PC6 Acupuncture Point
PC6 Acupuncture Point
PC 6 (Neiguan) – Pericardium 6 Acupuncture Point
Pericardium 6 is a versatile acupuncture point located on the inner forearm. Known as the “Inner Pass,” it is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including nausea, chest pain, anxiety, and palpitations. In both acupuncture and acupressure, Pericardium 6 is a go-to point for regulating the heart and calming the mind, while also harmonizing digestion and relieving nausea.
Key Points
Location: On the inner forearm, 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
Point Meaning: Neiguan means “Inner Pass,” highlighting its role in opening pathways to the chest and calming the spirit.
Category: Luo-Connecting point of the Pericardium channel; Confluent point of the Yin Linking Vessel (Yin Wei Mai).
Actions: Calms the heart, eases anxiety, harmonizes the stomach, relieves nausea and vomiting.
Indications: Motion sickness, pregnancy nausea, palpitations, chest pain, hiccups, anxiety, wrist pain.
Point Combinations: PC-6 + ST-36 for nausea, PC-6 + HT-7 for anxiety, PC-6 + LI-4 for chest pain.
Pericardium 6 Acupuncture Point Location
The Pericardium 6 acupuncture point location is on the flexor aspect of the forearm, 2 cun proximal to the wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
Tip: Place three fingers across the wrist crease. PC-6 lies directly beneath the index finger in the center of the forearm.
Point Meaning
The name Neiguan (“Inner Pass”) reflects its role as a gatekeeper between the inner organs and external symptoms. Traditionally, it is said to open the chest, calm the mind, and regulate harmony between the heart and stomach.
Needling Technique
Insertion: Perpendicular, 0.5–1 cun.
Caution: Be mindful of the median nerve. Mild tingling or an “electric” sensation is normal.
Pericardium 6 Acupuncture Point Benefits
Emotional & Cardiovascular Health
Calms the mind, relieves anxiety and stress.
Regulates palpitations and heart rhythm.
Reduces chest tightness and angina.
Digestive & Anti-Nausea Uses
Effective for nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
Used for motion sickness, pregnancy-related nausea, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Pain & Circulation
Improves circulation in the arms and chest.
Helps with carpal tunnel syndrome and local wrist pain.
Indications – When to Use PC-6
Anxiety, panic attacks, stress.
Palpitations, irregular heartbeat, chest tightness.
Nausea from surgery, pregnancy, or motion sickness.
Epigastric discomfort, hiccups, indigestion.
Wrist and forearm pain.
Effective Point Combinations with PC 6
PC-6 + ST-36 → Strong anti-nausea effect.
PC-6 + HT-7 → Anxiety and insomnia.
PC-6 + LI-4 → Chest pain and angina.
PC-6 + SP-4 → Emotional stress with digestive upset.
PC-6 + GB-34 → Hypochondriac and rib-side pain.
Pericardium 6 Acupuncture Point
Anatomical Relevance
PC-6 lies above the flexor digitorum superficialis and near the median nerve, making it clinically significant for both local wrist conditions and systemic nervous system regulation.
PC6 Research Summary
PC6 (Pericardium 6, Neiguan) is one of the most widely used acupuncture points because it targets several core body systems, offering benefits for both physical and emotional health. Studies show that PC6 is especially effective in reducing nausea and vomiting including postoperative and pregnancy-related symptoms, boosting the body's digestive function, and improving heart health by regulating heart rate and blood pressure. Research also highlights its ability to calm stress and anxiety, steady mood and sleep, and help restore an overall balance between mind and body through effects on the nervous system. All these benefits make PC6 an essential point in acupuncture protocols for both acute and chronic conditions.
Antiemetic Effects and Postoperative Nausea
Stimulation of the PC6 acupuncture point significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), as shown in large meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. The effect size is comparable to standard antiemetic medications, with combination therapy providing even greater benefit for reducing vomiting. Mechanisms involve modulation of vagal nerve activity and changes in serotonin (5-HT3) receptors. Side effects are minimal and transient.
Cardioprotective Effects in Ischemia
Systematic review evidence and preclinical meta-analyses suggest PC6-based acupuncture pretreatment substantially reduces myocardial infarct size, improves ventricular ejection fraction, and decreases biomarkers such as cardiac troponin following ischemia-reperfusion injury. Effects are attributed to enhanced coronary vasodilation, inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation, and regulation of endogenous cardioprotective signaling.
