Pericardium Channel

Neiguan P-6

Chinese: 内关

Pinyin: Nèi Guān

Location

2 cun above Daling P-7 on the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle. 

How to locate

First locate Daling P-7 on the middle of the wrist joint space and measure 2 cun in a proximal direction. 

Then make a fist and make the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle more visible. Jianshi P-5 is between these two tendons. 

Main actions

  1. Invigorates Qi and Blood in the chest
  2. Calms the Mind
  3. Subdues Rebellious Stomach Qi
  4. Invigorate Liver Qi

Indications

Fear Nausea Anxiety Sadness Insomnia Vomiting Belching Hiccuping Neck pain Chest pain Depression Poor memory Palpitations Manic behavior Painful period Epigastric pain Hypochondriac pain Sour regurgitation Epigastric distension Irregular menstruation Premenstrual depression HypochondriaI distension Stifling sensation in the chest

Needling

0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely in a proximal or lateral direction.

Caution: The median nerve is located directly below this point.

Commentary for Neiguan P-6

Neiguan P-6 has a wide range of functions, which makes it one of the most important acupuncture points. 

First of all, it opens the chest by invigorating Qi and Blood there. In fact, it can be used for any chest discomfort or pain due to Qi and Blood Stagnation. The typical symptoms are chest pain, feeling of tightness of the chest or palpitations. 

Secondly, it is very powerful in calming the Mind, especially if the symptoms like anxiety or irritability are caused directly by a Heart Pattern or indirectly by Liver Qi Stagnation. The Pericardium and the Liver are linked within Terminal Yin (Jue Yin). The manifestations are insomnia, manic behavior, poor memory, anxiety, fright, sadness and depression. Its Mind calming feature is more effective in women, particularly these with insomnia and premenstrual depression. 

By invigorating Liver Qi, P-6 treats hypochondrial distension and pain as well. 

In additional to that, it also treats irregular or painful menstruation. It invigorates the Uterus Blood through its connection with the Liver, which supplies the period Blood. The Pericardium also influences the Uterus through the Uterus Vessel with the help of the Heart. 

Another important function of Neiguan P-6 is to subdue Rebellious Stomach Qi, especially in the upper and middle part of the Stomach. Therefore, it is useful in treating nausea, vomiting, hiccup, belching, epigastric distension and pain. 

Finally, some TCM books claim that the point can treat neck pain on the occiput due to its connecting with Triple Burner Channel. It is particularly the case for women after a hysterectomy.