ACU CENTRE

www.acucentre.com.au
Notes on the Point Information Provided Here

03 9532 9602

The banner heading for each acupuncture point derives from Ellis A. et al (1989) Grasping
the Wind. This includes the point number, pinyin name with tones, Chinese characters, and
English translation/ interpretation of the characters. These have been cross-checked with many
of the other references listed earlier on this web page, such as Ellis et al (1988), Wiseman &
Boss (1990), Wiseman & Feng (1998), Zhang (1990), Shandong (1982), Rogers (1981), Ross
(1995), OConnor & Bensky (1981), Ming et al (1997), Maciocia (1989b), Cheng (1987), and
Souli de Morant (1994).
Point order is the same as that given in the Meridian information in other papers. Intersecting
points on other Channels are included together with the nominal points belonging to a Channel.
The language used to describe each point location has been revised and sometimes rewritten.
This has been done to ensure precision and clarity, and also ensure that the terminology used is
both consistent and accurate in terms of modern anatomical landmarks/ language. The location
of nearby points is sometimes included to aid differential identification and location.
For each acupuncture point the remaining information is grouped into the following
categories: Features & Categories, Functions, Indications, and Supplementary Indications. This
reasonably comprehensive information is edited from the sources noted in References earlier
on this web page, particularly from those indicated in paragraph 1. above.
The point details provided in Features & Categories are essentially the same as those
outlined in other papers on this web page, for example, where Meridian details are given or in
lists of points with similar qualities (e.g. Luo points, Yuan points).

P OINTS OF THE P ERICARDIUM Z ANG

Location: On the anterior midline, midway between the nipples, level with the medial end of
the 4th intercostal space. It is best if the patient is supine. Use of the nipples to locate this point
is obviously not so relevant for females. It is located midway between Ren-16 (Zhong Ting)
and Ren-18 (Yu Tang), about 1.6 cun from each point. The point is approximately located at the
junction of the superior 3/4 and inferior 1/4 of the body of the sternum. It is often sensitive to
pressure with palpation. KID-23 (Shen Feng) is located 2 cun lateral to this point.
Features & Categories: Meeting point of the Qi; Intersection point of the San Jiao Channel
of hand Shao Yang and Small Intestine Channel of hand Tai Yang on Ren Mai. Front
Alarm-Mu, Collecting point of the Pericardium Zang; front Alarm-Mu, Collecting point of the
Upper Jiao. Point of the Sea of Qi (BL-10, ST-9, DU-15, DU-14, REN-17).
Note: An alternative name for this point is Shan Zhong, Chest Centre.

ACU CENTRE, Suite 11, 1st Floor, 219 Balaclava Rd., Caulfield North. Vic. 3161 1

ACU CENTRE
www.acucentre.com.au
03 9532 9602
Note: Ellis, Wiseman & Boss (1991, 1989) and O'Connor & Bensky (1981) both list REN-17
(Dan Zhong) as an Intersection point of the Spleen Channel of foot Tai Yin and Kidney Channel
of foot Shao Yin on Ren Mai, even though these Meridians do not make this overt intersection.
The Pericardium Channel of hand Jue Yin may intersect in a similar way at this point (Rogers,
1981), thereby establishing the Meridian connection from the Kidney Channel.
Functions: Regulates Qi and rectifies rebellious Qi counterflow; tonifies Qi; dispels Fullness
from the chest; clears the Lung and resolves Phlegm; opens the chest and frees the diaphragm;
benefits the breasts.
Indications: Dyspnea; asthma; bronchitis; hiccough; breathlessness; pain or fullness of the
chest; tightness or constriction of the chest; (chronic) cough; chronic bronchitis; difficulty in
swallowing; angina pectoris; palpitations; mastitis; lactation insufficiency; intercostal neuralgia;
Phlegm obstruction of the chest; insufficient dispersing and descending action of Lung Qi;
hiatus hernia.

