Pericardium

Another Yin channel, this one with only 9 points, the same as the Heart channel.  It starts 1 cun lateral to the nipple and runs along the front of the upper limb between the Lung channel and the Heart channel and ends on the tip of the middle finger at P9.  This leads to the only acupuncture joke that I know of. 

How do acupuncturists give each other the finger?

They simply say, P9. 

We didn't laugh in class either...

But, it's useful to know that this channel communicates with the Sj channel at P7 (Yuan Source point) and P6, Luo connecting point.

In clinic, it's good for:

• Heart diseases, especially angina pectoris, palpitation, rhythm disorders and endocrine disorders.
• Upper abdominal disorders such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, nausea, vomiting and morning sickness
• Mental disorders such as schizophrenia, nervous instability.
• Diseases along the channel

It is valuable to note that in TCM, the heart and pericardium are associated with the brain functions, even though the brain is listed only as an "extraordinary organ".  Treatment of brain disorders therefore, falls to the main channels of the heart and pericardium.  In some cases, it may be appropriate to choose points from the Du and Urinary bladder and stomach channels, as they all run on the scalp and thus, over the brain.  For brain protocols, usually the following are chosen:  H7, P6, Du20 (a staple of mine), Du11 and the points on the three yang channels which run from the head to the foot, Ub62, Ub15, Gb34 and St40.

Here are the frequently used points.

P3, In the anti cubital crease, on the medial (ulnar) boarder of the biceps tendon.  Good for angina pectoris, palpitation and anxiety.  This point can be bled for chronic yin disorders or fever.

P4, Xi-Cleft point.  5 cun proximal to the midpoint of the wrist crease between the tendons of the palmaris longus and the flexor carpi radialis muscles.  As a Xi-Cleft point, it may be used to treat acute heart disease, such as angina pectoris, pericarditis, tachycardia and other disorders of cardiac rhythm or acute depression or hysteria.  This point is an excellent anesthesia point for heart surgery!

P6, Neiguan.  Luo connecting point, one of the 6 important distal points.  2 cun proximal to the midpoint of the wrist and between the two main tendons.  Indicated for plenty!

• Heart disease, angina pectoris, palpitation, carditits, endocrine disorders
• brain disorders, mental disorders, epilepsy, hysteria, insomnia anxiety
• distal point for chest and upper abdominal area, pain in the chest, hiccups, nausea, vomiting, gastritis, peptic ulcer, discomfort due to hiatus hernia.
• Morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum 
• Numbness of the forearm and hands
• Acupuncture anesthesia in thyroidectomy and cardiac surgery

P7, Yuan source point.  At the midpoint of the wrist crease between the two tendons listed above.  Diseases of the wrist joint, early carpal tunnel syndrome without positive objective neurological signs.

Note, this point is often combined with H7 and Lu9 for anything wrist.  This goes to show you that anytime the meridians pass over a joint, the acupuncture points in the region treat that joint

P8  In the palm, between the tips of the middle and ring finger as these touch the central region of the palm when lightly clenching the fist.  This is good for disorders of the palm, rheumatic arthritis of the hand and carpal joints, Dupuytren's contracture, excessive sweating of the palm.  Fair warning, this point is painful!

Here's the list:

P3 Water point
P4 Xi-cleft point
P5 Metal point
P6 Luo connecting point, distal point
P7 Yuan source point, Earth point
P8 Fire point
P9 Jing well, wood point

Here are all the main sedative and tranquilizing points of the body!!! 

Du20
Sishenchong, Ex6
H7
P6
Ub62
Ub15 (Heart Shu)
Gb34 (hm!)
St40
Du11
Ex8, Ex9 Anmian I and II
Yaoqi, Ex20

Li4 also has potent sedative and tranquilizing effects in addition to being the best analgesic.

The deep circulation of the pericardium originates from the organ, which is the protector of the heart.  It communicates with all three body cavities and further connects with the tongue and brain via the same internal pathways as the heart.

Syndromes of the Pericardium

Well, there are no syndromes really, as they are all the same for the heart. 

That's it for me tonight.  On to the Sanjiao tomorrow, the triple warmer!