Pericardium Meridian
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PC-2
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Upper Arm
Location
2 cun below the end of the anterior axillary fold, between the two heads of biceps brachii muscle.
Main Actions
- Opens the chest
- Invigorates Blood and eases pain
Indications
Arm pain
Coughing
Back pain
Heart pain
Chest pain
Palpitations
Shoulder pain
Chest fullness
Blurred vision
Aversion to cold
Aversion to wind
Shoulder blade pain
Lateral costal region pain
Commentary
Tianquan P-2 is mainly used to invigorate Blood so as to remove pain due to Blood Stagnation.
It is more effective around the chest area, so that it can treat various pain of the Heart, chest, back, shoulder, arm and lateral costal region.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng - The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "天泉，一名天温，在曲腋下，去臂二寸，举臂取之。" (Tianquan, also called Tianwen, is located below the bend of the axilla, 2 cun down the arm, located with the arm raised.)
《类经图翼》 (Lèijīng Túyì - Illustrated Supplement to the Classified Classic): "主治恶风寒，胸胁痛，支满咳逆，膺背胛臂间痛。" (Mainly treats aversion to wind-cold, chest and hypochondriac pain, fullness with cough and counterflow, and pain between the chest, back, scapula, and arm.)
How to Locate
The patient should flex their elbow against force for locating the biceps brachii muscle. Tianquan P-2 is between the two heads of the biceps brachii muscle, 2 cun below the end of the anterior axillary fold. Tianfu LU-3 is located radial to P-2, on the lateral aspect of the biceps brachii muscle and 1 cun more distally.
Caution
Avoid the brachial artery and vein which run medially to this point. The musculocutaneous nerve passes through this area; needle carefully to avoid nerve damage. Ensure proper patient positioning with the arm extended and palm facing up for accurate location.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
1–1.5 cun obliquely in a proximal or lateral direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Soreness and distension locally at the point, possibly radiating down the medial aspect of the arm toward the elbow. Some patients may feel a sensation spreading toward the chest.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes; 3–5 cones for direct moxa
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
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