Pericardium Meridian
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PC-8
Fire-Huo
Spring-Ying Point
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Exit Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Hand — Palm
Location
In the center of the palm, between the 2nd and the 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.
Main Actions
- Clears Heart Fire
- Calms the Mind
- Restores consciousness
Indications
Commentary
Laogong P-8 is the most useful Pericardium Channel point in clearing various of Fire, especially in the Heart.
The typical manifestations of Heart Fire Blazing are heart pain, tongue ulcers, thirst, insomnia and agitation. P-8 is particularly effective for these symptoms.
It also calms the Mind, thus treats symptoms like manic behavior, fright, anxiety and mental restlessness.
Finally, it cools Blood and restores consciousness in the situation of acute febrile diseases. In these cases, the pathologic Heat invades the Nutritive Qi or Blood level of the Four Levels Theory, giving rise to impaired consciousness, agitation, mental restlessness, delirium, cold hands, night fever, dry mouth, coughing or vomiting of blood and macules.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "Wind-heat with tendency to anger, sadness at heart, sighing, uncontrollable laughter—Laogong governs these."
《备急千金要方》Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold): "Governs foul-smelling swelling in the mouth of adults and children."
《玉龙歌》Yu Long Ge (Song of the Jade Dragon): "Laogong is found in the center of the palm; when sores cover the hand with unbearable pain [this point treats it]."
《外台秘要》Waitai Miyao: Lists extensive indications including febrile disease without sweating, chest and flank pain, cough, blood in urine and stool, vomiting blood, throat pain, difficulty eating, thirst, palm heat, and jaundice with yellow eyes.
How to Locate
Make a loose fist and locate Laogong P-8 at the tip of the middle finger, between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones. The point is slightly closer to the 3rd metacarpal bone.
Caution
This point is typically more sensitive to needling than other points—use thinner needles and gentler stimulation. Some classical sources advise caution with moxibustion at this location (possible side effects mentioned in some texts). Avoid excessive stimulation in patients who are very fatigued or have low blood pressure. Exercise caution during pregnancy; some classical sources mention it is forbidden during the third month of pregnancy.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.3–0.5 cun. Caution: Thinner needles should be used as needling this point can be painful.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness spreading through the palm. Some patients experience a sensation radiating toward the fingers or wrist. This point is typically more sensitive than other points, so thinner needles and gentler technique are recommended.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 3–5 minutes (use with caution; some sources consider moxa contraindicated)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Fire-Huo
Transporting Type
Spring-Ying Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
Special Point Classifications
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Exit Point
Related Resources
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