Pericardium & Sanjiao Channels – Lecture Review

50 question-and-answer flashcards reviewing pathways, key points, functions and clinical applications of the Pericardium and Sanjiao channels as presented in the lecture.

How many acupuncture points are found on the Pericardium (PC) channel?

Nine points (PC-1 to PC-9).

Where does the Pericardium primary channel originate?

In the centre of the chest, connecting with the Pericardium organ.

Through which regions does the internal PC pathway descend before meeting the Sanjiao?

It passes through the diaphragm and the upper, middle and lower jiao, linking with the Sanjiao pathway.

From which site does the superficial PC branch emerge onto the arm?

The anterior axillary fold at PC-1, then arches over the axilla and runs down the medial fore-arm.

Between which two tendons does the PC fore-arm line run?

Between Palmaris longus and Flexor carpi radialis.

At which fingertip does the PC channel terminate?

The tip of the middle finger (PC-9).

Which point/branch links the PC channel to the Sanjiao channel on the ring finger?

A branch from PC-8 to the ring finger connects with the Sanjiao channel.

What is the Luo-Connecting point of the Pericardium channel?

PC-6 (Nei Guan).

Besides the Sanjiao, which Zang is joined by the PC Luo channel?

The Heart.

Where does the PC Divergent channel separate and rejoin the Sanjiao?

It separates at the axilla, enters the chest, and reunites with the Sanjiao behind the ear.

Typical symptom pattern treated by the PC sinew channel?

Chest/diaphragm binding, breathing difficulty, cramping along the forearm and ribs.

According to Five-Element theory, the Pericardium belongs to which element?

Fire element.

List three broad disorders PC points commonly treat.

Heart/spirit (Shen) problems, chest & diaphragm disorders, febrile or nutritive-level heat.

Main uses of PC-1?

Opens chest, descends rebellious Qi, treats breast problems (abscess, insufficient lactation).

Location of PC-1 (Tian Chi)?

1 cun lateral to the nipple in the 4th intercostal space.

Where is PC-2 located?

2 cun below the anterior axillary fold, between the two heads of biceps brachii.

Nature & key action of PC-3?

He-Sea, Water point – clears heat from Qi, Ying & Blood levels; harmonises Stomach, stops vomiting.

Which tendon separates PC-3 and LU-5 at the elbow?

The biceps brachii tendon (PC on ulnar side).

Nature and main indication of PC-4?

Xi-Cleft; treats acute chest pain, blood stasis and bleeding disorders.

How far is PC-4 from the wrist crease?

5 cun proximal to PC-7 (wrist crease).

PC-5 nature and major functions?

Jing-River, Metal point – transforms phlegm, settles the Shen, descends rebellious Qi, regulates menstruation.

Distance of PC-5 from the wrist crease?

3 cun proximal to PC-7.

Why is PC-6 (‘Inner Pass’) so frequently used?

Luo point, Confluent of Yin Wei, Command point of chest – opens chest, calms Shen, stops nausea & vomiting.

Precise location of PC-6?

2 cun proximal to wrist crease between Palmaris longus & FCR tendons.

What type of point is PC-7 and for what is it best known?

Shu-Stream & Yuan-Prime (Earth); calms mind, nourishes Yin, clears nutritive-level heat.

Nature & specialty of PC-8 (Lao Gong)?

Ying-Spring, Fire point – clears Pericardial heat, revives consciousness, treats mouth & tongue ulcers.

Emergency use of PC-9 (Jing-Well, Wood)?

Clears extreme heat, revives consciousness, treats tongue stiffness and heat-stroke.

How many acupuncture points lie on the Sanjiao (SJ) channel?

Twenty-three points (SJ-1 to SJ-23).

On which finger does the SJ primary channel begin?

Ulnar side of the ring finger at SJ-1.

Describe the surface course of the SJ primary channel.

Dorsum of hand → posterior forearm → posterior upper arm → shoulder → crosses DU-14 → ascends neck behind ear → circles ear → ends at lateral eyebrow (SJ-23).

Which organs are reached by the SJ internal branch?

Pericardium and Sanjiao; it passes through upper, middle and lower jiao then to UB-39.

Name three major crossing points of the SJ channel on the trunk/shoulder.

SI-12, DU-14, GB-21 (also ST-12, REN-17).

What is the Luo-Connecting point of SJ and where does its Luo channel go?

SJ-5; its Luo ascends over shoulder and converges with the Pericardium in the chest.

Where does the SJ Divergent channel begin and where does it travel?

Separates at the head, ascends to the vertex then descends internally through the three jiao.

Name an external region reached by the SJ sinew channel besides the arm.

Root of the tongue (also outer canthus and temple).

Two chief groups of disorders treated by SJ points?

Febrile/shaoyang conditions & ear problems (tinnitus, deafness, otitis).

Which single SJ point is most used for wind-heat and Shao-yang fever?

SJ-5 (Wai Guan).

Key actions of SJ-6 (Zhi Gou)?

Moves Qi, treats constipation, subdues Liver Yang, clears heat in all three jiao.

Nature & clinical use of SJ-7?

Xi-Cleft point – acute ear disorders, sudden deafness, pain along the SJ channel.

Where is SJ-4 located and what is its primary use?

On wrist crease between extensor digitorum communis & extensor digiti minimi; treats local wrist pain and benefits yuan-Qi.

Mnemonic to remember points in front of the tragus?

Upper SJ-21, middle SI-19, lower GB-2 (21-19=2).

Caution when needling SJ-17 or SJ-23 region?

Avoid superficial temporal artery; risk of bleeding/bruising – use gentle, superficial insertion.

Location and indication of SJ-14?

Posterior dimple of abducted shoulder (inferior to acromion); for shoulder pain, frozen shoulder.

Which SJ point is called "Outer Gate" and which extraordinary vessel does it open?

SJ-5; it opens the Yang Wei (Yang Linking) vessel.

Characteristic needling instruction for SJ-21 to SJ-22?

Insert with patient’s mouth open, needle superficially/obliquely toward disorder.

Which SJ point lies directly above the ear apex?

SJ-20 (Jiao Sun).

Which SJ point is classified as a Window-of-Heaven point?

SJ-16 (Tian You).

Which SJ point is the He-Sea point that transforms phlegm nodules?

SJ-10 (Tian Jing).

For nausea and chest oppression from Liver Qi attacking the Stomach, which paired points are most commonly selected?

PC-6 (Nei Guan) with SJ-6 (Zhi Gou) or SJ-5.