Brain Activity and Pain Modulation
Functional MRI studies show PC6 acupuncture increases activation in the anterior cingulate cortex, occipital fusiform gyrus, precuneus, and posterior cingulate cortex, while reducing activity in pain-related regions. These changes correlate with reduced cardiac and visceral pain and improved emotional regulation, suggesting mechanisms through central neural circuits.
Autonomic Regulation and Heart Rate Variability
PC6 stimulation has been found to reliably enhance heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, reflecting increased parasympathetic tone and autonomic stability. These findings indicate a direct neural mechanism supporting PC6’s utility in arrhythmia and anxiety management.
Gastrointestinal Motility Improvement
Recent clinical and animal research demonstrates that PC6 acupuncture and acupressure significantly improve symptoms of delayed gastric emptying and functional dyspepsia, modulated via enteric nervous system signaling and hormonal pathways (e.g., motilin and VIP).
PC6 Acupressure
The Pericardium 6 pressure point can be used without needles:
Apply firm thumb pressure for 2–3 minutes.
Wear acupressure wristbands to prevent nausea while traveling.
Safe for self-care during pregnancy (with practitioner guidance).
Historical Commentary on Neiguan (PC-6)
According to A Manual of Acupuncture (Deadman, pp. 105–108):
PC 6 was cited in multiple classical texts for its ability to calm the spirit, regulate the heart, and treat chest pain.
The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion notes its use for palpitations, fullness in the chest, and disorders of the diaphragm.
Historically, it was also prescribed for epigastric pain, vomiting blood, sudden loss of voice, and stiffness of the tongue.
Many early sources emphasize pericardium6 as a key treatment for “counterflow qi” — a concept that aligns with modern use in nausea, reflux, and hiccups.
This historical grounding reinforces PC6’s enduring reputation as a point that links emotional calm with physical relief of chest and digestive symptoms.
Conclusion
The pericardium 6 acupuncture point is central in both traditional and modern practice. Historically valued for calming the heart and relieving chest pain, today it is also one of the most researched points for nausea, anxiety, and circulatory health. Whether used in acupuncture or as a Pericardium 6 acupressure point, it remains indispensable for both clinical treatment and self-care.
Learn About More Styles of Acupuncture
To discover more about the diverse world of acupuncture and its various methodologies, visit our comprehensive guide on different acupuncture styles: The Ultimate List of Acupuncture Styles. This resource offers a broader understanding of the range and depth of acupuncture practices available, placing Five Element Acupuncture within the context of a rich and varied healing tradition.
PC6 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is PC6 used for?
A: PC-6 is used for nausea, anxiety, chest pain, palpitations, and digestive upset. It is one of the most versatile acupuncture points.
Q: Where is the Pericardium 6 acupuncture point located?
A: On the inner forearm, 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
Q: Can I use Pericardium 6 as a pressure point?
A: Yes. The Pericardium 6 pressure point can be stimulated with thumb pressure or acupressure bands, often used for motion sickness and pregnancy nausea.
Q: Is Pericardium 6 safe during pregnancy?
A: PC-6 is frequently used for morning sickness, but acupressure or acupuncture in pregnancy should always be guided by a licensed practitioner.
Q: What is the difference between acupuncture and acupressure at PC-6?
A: Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate the point more deeply, while acupressure provides a gentle, non-invasive option for self-care.
Over to you
If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may be curious about acupuncture points.
Sources:
Deadman P. Al-Khafaji M. & Baker K. (2009). A manual of acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
Maciocia, G. (2015). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists. Churchill Livingstone.
Lee, A., Chan, S. K., & Fan, L. T. (2015). Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(11). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4679372/
Liu, F., Yang, L., Li, J., & Cao, Y. (2020). Neiguan (PC6)-based acupuncture pretreatment for myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury: Protocol for preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 99(28):e21191. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7360322/
Fang, J., Jin, Z., Wang, Y., et al. (2011). A pilot acupuncture study on NeiGuan (PC6). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Article ID 785032. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3326268/
Zhou, Y., Zhou, W., Yang, L., et al. (2022). Modulation of cerebral cortex activity by acupuncture in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment: A resting-state functional MRI study. Frontiers in Neurology, 13:1040241. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9744766/
Elsayed, N., Atta, H., Abdelaziz, E., et al. (2023). The impact of using P6 acupressure on the nausea, vomiting, and comfort level in patients with myocardial infarction. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 12(12):6993-6999. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10746401/
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
Read more from our blog
