There are so many acupuncture points to choose from when creating an acupuncture treatment for an individual. This article explains that the point ‘Inner Pass’ (aka Pericardium 6) is the most effective point out there. I use it in my practice many times a day. This point is located on the inner wrist where one would place a wristband to prevent motion sickness.  Read on…

Of the close to 1,000 acupuncture points on the body, the point identified as PC.6 (Pericardium 6) or ‘Inner Pass’ stands out for its use in the relief of a number of health discomforts.

PC.6 is found on the inner forearm, between the two prominent tendons running between the elbow and the wrist and is located two inches above the wrist, joint. It lies on what is known as the pericardium channel/meridian, which originates in the chest and runs along the inner arm and forearm, ending on the tip of the middle finger.

Indications
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to:

– Alleviate nausea and vomiting
– Calm and relax
– Relieve chest pain

Nausea & Vomiting
This point is very popular for the relief of motion sickness and morning sickness symptoms in pregnant women. It is also used in cases of nausea as a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation.

Insomnia & Calm Shen
Shen refers to the spirit of a person and is an indication of mental and emotional ease. In trying to calm the shen, the intent is to restore calm and ease to the person through the stimulation of this point. PC.6 may be used alone or in combination with other acupuncture points for persons suffering from:

– Insomnia: disturbances in sleep patterns resulting from difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or both
– Excessive agitation, restlessness and irritability: whether because of lack of good sleep, uncomfortable environmental factors, work and family pressures or a medical condition
– Stress and anxiety: whether because of work, family or a variety of life pressures.

Chest Pain Relief
It is also an effective point in the relief of a number of chest complaints, including palpitations, in which one feels as though their heart is beating too fast or too hard and chest pain.

Point Stimulation Acupuncture
One method of stimulating PC.6 is with the insertion of very thin acupuncture needles. When needled, the acupuncture needle is directed perpendicularly with a needling depth of approximately 1/2 an inch and left in for the duration of the acupuncture session.

Massage
Alternately, one can administer self-massage at this point, using slow circular motions for five minutes or more. Depending on whether you are using this point to aid sleep, relieve anxiety, chest pain or nausea and vomiting, appropriately diluted essential oils may be massaged at the point to enhance relief.

– Nausea relief oils: peppermint, orange, lime, chamomile, bergamot, anise
– Calming oils: chamomile, lavender, sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, frankincense
– In recent times, clever persons have attached a small seed (magnet or ball) on the inside of a wristband worn over the point to allow continuous stimulation of the point if needed.

Article by Tracey-Ann Brown