PC3 Marsh at the Crook

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

PC3 (Quze, “Marsh at the Crook”) is the He-Sea Point point of the Pericardium Channel Meridian. It is located on the transverse cubital crease, in the depression on the ulnar side of the biceps brachii tendon. The point is located with the elbow flexed. It clears heat from the Qi, Nutritive, and Blood levels, harmonizes the Stomach and intestines, stops vomiting, calms the spirit, and activates the channel to alleviate pain.

Location

On the transverse cubital crease, in the depression on the ulnar side of the biceps brachii tendon. The point is located with the elbow flexed.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun, or prick the cubital vein to bleed. The brachial artery and median nerve are located medially to the tendon, so care must be taken.

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TCM functions

Clears heat from the Qi, Nutritive, and Blood levels, harmonizes the Stomach and intestines, stops vomiting, calms the spirit, and activates the channel to alleviate pain..

Indications

Heart pain, vexation and thirst, dry mouth, rebellious qi with vomiting of saliva, blood, or sputum, wind rash, trembling of the arm, elbow and wrist, elbow spasms, palpitations, fright, body heat, cold damage with rebellious qi and vomiting, infantile convulsions, heat in the palms..

He-Sea PointWater Point

Clinical notes

As the He-Sea point of the Pericardium channel, Quze excels at clearing heat from the chest and calming the Stomach. It is a primary point for acute gastroenteritis, sunstroke, and high fevers, often bled to achieve a rapid cooling effect. Its ability to address both heart pain and vomiting makes it crucial for disorders where rebellious Stomach Qi agitates the Heart and Spirit.

On the Pericardium Channel channel

PC3 is one of 9 points on the Pericardium Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is PC3 located?

PC3 (Quze) is located on the transverse cubital crease, in the depression on the ulnar side of the biceps brachii tendon. The point is located with the elbow flexed.

What is PC3 used for?

PC3 clears heat from the Qi, Nutritive, and Blood levels, harmonizes the Stomach and intestines, stops vomiting, calms the spirit, and activates the channel to alleviate pain. Common clinical indications include heart pain, vexation and thirst, dry mouth, rebellious qi with vomiting of saliva, blood, or sputum, wind rash, trembling of the arm, elbow and wrist, elbow spasms, palpitations, fright, body heat, cold damage with rebellious qi and vomiting, infantile convulsions, heat in the palms.

How is PC3 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun, or prick the cubital vein to bleed. The brachial artery and median nerve are located medially to the tendon, so care must be taken. Caution: Adjacent to the brakiyal arter — palpate and avoid the vessel; do not needle into a pulsating artery.

Which meridian is PC3 on?

PC3 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.