PC-8 - Palace of Toil
劳宫 - Láo gōng
Point Region: Chest
PC-8 Laogong, meaning 'Palace of Toil,' is the Ying-Spring and Fire point of the Pericardium channel. Located on the palm, this point is a 'palace of toil' that helps to regulate the body's internal energy and restore a sense of balance. Its name, 'Palace of Toil,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the body's entire system.
Think of Laogong as a point that helps to 'clear the palace' of your body. It's invaluable for addressing issues like a restless spirit, a feeling of 'heat' in the body, and a lack of vitality. By regulating the body's internal energy, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.
By regulating the body's internal energy, PC-8 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a calm and unburdened body.
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: Located on the palm, in the depression between the metacarpals.
How to Locate:
- Make a loose fist
- Find where your middle finger touches your palm
- Open your hand and locate this spot
- The point is in the center of your palm
Primary Functions
Emotional & Mental
- Calms the mind and reduces stress
- Helps with anxiety and panic disorders
- Reduces anger and irritability
- Promotes emotional balance
- Clears mental fog and confusion
Circulatory System
- Clears heat from the heart
- Reduces palpitations and chest discomfort
- Improves circulation
- Calms excessive heart fire
- Regulates blood pressure
Digestive System
- Relieves stomach pain and nausea
- Reduces vomiting and indigestion
- Calms digestive inflammation
- Helps with mouth ulcers
- Improves appetite
Nervous System
- Calms nervous system hyperactivity
- Reduces tremors and spasms
- Helps with epilepsy and seizures
- Improves mental clarity
- Reduces stress-related symptoms
Sleep & Rest
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces nightmares and disturbed sleep
- Calms the mind for rest
- Helps with insomnia from heat conditions
Musculoskeletal System
- Relieves hand and palm pain
- Reduces finger stiffness
- Improves hand circulation
- Helps with repetitive strain in hands
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Mouth ulcers
- Anxiety
- Hand tremors
- Gastritis
- Oral sores
- Nervousness
- Hand shaking
- Stomach problems
- Emotional stress
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
PC-8 Protocols
Emotional Heat & Restlessness Relief (3 minutes)
- Sit comfortably with palm facing up
- Locate PC-8 (center of the palm, between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals, where the middle finger touches when making a fist)
- Apply gentle pressure for 30 seconds
- Massage in circular motions for 1 minute to clear emotional heat and calm the Shen
- Repeat pressure while breathing deeply and softening the brow
Important Precautions
- Recent hand surgery
- Severe hand infections
- Open wounds on palm