Neiguan PC-6 location
PC-6

Neiguan PC-6

Inner Pass · 内关 · Nèi Guān
Pericardium Meridian
Luo-Connecting Point

Needle Depth

0.5–1.0 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)

Body Area

Forearm

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.

Previous on channel

Jianshi PC-5

Next on channel

Daling PC-7

Main Actions

  • Invigorates Qi and Blood in the chest
  • Calms the Mind
  • Subdues Rebellious Stomach Qi
  • Invigorate Liver Qi

Commentary

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. 

Classical Sources

Ling Shu (Classic of the Spiritual Pivot): "The root of hand jueyin pericardium meridian is located 2 cun behind palm, between two tendons." This passage establishes the original location and significance of PC-6.

Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Describes how needling Neiguan causes regaining of consciousness and relief of cardiac pain. It notes that for acute cardiac pain, the reducing technique is indicated; for chronic cases, the reinforcing technique is used.

Si Zong Xue Ge (Song of the Four Command Points), expanded to Five: "胸胁内关谋" ("For chest and hypochondrium, seek Neiguan") — This classical mnemonic establishes PC-6 as the master point for all chest and rib-side disorders.

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.

Caution

While generally very safe, practitioners should be aware that: 1. Pregnant women: Use with caution, especially in early pregnancy. The point has blood-moving properties and strong stimulation should be avoided during pregnancy. 2. Cardiac emergencies: While PC-6 can help with cardiac symptoms, it should never replace emergency medical care for serious heart conditions. 3. The median nerve lies deep to this point. While nerve injury is rare with proper technique, maintain appropriate depth and avoid aggressive manipulation. 4. Scarring moxibustion is not recommended at this location.

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

Expected Deqi Sensation

Local distention, soreness, and numbness at the point. Sensation commonly radiates to the fingertips with perpendicular insertion. With oblique insertion directed proximally, the deqi sensation may extend upward to the elbow, axilla, or chest—this upward radiation is particularly sought when treating internal organ disorders.

Moxibustion

Recommended

Duration: 5–15 minutes

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

N/A

Gua Sha

Recommended

Special Point Classifications

Luo-Connecting Point

Extraordinary Vessel Connection

Confluent Point opens to:

Yin Wei Mai (陰維脈)

Command Point

Commands region:

Chest & Abdomen

Related Resources

Pericardium Meridian

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