PC-6 Neiguan - Inner Frontier Gate
More Spirit Names: Inner Gate, Inner Pass, Broken Heart Gate, Perfect Love Point, Conserver of Yin, Gate of Success
| English: | Inner Pass |
| Also Known As: | Inner Gate Inner Barrier Inner Frontier Gate Inner Border Gate Inner Door Internal Barrier |
Location
- Two cun above the transverse crease of the wrist between the tendons of the m. palmaris longus and m. flexor carpi radialis.
- Two cun proximal to the transverse crease of the wrist on the line connecting PC-3 Quze and PC-7 Daling, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles.
- With the hand supine, this point can be found two cun above the midpoint of the transverse crease of the wrist, between the two tendons.
- On the flexor aspect of the forearm, two cun proximal to PC-7 Daling, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
- Note: In the absence of the tendon of the palmaris longus, locate this point on the ulnar side of the flexor carpi radialis.
Needling
- Puncture perpendicularly 0.5 to 0.8 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
- Straight insertion 0.5 to 1.5 cun, reaching as far as SJ-5 Waiguan on the opposite side of the forearm. Sensation: local distention, soreness and numbness possibly extending to the fingertips.
- Slanted insertion pointed proximally, 1 to 2 cun, for diseases of the trunk. Sensation: a numb, distended sensation possibly extending to the elbow, axilla or chest.
- For numbness of the fingers, point the needle slightly toward the radial side of the arm 0.3 to 0.5 cun. Sensation: a numb, electric sensation extending toward the fingertips.
- Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to one cun, or joined to SJ-5 Waiguan.
- Oblique proximal insertion, 1 to 1.5 cun, for diseases of the chest.
- Oblique distal insertion 1 to 1.5 cun, for numbness of the fingers.
- Caution: The median nerve lies directly beneath this point and needling it commonly induces a significant electric sensation. This is an acceptable manifestation of De Qi (arrival of Qi), but once elicited, further manipulation is inappropriate and may damage the nerve.
Command Functions
- Luo-Connecting point of the Pericardium channel
- Confluent (Master) point of the Yinwei Mai
- Coupled point of the Chong Channel
- Command point of the chest and lateral costal region
Actions
- Regulates the Middle Jiao
- Regulates Heart Qi
- Regulates and tonifies Heart Qi, Yang, Yin and Blood
- Transforms Heart Phlegm
- Regulates and clears the San Jiao
- Facilitates Qi flow
- Regulates ( opens) the Yinwei Mai
- Regulates Jue Yin
- Clears Heart Fire
- Causes vasoconstriction
- Calms the Heart and Shen
- Suppresses pain
- Opens (unbinds) the chest
- Reduces fear
- Clears the Brain
- Dispels Wind-Phlegm
- Regulates Liver Qi
- Regulates the Qi of the Middle Jiao
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Eliminates nausea and vomiting
- Spreads Liver Qi
- Clears Heat and Fire
- Invigorates the Blood
- Transforms Dampness, Damp-Summerheat and Phlegm
- Calms the fetus
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Benefits the diaphragm
- Expels gallstones
- Expedites and facilitates lactation
Indications
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Combinations
| SP-4 | LU-7 | |
Fullness of the chest and epigastrium with vomiting and diarrhea Liver Qi Invades the Spleen Abdominal pain | Vague pulses | Rheumatic Heart disease |
DU-25 | ||
Angina pectoris | Low Blood pressure | Septic shock |
KI-6 | REN-11 | |
Pain and lumps in the abdomen Quickly treating abdominal disease | Chest oppression | Heart and chest pain |
Fear and fright with Heart pain | Epilepsy | Chest pain and dyspneic rales, Headache, Sudden turmoil disorder |
Difficult ingestion | Abdominal pain | Cracked and bleeding tongue |
ST-25 | ||
Red (bloody) dysenteric disorder | Insufficient lactation due to Liver qi Stagnation |
Contraindications
Notes
- This is a major point for Heart pain.
- The classical Yuan-Luo coupling od SJ-4 Yangchi with PC-6 Neiguan is rarely used.
- This is a major point for Stomach, Heart and Shen.
- This is a major point to suppress nausea, stop vomiting and relieve epigastric pain.
- This is a major pointy for peripheral vascular disorders of the arm and hand.
- For sides and chest, Neiguan is best.
- This is a major point for anesthesia during thoracic surgery, including open-heart surgery.
- This point is also known as "Perfect Love Point', " Broken Heart Gate", " Gate to Success" and " Conserver of Yin ".
- This point works on balance, especially the imbalance of the mind.
- This is the best point on the channel for restoring balance between the body and mind.
- This point treats all kinds of pain of the Zang Fu.
