Acupuncture Bondi

The Pericardium (Xin Bao) in TCM is considered the protective membrane surrounding the Heart. While anatomically it refers to the pericardial sac, its TCM functions are primarily energetic and protective. The Pericardium acts as the Heart's bodyguard — absorbing pathogenic attacks that would otherwise strike the Heart directly. When febrile disease penetrates to the Pericardium level, symptoms include delirium, aphasia, and loss of consciousness, which are understood as heat disturbing the Heart's Shen through its protective layer.

The Pericardium has its own meridian (the Jue Yin channel of the hand), running from the chest down the inner arm to the tip of the middle finger. Despite being a separate channel, its functions closely overlap with those of the Heart — governing Blood circulation and housing aspects of the Shen. Clinically, Pericardium points are frequently used instead of Heart points, as treating the Pericardium is considered a gentler, less direct approach than needling the Heart meridian itself.

Key acupuncture points on the Pericardium channel include PC-6 (Neiguan, "Inner Pass"), one of the most widely used points in clinical practice. PC-6 calms the spirit, opens the chest, harmonises the Stomach, and alleviates nausea — it is the primary point used for motion sickness, morning sickness, and post-operative nausea.