How to Support the Pericardium & Triple Burner
Learn some ways to support the Pericardium and Triple Burner below, or check out my last two posts for more background on them.
The Peak & Weak Times of the Pericardium & Triple Burner
It is no coincidence that the Pericardium and Triple Burner’s time of peak functioning is during the evening, when people are often drawn together for romantic intimacy or bonding with close friends. During the Pericardium’s peak time, from approximately 7 to 9 p.m., it’s particularly healthy to relax, have fun, and cultivate intimacy. (As it’s the Stomach’s low point, this is not a good time to make a habit of eating—but perhaps a romantic dinner here and there is okay!) Following that is the Triple Burner’s time to shine, from about 9 to 11 p.m. According to the Chinese clock, this is a good time to devote to relationships and have sex. Since the peak Gallbladder time follows this, it’s also a good time to prepare for sleep so as to best support the Wood Element in all its decision-making and vision-seeking (as discussed in How to Support the Liver & Gallbladder for Spring).
Self-Acupressure Points
Pericardium 8: Lao Gong, Palace of Labor
Located on the palm, between the bones extending down from the middle and ring fingers, where the tip of the ring finger lands when a fist is made, on the crease considered the head line in palm reading (some traditions locate it between the bones of the index & middle fingers, about where the tip of the middle finger lands when a fist is made)
This is an important point in qigong, especially medical qigong, as this is the point through which we emit healing qi from our hands. Bringing attention to this point helps build its qi.
I do not usually needle this point, but instruct people to apply self-acupressure to it. It can be used to stimulate labor, or to invite in restfulness after a laborious period.
This is also a heat-clearing point. Heat can manifest in many ways in the body, but is essentially inflammation. It can be indicated by red coloration, burning pain, and “reckless movement of the blood”—bright red blood gushing from the body. Fever, skin conditions like eczema, and burning urination may all be treated with this point. On a mental/emotional level, heat can take the form of mania. In Chinese medicine, the Pericardium & Heart have a relationship with the tongue, so mouth or tongue ulcers may also be treated with this point.
Pericardium 6: Nei Guan, Inner Frontier Gate
Located between the two tendons that run like mini railroad tracks from the wrist, roughly three finger breadths’ from the wrist
This is a very common point in acupuncture, with a link not only to the Heart & Pericardium, but also the Stomach. I use this point often for relaxation, anxiety relief, chest discomfort or tension, and epigastric issues like stomach discomfort and nausea. This is perhaps the most commonly used point for nausea, and people even use acupressure wrist bands for this point!
On a mental/emotional level, this point serves as the gate to our Heart, helping regulate what we allow in
Triple Burner 3: Zhong Zhu, Middle Islet
Located on the back of the hand, just over the knuckle of the ring finger on the pinkie-side, towards the wrist.
The Triple Burner channel wraps around and enters the ear. This is considered a distal point in the case of hearing loss or tinnitus. It also benefits the eyes and head, particularly in the case of one-sided headache or eye pain & redness. It can also be used as a local point for stiff fingers.
Triple Burner 5: Wai Guan, Outer Frontier Gate
Located opposite to Pericardium 6, roughly three finger breadths’ from the wrist on the outer forearm.
This point mirrors Pericardium 6 in function as well. It serves as the gate between ourselves and the world, allowing us to connect in healthy ways with others.
This point also has similar uses to Triple Burner 3 when it comes to the ears, eyes, and head. It also clears heat and stagnation, as in the case of stiffness, pain, or swelling, whether along the area the Triple Burner meridian runs (up the arms, across the shoulders, and up the neck to the corner of the eyebrows) or in any joints. It can also be used in the case of a head cold, or alternating chills & fever (especially when paired with Gallbladder 34).
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