Pericardium Meridian
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PC-5
Metal-Jin
River-Jing Point
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Forearm
Location
3 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle.
Main Actions
- Opens the Mind's orifices and removes the Phlegm
- Calms the Mind
- Subdues Stomach Rebellious Qi
- Regulates menstruation
Indications
Commentary
Jianshi P-5 is most used to calm the Mind, open the Mind's orifices and resolve Phlegm in the Heart. It is very useful in clearing the Phlegm that mists the Heart and causes various mental issues.
In acute conditions, there are typical symptoms such as delirium, aphasia, coma or febrile diseases happening in the Blood level of the Four Levels Theory.
In chronic conditions, the patients suffer from mental disorders like deep depression or manic behavior such as incessant talking, uncontrolled activity and reckless behavior.
Sometimes, there are other symptoms such as epilepsy with lose of consciousness and foaming heavily from the mouth.
Apart from Phlegm misting the Heart, Jianshi P-5 can also subdue Stomach Rebellious Qi. Thus it can treat manifestations such as epigastric pain, vomiting and nausea.
Finally, it can regulate menstruation by invigorating Blood. The typical symptoms are irregular menstruation, painful periods, clotted menstrual blood as well as retention of lochia.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu, Chapter 2 (Ben Shu): First documented this point, describing its location as "between the two tendons, at the three cun mark."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "At the back of the palm, three cun, in the depression between the two tendons."
Su Wen, Ling Lan Mi Dian Lun: The name 'Jianshi' relates to the concept that "when the master is not clear, the twelve officials are in danger, the messenger's pathway is obstructed and blocked." Wang Bing commented that 'messenger's pathway' (使道, shi dao) refers to "the pathway through which the spirit and qi travels."
How to Locate
First locate Daling P-7 at the middle of the cubital crease (wrist joint space) and measure 3 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.
Caution
The median nerve lies directly beneath this point, covered only by the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. Avoid deep perpendicular needling beyond 0.5 cun. If electric or shooting sensations occur, withdraw the needle slightly. Do not use strong manipulation techniques. Extra care is needed with point injection therapy to avoid nerve damage.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely in a proximal direction. Caution: The median nerve here is only covered by the radial head of the flexor digitorum superficialis. Vertical needling should not exceed 0.5 cun; no strong needle stimulation.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Soreness and distension locally, with sensation often radiating toward the fingertips along the median nerve distribution. Avoid sharp, electric shock sensations which indicate direct nerve contact.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Metal-Jin
Transporting Type
River-Jing Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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