Location: On the chest, 1 cun lateral to the centre of the nipple in the 4th intercostal space.
This point is contra-indicated on women.
Features & Categories: Intersection point of the Gall Bladder Channel of foot Shao Yang
on the Pericardium Channel. Meeting point of Jue Yin (Pericardium & Liver). Window of the
Sky point.
Functions: Opens the chest and rectifies flow of Qi; suppresses cough and calms dyspnea;
promotes smooth flow of Lung Qi and clears Heat.
Indications: Thoracic fullness or oppression; angina pectoris; pain in the lateral costal region;
intercostal neuralgia; pain and swelling of the axillary region.
Supplementary Indications: Cough with copious phlegm; dyspnea; scrofula; breast abcess;
malaria; headache; inability to move the limbs; throat rales.

Location: On the anterior arm between the two heads of biceps brachii muscle. The point lies
two cun below the level of the anterior axillary fold.
Functions: Opens the chest and rectifies Qi; nourishes the Heart and calms the Shen; quickens
the Blood, transforms stasis, and relieves pain.
Indications: Cardiac pain; angina pectoris; palpitations; lateral costal distention; cough; pain in
the anterior chest, back, shoulder blade, and medial anterior aspect of the upper limb.
Supplementary Indications: Palpitations; blurred vision; aversion to wind and cold.
ACU CENTRE, Suite 11, 1st Floor, 219 Balaclava Rd., Caulfield North. Vic. 3161 2

ACU CENTRE

www.acucentre.com.au

03 9532 9602

Location: On the transverse cubital crease just medial to the tendon of biceps brachii muscle.
An aponeurosis (of variable size) is usually present. The point should be needled medial to the
aponeurosis.
Features & Categories: Water, Sea, Uniting-He point of the Pericardium Channel.
Functions: Clears Heat and cools the Blood; moves Blood and dispels stasis; expels Fire
pathogen; downbears counterflow and stops vomiting; calms the Shen and settles convulsions.
Pacifies the Stomach and regulates the Intestines; opens the Heart portals and frees Heart Qi.
Indications: Stomach pain; vomiting; diarrhoea; gastroenteritis; enteritis; febrile diseases;
vexation and agitation; cardiac pain; palpitations; bronchitis; pain in the elbow and arm;
trembling of the upper limb.
Supplementary Indications: Susceptibility to fright; body fever; heat exhaustion; vexation
and abdominal fullness; thirst and dry mouth; Cold damage, seasonal febrile disease, acute
gastroenteritis; scourges and pestilences; cholera; cramp; headache and visual dizziness; cough.

Location: On the anterior forearm five cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease between the
tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles. The point is on a line drawn
between PC-3 (Qu Ze) at the elbow and PC-7 (Da Ling) at the wrist.
Features & Categories: Xi-Cleft, Accumulation point of the Pericardium Channel.
Functions: Calms the Heart and Shen; regulates and cools the Blood; opens the chest and
rectifies Qi; removes obstructions from the Channel; stops pain; expands the diaphragm.
Indications: Cardiac pain; palpitations; tachycardia; rheumatic heart disease; myocarditis;
angina pectoris; retching of blood; nosebleed; skin heat sores; hysteria; pleurisy; mastitis.
Supplementary Indications: Vexation; pain in the chest, possibly with vomiting;
melancholy; insufficiency of Shen; epilepsy; fear and fright; fearfulness of people or strangers.

Location: On the anterior forearm three cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease between
the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles. The point is on a line drawn
between PC-3 (Qu Ze) at the elbow and PC-7 (Da Ling) at the wrist.

