PC8 Palace of Toil

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

PC8 (Laogong, “Palace of Toil”) is the Ying-Spring Point point of the Pericardium Channel Meridian. It is located in the center of the palm, in a depression located where the tip of the middle finger rests when a loose fist is made. This corresponds to the area between the second and third metacarpal bones. It clears Heart Fire, cools the Blood, calms the Shen (spirit), revives consciousness, and harmonizes the Stomach to descend rebellious Qi.

Location

In the center of the palm, in a depression located where the tip of the middle finger rests when a loose fist is made. This corresponds to the area between the second and third metacarpal bones.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

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TCM functions

Clears Heart Fire, cools the Blood, calms the Shen (spirit), revives consciousness, and harmonizes the Stomach to descend rebellious Qi..

Indications

Heat disease with vexed heart, stifling sensation in the chest with inability to sweat, heat in the palms, heart pain, body heat like fire, pain at the root of the tongue, jaundice with yellow eyes, vomiting, rebellious qi with nausea and retching, urinary difficulty in pregnancy due to Heart qi excess, wind-heat, vexation, sadness, inappropriate laughter, hand numbness (bi), heat disease with no sweat after several days, fright and palpitations, pain in the chest and hypochondria that prevents turning, blood in the urine or stool, nosebleed, thirst, inability to eat or drink, foul breath in adults and children, mouth sores, chest and hypochondriac fullness, sores on the gums in children, wind-stroke, mental and emotional disturbances, body fatigue, small intestinal accumulations, infantile fright and convulsions, infantile malnutrition..

Ying-Spring PointGhost Point

Clinical notes

As the Ying-Spring and Fire point of the Pericardium channel, Laogong is a primary point for clearing Heart Fire and calming the spirit. It is highly effective for anxiety, agitation, insomnia, and mania, especially when accompanied by heat signs like a red tongue and rapid pulse. Its ability to cool the blood makes it useful for bleeding due to heat, and its location in the palm makes it a key point for reviving consciousness from fainting or heatstroke.

On the Pericardium Channel channel

PC8 is one of 9 points on the Pericardium Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is PC8 located?

PC8 (Laogong) is located in the center of the palm, in a depression located where the tip of the middle finger rests when a loose fist is made. This corresponds to the area between the second and third metacarpal bones.

What is PC8 used for?

PC8 clears Heart Fire, cools the Blood, calms the Shen (spirit), revives consciousness, and harmonizes the Stomach to descend rebellious Qi. Common clinical indications include heat disease with vexed heart, stifling sensation in the chest with inability to sweat, heat in the palms, heart pain, body heat like fire, pain at the root of the tongue, jaundice with yellow eyes, vomiting, rebellious qi with nausea and retching, urinary difficulty in pregnancy due to Heart qi excess, wind-heat, vexation, sadness, inappropriate laughter, hand numbness (bi), heat disease with no sweat after several days, fright and palpitations, pain in the chest and hypochondria that prevents turning, blood in the urine or stool, nosebleed, thirst, inability to eat or drink, foul breath in adults and children, mouth sores, chest and hypochondriac fullness, sores on the gums in children, wind-stroke, mental and emotional disturbances, body fatigue, small intestinal accumulations, infantile fright and convulsions, infantile malnutrition.

How is PC8 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun. Caution: One classical source (Ming Tang) warns against needling more than once, as it may induce deficiency. The same source forbids moxibustion, claiming it causes flesh to grow. Another source (Qian Jin Yao Fang) lists it as a 'Ghost Point' (Gui Lu).

Which meridian is PC8 on?

PC8 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.