PC1 Celestial Pool

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

PC1 (Tianchi, “Celestial Pool”) is the Meeting point of GB & SJ point of the Pericardium Channel Meridian. It is located in the 4th intercostal space, 1 cun lateral to the nipple, and 5 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It unbinds the chest, regulates Qi, alleviates pain.

Location

In the 4th intercostal space, 1 cun lateral to the nipple, and 5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Needling

Oblique insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, directed laterally. Caution: pneumothorax.

⚠ Pneumothorax risk: oblique/shallow only, never deep perpendicular over the chest wall.

TCM functions

Unbinds the chest, regulates Qi, alleviates pain.

Indications

Chest pain, cough, asthma, fullness in the chest, axillary swelling.

Meeting point of GB & SJ

Clinical notes

PC1, a meeting point of the Gallbladder and Sanjiao meridians, is primarily used for local issues in the chest and lateral costal region, particularly pain and distention. Its location makes it effective for unbinding the chest and regulating Qi, especially when there is a sense of oppression or fullness. It can also be used for cough and asthma due to its proximity to the lung field, and for lymphatic swelling in the axilla.

On the Pericardium Channel channel

PC1 is one of 9 points on the Pericardium Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is PC1 located?

PC1 (Tianchi) is located in the 4th intercostal space, 1 cun lateral to the nipple, and 5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

What is PC1 used for?

PC1 unbinds the chest, regulates Qi, alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include chest pain, cough, asthma, fullness in the chest, axillary swelling.

How is PC1 needled?

Oblique insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, directed laterally. Caution: pneumothorax. Caution: ⚠ Pneumothorax risk: oblique/shallow only, never deep perpendicular over the chest wall.

Which meridian is PC1 on?

PC1 is a point on the Pericardium Channel Meridian (Xīnbāo Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.