Atlas of Acupuncture

4.9 The Pericardium Channel System – Hand jueyin(shou jue yin jing luo)

Location

In the 4th intercostal space (ICS), 1 cun lateral to the nipple.

How to find

Quick method, especially in male patients:The 4th ICS is

located on the same level as the nipple. Locate P-11 cun lateral

to the nipple in the 4th ICS (note: ascending course of the ICS

towards lateral). Or:For better orientation in the intercostal region,

first, locate the manubriosternal synchondrosis (➞3.4.2.). This

is on the level of the costal cartilage of the 2nd rib, followed by

the 2nd ICS below it. Count down to ICS to the 4th ICS and

measure 5 cun in a lateral direction. There, locate P-1.

Located on the same level (4th ICS) are ➞Ren-17(on the mid-

line), ➞KID-23/ST-17/SP-18(2/4/6 cun lateral to the midline),

as well as ➞G.B.-22and ➞G.B.-23.

Needling

0.5–1 cun transversely (subcutaneously) along the course of the

ICS. Especially in women, transverse needling only, avoid punc-

turing the mamillary tissue. Caution: Pneumothorax.

Actions/Indications

● Descends counterflow Qi

● Eliminates excess (especially Heat and Phlegm) from the thorax

● Promotes lactation and eliminates local Qi stagnation

Special features

Meeting point with the LIV and T.B. channels, also with the G.B.

channel according to some authors. Window of Heaven point,

entry point.

Heavenly Pool TIANCHI P-1

4th intercostal space

5th intercostal space

6th intercostal space

1cun P-1

18

16

18

15

25

24

26

(^2218)
16
12
ST-9
19
17
SP- 20
14
Ren 22
25
22
19
8
20
17
12
LIV-14
G.B.-24
16
LIV-13
15
Sterno-
costal angle
7
8 6 5 4 3 2 1
Umbilicus
KID-27
Ren-17
Level of
the nipple 4th intercostal space
KID-24
KID- 23
KID-22
Ren-17
4th intercostal space
ST-18
ca. 4 cun
ST-13
ST-17
LIV-14
G-B.-24
Mamillary line
Midclavicular
line
Clavicle
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