ACU CENTRE, Suite 11, 1st Floor, 219 Balaclava Rd., Caulfield North. Vic. 3161 3

ACU CENTRE
www.acucentre.com.au
03 9532 9602
Features & Categories: Metal, River, Traversing-Jing point of the Pericardium Channel;
9th of the 13 Ghost points - Gui Cu, Ghost Cave. Group Luo-Connecting point of the Yin
Channels of the upper limb.
Functions: Nourishes and regulates Heart Qi and calms the Shen; opens the chest, transforms
Phlegm in the Heart; clears Heat; regulates the Stomach; soothes the Sinews and quickens the
Connecting vessels.
Indications: Cardiac pain; palpitations; rheumatic heart disease; stomach pain; vomiting;
febrile diseases; vexation and agitation; malaria; mania and withdrawal; hysteria; epilepsy;
axillary swelling; hypertonicity of the elbow; pain in the arm.
Supplementary Indications: Cold damage chest bind; critical Wind strike conditions of Qi
blockage, rising thin phlegm and clouding consciousness; loss of voice; enduring malaria;
menstrual irregularity and clotted discharge; red complexion and yellow eyes; seizures;
psychosis.

Location: On the anterior forearm 2 cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease between the
tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles. The point is on a line drawn
between PC-3 (Qu Ze) at the elbow and PC-7 (Da Ling) at the wrist.
Features & Categories: Connecting-Luo point of the Pericardium Channel, connecting to
the San Jiao Channel of hand Shao Yang; Master point of Yin Wei Mai (Yin linking Vessel),
Coupling point of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel). General Luo-Connecting point of the Yin.
Regional Command point of the chest and lateral costal region.
Functions: Clears Heat and eliminates vexation; Calms the Shen; opens the chest; regulates
Heart Qi and Blood; downbears counterflow and stops vomiting; harmonizes the Stomach and
relieves pain; regulates Jue Yin and the San Jiao.
Indications: Cardiac and chest pain; palpitations; shock; angina pectoris; stomach and
abdominal pain; nausea; retching; irritability; mania and withdrawal; migraine headache;
hysteria; insomnia; dizziness; hyperthyroidism; epilepsy; swollen and painful throat; pain and
hypertonicity of the elbow and arm; febrile diseases; malaria.
Supplementary Indications: Gastric reflux; splenogastric disharmony; vomiting; tidal
fever; jaundice; diseases of the chest and ribs; hot, red face; red eyes; prolapse of the rectum;
poor memory and derangement; lump glomus; concretions; Wind strike, apoplxy.

Location: In a depression between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis
muscles on the transverse anterior wrist crease.
ACU CENTRE, Suite 11, 1st Floor, 219 Balaclava Rd., Caulfield North. Vic. 3161 4

ACU CENTRE
www.acucentre.com.au
03 9532 9602
Features & Categories: Earth, Stream, Transporting-Shu point, Source-Yuan point of the
Pericardium Channel; 4th of the 13 Ghost points - Gui Xin, Ghost Heart (alternative to LU-9,
Tai Yuan); one of the nine needles for returning Yang (alternative to PC-8, Lao Gong).
Historically used as the Source-Yuan point of the Heart Channel of hand Shao Yin.
Functions: Clears Heat in the Heart and Pericardium, calms the Shen; harmonizes the
Stomach and opens the chest; clears construction and cools the Blood.
Indications: Cardiac pain; palpitations; myocarditis; stomach pain; vomiting; insomnia;
tonsillitis; fright palpitations; mania and withdrawal; insomnia; irritability; halitosis; mental
disorders; pain or oppression in the chest and lateral costal region; intercostal neuralgia.
Supplementary Indications: Blood ejection; pain at the root of the tongue; sensation of
throat blockage; heat in the palms; reddening or yellowing of the eyes; fire-like body fever;
shortness of breath; vexation; joy, sorrow, weeping, fright and fear; incessant laughter; scabies;
prickly, itchy and hot skin sores (Damp Heat).

