The pericardium meridian is located close to the heart and is the source of the body's ancestral qi. It serves as both a protective tissue for the heart and a pathway for qi and blood circulation. Let's take a look at the functions of the Lesser Yin Heart Meridian of the Hand.
Location of the Lesser Yin Heart Meridian of the Hand
According to the "Huangdi Neijing", it is said that "the Shanzhong (Pericardium) is the official in charge of the ministers, and joy and happiness arise from it." The Shanzhong refers to the pericardium, which is located in the middle between the two breasts and is the place where ancestral qi converges.
Functions of the Lesser Yin Heart Meridian of the Hand
The pericardium and heart are closely related. According to the "Huangdi Neijing", the heart is the commander of the body, governing the circulation of blood and the activities of the mind. It is the foundation of the body. The pericardium is the outer membrane of the heart, mainly responsible for protecting the normal functioning of the myocardium. By unblocking the pericardium meridian, external pathogenic factors around the heart can be cleared, keeping the heart in a healthy state. It also promotes the smooth flow of yang meridians and ensures the smooth circulation of qi and blood, thus maintaining overall well-being.
Massage Techniques for the Lesser Yin Heart Meridian of the Hand
1. Inner side of the upper limb pericardium meridian: Sit with the left shoulder leaning forward and the left arm bent towards the right side. Place the back of the left hand on the knee, and use the thumb of the right hand to press and knead the pericardium meridian from top to bottom, focusing on acupoints or tender points. Massage each side for about 5 minutes, then switch arms and massage the pericardium meridian on the opposite side using the same technique.
2. Sit or lie down, use the palm of the left hand to push and massage from the upper left to the lower right of the chest, and use the right hand to push and massage from the upper right to the lower left. Cross your hands and repeat the pushing and massaging motion 30 times. Then, massage the breasts in both directions for 30 circles each, and then massage them vertically and horizontally for 30 times each.
Benefits of Massage: Regular massage helps to promote the circulation of qi and blood in the pericardium meridian, slow down the aging process, and prevent and alleviate heart-related diseases. It is particularly suitable for cardiovascular patients.
Acupoints for the Lesser Yin Heart Meridian of the Hand
Quze: Located in the middle of the elbow crease, on the ulnar side of the biceps brachii tendon. When the elbow joint is bent, it is in a depressed area. It has the functions of clearing summer heat, relieving heat, and regulating stomach function.
Jianshi: Located 3 cun behind the wrist, in the gap between the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris and the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis. It has the functions of broadening the chest, regulating stomach function, and calming the mind.
Neiguan: Located 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis and the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris, opposite to the Waiguan acupoint. It is the connection point between the Lesser Yin Heart Meridian of the Hand and the Lesser Yang Triple Burner Meridian of the Hand. It has the functions of calming the mind, regulating stomach function, and relieving pain.
Daling: Located near the palm, in the center of the wrist crease. It has the functions of calming the mind, promoting the circulation of qi and blood, broadening the chest, and regulating stomach function.
Laogong: Located in the center of the palm, the point where the hand exerts force. It has the functions of clearing heat from the heart, opening the orifices, relieving swelling, and stopping itching.
Zhongchong: Located at the tip of the middle finger, near the nail. It has the functions of reviving from fainting, clearing heat from the heart, and regulating the circulation of qi and blood.
Pathway of the Pericardium Meridian
The pathway of the pericardium meridian starts from the Tianchi point, which is 1 cun outside the nipple, and runs along the midline of the inner side of the upper limb, ending at the Zhongchong point at the tip of the middle finger. The collateral branches from the palm to the ulnar side of the little finger, connecting with the Lesser Yang Triple Burner Meridian of the Hand.
