PC5 Jianshi means 'Intermediate Messenger'

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

PC5 (Jianshi, “Jianshi means 'Intermediate Messenger'”) is the Jing-River point point of the Pericardium Channel Meridian. It is located on the anterior forearm, 3 cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease, in the depression between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis. It clears the Heart and calms the Spirit, transforms phlegm, regulates the Heart and stomach, cools the blood, and dispels wind.

Location

On the anterior forearm, 3 cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease, in the depression between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.2 cun. The median nerve lies directly deep to this point, so care must be taken to avoid it.

TCM functions

Clears the Heart and calms the Spirit, transforms phlegm, regulates the Heart and stomach, cools the blood, and dispels wind..

Indications

Sudden heart pain, heart pain with chest and back referral, fright and palpitations, mental restlessness, sadness, fright-madness, epilepsy, mania with sadness, seeing ghosts, ghost possession, wind-evil, sudden loss of voice, inability to speak, throat obstruction, vomiting of foam, dry heaves, hot palms, cold in the middle jiao with lack of qi, axillary swelling, elbow contracture, irregular menstruation, blood masses in women, leukorrhea, malaria, head and body wind, sudden turmoil disorder (cholera) with dry vomiting, feverish disease with restlessness and frequent belching, chest fullness, chest impediment with cold sensation referring to the back, heart pain with fright and fear of people, heart pain with nausea and vomiting of blood, mania and raving, evil possession, wind-epilepsy, spitting up phlegm, fright palpitations, cold-damp in the center, arm and elbow contracture, sudden heart pain with spasms, chest impediment with back pain and chills, evil and ghost afflictions, mania with raving and seeing ghosts, red face and yellow eyes, sudden muteness, wind stroke with phlegm obstruction leading to coma and aphasia, women's irregular menstruation with blood clots, infantile convulsions (guest-inflicted)..

Jing-River pointMetal pointGhost point

Clinical notes

As the Jing-River (Metal) point of the Pericardium channel, Jianshi is a primary point for transforming phlegm that obstructs the Heart orifice, making it essential for treating severe mental-emotional disorders like mania, epilepsy, and hysteria. Its ability to clear the Heart and calm the spirit is profound, addressing conditions from simple anxiety to severe psychosis, especially when phlegm is a factor. It is also a key point for malaria and cyclical fevers, and it effectively regulates the stomach to stop nausea and vomiting, particularly when related to emotional upset or phlegm.

On the Pericardium Channel channel

PC5 is one of 9 points on the Pericardium Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is PC5 located?

PC5 (Jianshi) is located on the anterior forearm, 3 cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease, in the depression between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

What is PC5 used for?

PC5 clears the Heart and calms the Spirit, transforms phlegm, regulates the Heart and stomach, cools the blood, and dispels wind. Common clinical indications include sudden heart pain, heart pain with chest and back referral, fright and palpitations, mental restlessness, sadness, fright-madness, epilepsy, mania with sadness, seeing ghosts, ghost possession, wind-evil, sudden loss of voice, inability to speak, throat obstruction, vomiting of foam, dry heaves, hot palms, cold in the middle jiao with lack of qi, axillary swelling, elbow contracture, irregular menstruation, blood masses in women, leukorrhea, malaria, head and body wind, sudden turmoil disorder (cholera) with dry vomiting, feverish disease with restlessness and frequent belching, chest fullness, chest impediment with cold sensation referring to the back, heart pain with fright and fear of people, heart pain with nausea and vomiting of blood, mania and raving, evil possession, wind-epilepsy, spitting up phlegm, fright palpitations, cold-damp in the center, arm and elbow contracture, sudden heart pain with spasms, chest impediment with back pain and chills, evil and ghost afflictions, mania with raving and seeing ghosts, red face and yellow eyes, sudden muteness, wind stroke with phlegm obstruction leading to coma and aphasia, women's irregular menstruation with blood clots, infantile convulsions (guest-inflicted).

How is PC5 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.2 cun. The median nerve lies directly deep to this point, so care must be taken to avoid it.

Which meridian is PC5 on?

PC5 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.