Location: On the palm between the second and third metacarpal bones. The point is located on
the proximal transverse palmar crease ("head" line in palmistry). An alternative location for this
point is between the third and fourth metacarpal bones on the proximal transverse palmar crease
(Shandong, 1982).
Features & Categories: Fire, Spring, Gushing-Ying point of the Pericardium Channel.
Horary point. One of the nine needles for returning Yang (alternative to PC-7, Da Ling).
Alternative to PC-5 (Jian Shi) as the 9th of the 13 Ghost points - Gui Cu, Ghost Cave.
Functions: Clears Heart Fire; drains and eliminates Damp Heat; extinguishes Wind and cools
the Blood; calms the Shen and harmonizes the Stomach.
Indications: Cardiac pain; angina pectoris; mania and withdrawal; epilepsy; stomatitis;
vomiting; nausea; coma from stroke; heat exhaustion; mouth ulcers; halitosis; hysteria;
psychosis; mental disorder; excess sweating of palms and feet; Damp Heat skin diseases;
fainting due to fright in infants.
Supplementary Indications: Wind strike; irascibility; elation; apprehensiveness; difficult
ingestion; nosebleed; jaundice; numb fingers or hand tremors; bloody stool or urine; erosion of
the gums in infants; mouth ulcers; lower abdominal accumulations and masses.

Location: On the medial dorsal (ulnar) aspect of the 4th digit approximately 1 fen proximal to
the medial proximal corner of the finger nail.
ACU CENTRE, Suite 11, 1st Floor, 219 Balaclava Rd., Caulfield North. Vic. 3161 5

ACU CENTRE
www.acucentre.com.au
03 9532 9602
Features & Categories: Metal, Well-Jing point of the San Jiao Channel. Intersecting point
of the Pericardium Channel of hand Jue Yin on the San Jiao Channel.
Functions: Dispels Wind and dissipates Pathogens; resolves San Jiao Pathogenic Heat; frees
Channel and Connecting Vessel Qi; clears Heat and drains Fire; invigorates Blood; restores
consciousness.
Indications: Headache; red or swollen eyes; conjuctivitis; sore, swollen throat; stiff tongue;
laryngitis; Heat diseases; fever; irritability; fainting; ear ache.

Location: One fen proximal to the lateral proximal corner of the fingernail on the radial
(lateral) side of the middle finger. An alternative location for this point is in the centre of the tip
of the middle finger (Shandong, 1982).
Features & Categories: Wood, Well-Jing point of the Pericardium Channel.
Functions: Clears Heat from the Heart and Pericardium; opens the portals; restores
consciousness; returns Yang and stems counterflow; expels Internal Wind.
Indications: Cardiac pain; angina pectoris; palpitations; vexation and oppression; shock;
syncope; fainting; high fever; stiffness of the tongue impeding speech; febrile diseases; heat
exhaustion or heat stroke; convulsions; fright coma; heat in the palm.
Supplementary Indications: Elbow pain; thoracic oppression; tinnitus; pain or swelling in
the root of the tongue.

Location: Between the scapulae on the posterior aspect of the trunk, 1.5 cun lateral to Du Mai.
The point is located 1.5 cun lateral to the depression immediately inferior to the spinous process
of the 4th thoracic vertebra. BL-43 (Gao Huang Shu) is 1.5 cun lateral to BL-14 (Jue Yin Shu),
3 cun from the posterior midline.
Features & Categories: back Associated-Shu, Transporting point of the Pericardium Zang.
Functions: Frees the Channels and quickens the Connecting Vessels; soothes the Pericardium
and Liver and rectifies Qi; regulates the Heart.
Indications: Cough; palpitations; cardiac pain; chest pain; angina pectoris; rheumatic heart
disease; coronary heart disease; arrythmias; tachycardia; Heart diseases generally; neurasthenia;
thoracic oppression; stuffy chest; intercostal neuralgia; vomiting; insomnia; epilepsy; mental
disorder.

ACU CENTRE, Suite 11, 1st Floor, 219 Balaclava Rd., Caulfield North. Vic. 3161 6