and promote a positive mental state. It can also protect the heart from external pathogens.
Best Time for Massaging the Pericardium Meridian
During the period of Xu (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM), the Qi and blood of the Pericardium Meridian are flourishing, making it the most active time for the meridian and the brain-nervous system. The optimal time for massage is from 7:40 PM to 8:20 PM, as 8:00 PM is the peak period of Qi and blood circulation in the Pericardium Meridian. The 20 minutes before and after this time are relatively the most abundant and stable in terms of Qi and blood flow. Massaging the Pericardium Meridian during this time can achieve the best results with less effort.
Acupoints on the Pericardium Meridian
The Pericardium Meridian has a total of 9 acupoints. 8 of them are distributed along the inner side of the upper limbs, with the last one located in the upper lateral chest. The first acupoint is Tianchi, and the last acupoint is Zhongchong.
Pathway of the Pericardium Meridian
The Pericardium Meridian starts from the Tianchi acupoint, which is 1 inch outside the nipple, and runs along the midline of the inner side of the upper limb, ending at the Zhongchong acupoint on the fingertip of the middle finger. The collateral branches extend from the palm to the ulnar side of the little finger, connecting with the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian.
Massage Techniques for the Pericardium Meridian
Method 1:
1. Start from the armpit and use both hands to knead and rub along the pathway of the Pericardium Meridian, moving from the arm, wrist, palm, and finally to the tip of the middle finger. Knead each side for about 10 minutes.
2. During the kneading process, relax the whole body and maintain a calm state of mind. Apply slightly more pressure with the hands and perform the movements slowly, transferring the force to follow the meridian pathway.
3. While kneading, do not focus on a specific acupoint. However, if there is soreness, numbness, or discomfort in a certain area, pay more attention to it. This indicates the possibility of bruising, which can endanger heart health and cause various heart diseases if not promptly addressed. In this case, spend more time massaging the area every day until the normal sensation is restored.
Method 2:
1. Find a quiet place and sit on a chair, relax the body and mind, breathe evenly, close your eyes, and focus on the Zhongmu acupoint of the Pericardium Meridian for 10 minutes.
2. Stretch both arms and move them slightly. Start massaging the Pericardium Meridian by rubbing the meridian on the right arm with the left hand and on the left arm with the right hand. Start from the Tianchi acupoint next to the nipple, move along the inner side of the shoulder to the inner side of the arm, following the pathway of the Pericardium Meridian. Press and knead gradually, reaching the wrist and finally the Laogong acupoint in the center of the palm. The speed of the massage should not be too fast, but the pressure should be slightly stronger to allow the force to reach the heart along the meridian. Massage each side for about 10 minutes.
3. If there is soreness, numbness, or any abnormal sensation in a certain area, focus more on massaging that area every day until the normal sensation is restored.