- Pericardium Luo vessel: Starts at PC-6 on the anterior forearm. Rises with the PC primary channel to the PC, then links with the HT. Symptoms of the Pericardium Luo: Cardiac pain and mental restlessness.
- Its sphere of influence covers the chest, diaphragm and epigastrium.
Five Elements Spirit Perspective
| Spirit of the Point | The Official of heart protection allows energy to move in and out through the Inner Frontier Gate into the Heart of the spirit, giving access to the Supreme Controller. Inner frontier means a border, a gate that opens and closes: the inner self. The Three Heater is more external, social interaction, while the Heart Protector is more internal, stopping things or allowing things to get to the Heart. A well-protected Heart can stay open without fear, trusting that anyone who would do harm will not be let through this gate. The gate has to open and close at the right times, shutting out those who would hurt us and admitting those who bring intimacy, joy and real love. In Taoism, Nei Guan is an expression meaning to examine oneself: a heartfelt search of the inner world. Protection is what allows the Heart to stay impartial: an unguarded Emperor, afraid for his own survival, starts favoring some people and shutting out others. A messenger of the Emperor with access to the interior, no point on the meridian is better at bringing body and mind back into balance, aligning the mental and physical symptoms. It takes things further in, coming close to the core of the matter rather than staying on the surface, and it joins Yin with Yang and left with right. It is more about opening and moving than filling: a gate to the Heart within. Letting no one in is a kind of death, like a queen locked in her chamber because the king fears she will be taken away: the palace becomes a prison of negativity and despair, kept shut by fear. |
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| Worsley | Regulates how love and genuine goodwill move through our inner world, awakening our innate capacity for compassion, intimacy and great joy in life.
Location: On the front of the forearm, 2 ACI above PC-7, between the flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus tendons. |
| When to Consider |
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| Combinations | |
| Notes |
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From Class
- SP-4 Gongsun: Grandfather–Grandchild; opening point of Chong Mai, paired with PC-6. (Yuen)
- HT-7, PC-6, Yintang, Du-20 (Sishencong), BL-47: Gently settle agitation during the dying process without forcing consciousness into any particular state. (Lewis)
- KI-4 Dazhong: Bled at the luo point where veins are occluded near the inner ankle, for anemia with heat in the blood. (Yuen)
- KI-27 Shufu with PC-6: After the abdomen, combine with chest points KI-22–27; if unsure use KI-27 (resonance of all chest shu points) paired with PC-6. (Yuen)
- PC-3 Quze (water point) for fluid phlegm/edema: For fluid phlegm with edema, use PC-3 (water point) with Spleen points (SP-6, ST-40, SP-3, Ren-4) plus Ren-17 and digestive Pericardium points (PC-7, PC-6). (Yuen)
- PC-6 + Ren-17, LU-1, KI/BL shu (coronary arteries): PC-6 relates most strongly to circulation; add chest points for coronary artery issues. (Gioioso)
- PC-6 / HT-5 + GB-37 / LU-7 (circulation protocols): Systemic circulation: open with PC-6, close with GB-37; peripheral circulation: open with HT-5, close with LU-7; then bleed varicosities on yang luo (SI-7, LI-6, SJ-5). (Gioioso)
- PC-6 / SJ-5 (inner and outer frontier gates): Open the area from Ren-14 to Ren-17.
- PC-6 Neiguan: Luo point used going from liver to heart, in heat-in-blood anemia. (Yuen)
- PC-6 Neiguan: Open the heart/pericardium where there's stagnation and unresolved emotional conflict; also gua sha intercostals and diaphragm to open the chest. (Lewis)
- PC-6 Neiguan: Clears heat; opening point of Yin Wei Mai for 'heart pains'/traumas — pericardium as 'patron saint of the luo vessels', resolving what's repressed. (Gioioso)
- PC-6 Neiguan: Inner Gate; opening point of Yin Wei Mai, paired with SP-4 for the Chong; also discussed as Yin Wei's role in dissemination. (Yuen)
