PC - Pericardium Meridian

手厥阴心包经 - Shǒu Juéyīn Xīnbāo Jīng

In TCM theory, a channel (meridian) links an internal organ system with a line of points on the surface of the body.

In TCM, the Pericardium channel is paired with the Triple Energizer channel. Traditional teaching describes the Pericardium as the protector of the Heart, sharing its role in calming the mind, and links it with the chest.

What research says: a 2025 Cochrane review of clinical trials found that stimulating PC-6 on the inner wrist, alongside anti-nausea medicine, may reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery compared with a sham treatment. That review is about nausea after surgery; it did not study other kinds of nausea.

Meridian Pathway & Flow

Direction

From the chest to the hand (PC-1 to PC-9)

Pathway

  • Starts: PC-1, on the chest in the fourth space between the ribs, 5 cun out from the midline
  • Arm: Down the middle of the inner arm, between the two tendons of the forearm, and through the centre of the palm
  • Ends: PC-9, at the tip of the middle finger
  • Internal course (TCM theory): Begins in the chest at the pericardium and runs down through the diaphragm to the Triple Energizer
  • Next channel (TCM theory): Links to the Triple Energizer channel at TE-1 on the ring finger

Traditional Organ-Clock Time

7–9 PM

PC Pericardium Meridian pathway illustration

Traditional Functions (TCM)

The Pericardium in TCM theory

  • Protects the Heart
  • Shares the Heart's role in calming the mind
  • Is linked with the chest

Essential Acupoints

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Traditional Applications

In TCM, points on this channel are traditionally used for

  • Nausea and motion sickness
  • Anxiety and restlessness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Wrist and forearm pain

PC Routines

Pericardium Channel Routine (4 minutes)

  1. Sit with your forearm resting palm-up
  2. Press PC-6 firmly for 1 minute on each wrist
  3. Press PC-7 for 30 seconds on each wrist
  4. Press PC-8 gently for 30 seconds on each palm
  5. Breathe slowly throughout

All PC Points

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Precautions

Pressure

  • PC-6 takes sustained pressure; press PC-8 in the palm gently

Chest symptoms

  • For chest pain, pressure or tightness, call your local emergency number. Do not use acupressure instead