The Pericardium Meridian functions as the Heart's faithful guardian and protector, earning titles such as "Heart Protector," "Circulation-Sex Minister," and "King's Bodyguard." While the Heart rules as the supreme emperor, the Pericardium acts as its protective envelope, filtering what reaches the heart and ensuring that only beneficial influences are allowed to affect our deepest emotional core.

This meridian governs our capacity for intimate relationships, sexual expression, and emotional vulnerability. It controls the delicate balance between opening our heart to love and connection while maintaining healthy boundaries. The Pericardium also regulates circulation and blood pressure, ensuring that the heart's physical function remains stable even during emotional stress or excitement.

Meridian Pathway & Flow

Direction

Flows from chest to hand, moving from Yin to Yang

Pathway

Origin: Begins deep in the pericardium (heart protective sac) within the chest
Internal Branch: One branch descends through the diaphragm to connect with the triple burner
Surface Path: Emerges at PC-1 (Tianchi) on the lateral chest, about 1 inch lateral to the nipple
Arm Path: Travels down the medial aspect of the arm between heart and lung meridians
Forearm Path: Continues down the center of the forearm between tendons
Wrist and Palm: Passes through the wrist and palm center
End Point: Terminates at PC-9 (Zhongchong) at the tip of the middle finger
Connection: Links to the Triple Heater meridian at TH-1 (Guanchong) on the ring finger

Active Time

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Peak energy circulation)

Primary Functions

Physical Functions

Protects the heart from physical and emotional stress
Regulates circulation and blood pressure
Controls heart rate variability
Governs the pericardium (heart protective membrane)
Manages blood vessel tone and flexibility
Influences chest and breast health
Controls arm and hand circulation

Emotional & Mental Functions

Governs intimate relationships and romantic love
Controls emotional boundaries and protection
Manages sexual expression and intimacy
Regulates emotional responses to stress
Facilitates appropriate emotional openness
Guards against emotional overwhelm
Supports healthy attachment and bonding
Controls jealousy and possessiveness

Essential Acupoints

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Therapeutic Applications

Cardiovascular Conditions

High blood pressure and hypertension
Heart palpitations and irregular rhythm
Chest pain and angina
Poor circulation and cold hands
Heart-related anxiety and panic
Cardiovascular stress responses

Emotional & Relationship Issues

Difficulty with intimate relationships
Fear of emotional vulnerability
Jealousy and possessiveness
Sexual dysfunction or intimacy issues
Heartbreak and emotional trauma
Difficulty setting emotional boundaries
Social anxiety and fear of rejection
Excessive emotional reactivity

Stress & Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety attacks and panic disorders
Chronic stress and overwhelm
Insomnia from emotional agitation
Restlessness and inability to relax
Emotional instability
Stress-related digestive issues

Physical Symptoms

Arm and wrist pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Chest tightness and oppression
Hot flashes and temperature regulation
Nausea and motion sickness
Headaches from emotional stress

PC Protocols

Heart Protection Routine (8-12 minutes)

Begin at 7-9 PM (peak pericardium time) or when feeling emotionally vulnerable
Start with PC-1 (Tianchi) with gentle pressure for opening heart protection
Work PC-6 (Neiguan) with sustained pressure for emotional regulation
Apply pressure to PC-7 (Daling) for calming emotional reactivity
Focus on PC-8 (Laogong) for clearing emotional heat
End with light touch on PC-9 for gentle activation

Anxiety and Panic Relief (5-8 minutes)

For anxiety attacks, panic, or emotional overwhelm
Focus immediately on PC-6 (Neiguan) with firm, sustained pressure
Work PC-7 (Daling) for calming the mind and emotions
Apply pressure to PC-8 while focusing on slow, deep breathing
Hold points until emotional intensity begins to subside

Relationship Healing Practice (10-15 minutes)

For heartbreak, intimacy issues, or relationship difficulties
Begin with heart-centered breathing while touching PC-1
Work PC-6 for emotional balance and healthy boundaries
Hold PC-7 while reflecting on capacity for love and forgiveness
Apply gentle pressure to PC-8 with intention of healing heart wounds
End with PC-9 for renewed openness to connection

Circulation and Blood Pressure Support (10 minutes)

For high blood pressure or poor circulation
Start with PC-1 for opening chest and improving circulation
Work PC-6 systematically with moderate pressure
Focus on PC-7 for overall cardiovascular regulation
Apply pressure to PC-8 for warming circulation
Coordinate with slow, rhythmic breathing

Intimacy and Sexual Health (12-15 minutes)

For sexual dysfunction or intimacy fears
Begin with mindful breathing while holding PC-1
Work PC-3 (Quze) for releasing sexual tension
Apply pressure to PC-6 for emotional openness
Focus on PC-8 for warming sexual energy
Practice with intention of healthy intimate connection

All PC Points

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Considerations

Late Summer Focus

Pericardium is most active in late summer - practice during warm, humid evenings
Support with heart-opening and relationship-nurturing activities

Emotional Safety

Create safe, supportive environment for pericardium work
Be prepared for emotional releases and relationship insights
Honor the 7-9 PM time with intimate, connecting activities

Relationship Health

Practice healthy communication and boundary setting
Engage in heart-opening activities like dancing, singing, or creative expression
Cultivate both solitude and meaningful connections

Stress Management

Regular relaxation practices to prevent emotional overwhelm
Limit exposure to emotionally triggering media or situations
Practice emotional regulation techniques

Physical Care

Keep chest area warm and protected
Practice good posture to support chest opening
Regular gentle exercise to support circulation

Sexual Health

Maintain healthy sexual expression and intimacy
Address intimacy issues with appropriate professional support
Practice self-love and acceptance

Precautions

Pressure

Use gentle to moderate pressure - the pericardium responds best to supportive touch
PC-6 is commonly used and can handle sustained pressure
PC-8 in the palm center is sensitive - apply gently

Emotional Sensitivity

Pericardium work often triggers emotional releases
Be prepared for tears, memories, or relationship insights
Create supportive environment for emotional processing

Heart Conditions

For serious cardiovascular conditions, work with cardiologist
Monitor blood pressure changes during treatment
Never substitute for emergency cardiac care

Relationship Trauma

Those with relationship trauma may need professional therapy support
Start gently and respect emotional boundaries
Be aware that heart protection may initially increase before opening

Mental Health

Anxiety and panic disorders require professional evaluation
Pericardium support complements but doesn't replace mental health treatment
Monitor for worsening of anxiety symptoms

Pregnancy

PC-6 is commonly used safely for morning sickness
Other pericardium points generally safe with gentle pressure
Avoid excessive emotional work during pregnancy

Medications

Be aware of interactions with blood pressure medications
Inform healthcare providers about complementary practices
Monitor for changes in medication effectiveness

Boundary Issues

Those with poor boundaries may need to strengthen rather than open initially
Work gradually with people-pleasing tendencies
Support healthy selfishness and self-protection

Sexual Trauma

Approach sexual health applications with extreme sensitivity
May require professional trauma therapy support
Focus on safety and consent in all intimate practices

PC - Pericardium Meridian