- PC-6 Neiguan (Yin Wei Mai): Helps people move on, not stuck in time; treats PTSD (guan = gate); Yin Wei ends at LV-14 before Ren-22/23 — the liver stores the memory. (Yuen)
- PC-6 Neiguan (luo): Clears heat and inflammation, harmonizes the stomach, loosens the chest — but doesn't calm shen (HT-5 does); prevents pathology going inward to the brain. (Gioioso)
- PC-6 Neiguan for nausea (evidence): Real PC-6 acupuncture/acupressure gives a consistent 60–70% nausea response vs 25–30% sham (morning sickness 66% vs 33%) — location matters for non-pain conditions. (Vincent)
- PC-6 and PC-7: Help us stay connected to the heart without being overwhelmed by what passes through us. (Lewis)
- SJ-5 Waiguan & PC-6 Neiguan (Wei opening points): SJ-5, Yang Wei opening point, treats intermittent fevers; PC-6, Yin Wei opening point, treats heart pain. (Rabinowitz)
- SJ-5 Waiguan (Yang Wei Mai): Yang Wei opening point; with PC-6 both named 'guan' — gate where the ghost enters the fifth hell; Yang Wei moves out, Yin Wei moves in. (Yuen)
- Ren-4, BL-22, BL-23, BL-52 (needle + moxa): To root kidney yang, support the adrenals and reduce stress in perimenopause; modify with yin tonics, clear liver heat, resolve damp, calm shen. (Lewis)
- Du-26, Du-25, PC-6, PC-9 (resuscitation sequence): Deep Du-26 and Du-25 then shallow PC-6 and PC-9 bring Wei qi to the chest and heart; repeat for brain trauma when consciousness doesn't return. (Gioioso)
- 'Happy baby' protocol: PC-6 + KI-9 (also SP-4 right, KI-19): Needle PC-6 and KI-9 (Yin Wei) at end of month 3/start of month 4 and months 7–8 for a good-hearted child; with Chong pulse add SP-4, KI-19. (Lewis)
- 1st lunar month: PC-6, Ren-12, BL-20, KI-2 + SP-8: Month 1: PC-6; Ren-12, BL-20 support Earth; KI-2 fire 'chisels the embryo' into SP-8; avoid needling the Liver channel this month. (Lewis)
- Buddha's / golden triangle: LU-9, HT-7, PC-6: Intense combination: LU-9 (source, influential point of vessels), HT-7 (source), PC-6; can be done one-sided. (Shea)
- Core anxiety points: HT-7, LV-3, PC-6, Ren-17 + Du-20, Yintang: HT-7, LV-3, PC-6, Ren-17 for anxiety, plus the brain, 'house of the original shen': Du-20 and Yintang (skip Yintang face-down). (Piao)
- Earth School three triangles: Ren-13/PC-6, Ren-12/ST-36, Ren-10/ST-25: Li Dongyuan protocol: ingestion Ren-13 + PC-6 (yin fire), digestion Ren-12 + ST-36, elimination Ren-10 + ST-25; needle on exhale, emphasize lift. (Yuen)
- Running piglet/vascular stress: SP-4 + PC-6; bowels: ST-36, ST-37, ST-39, LI-11: Anxiety/panic may mean vascular stress in the child — open Chong with SP-4 + PC-6; moxa chest for reflux; ST-36, ST-37, ST-39, LI-11 disinhibit the bowels. (Lewis)
- Uterine cramping in pregnancy: SP-4, PC-6, HT-7 → SP-6 → LI-4: Treat the pattern and relax the uterus with SP-4, PC-6, HT-7; if still cramping add SP-6, then LI-4 — safe only in experienced hands. (Lewis)
- Wang Qingren resuscitation protocol: Du-26, Du-25, PC-6 (shallow), PC-9 (shallow): Brings circulation back into the brain and Wei qi back in after loss of consciousness/brain injury (originally from cardiology). (Gioioso)
- Chong Mai + Yin Wei Mai pairing (SP-4 + PC-6): For heart pain, combine Chong (Sea of Blood) with Yin Wei using their opening points SP-4 Gongsun and PC-6 Neiguan, then add other points. (Yuen)
- Ren, Du, Wei summary (review): Ren: bonding/imprinting, Ren-21–23 for thyroid; Du: individuation, brain, Du-16–17 HPA axis; Wei: global linking, profound depression/loss of purpose (SJ-5, PC-6). (Rabinowitz)
- Yin Wei & Yang Wei for diabetes: For diabetes, Yin Wei points KI-9, SP-13, SP-15, SP-16, LV-14 and opening point PC-6; Yang Wei eye points (GB-16, GB-17) for retinopathy, opening point SJ-5. (Rabinowitz)
- Yin Wei vs Yang Wei for memory: Yin Wei Mai (PC-6) for repetitive trauma memories; Yang Wei Mai (SJ-5) for amnesia/memory gaps; Yang Wei starts at BL-63 Jinmen, then GB-35, LI-14. (Yuen)
- Blood stasis (Chong rebellion) after childbirth — points: PC-7, GB-17, GB-18, Du-24, Ren-14, BL-15, SP-4 (right) + PC-6 (left), KI-1, LV-3, BL-17, SP-10, reducing, to invigorate blood and subdue Chong rebellion. (Maciocia)
- Insufficient lactation — Liver-Qi stagnation points: SJ-6, GB-41, ST-18, SP-4 (right) + PC-6 (left), GB-34, LV-3, Ren-17, SI-1, SJ-3, BL-51, LU-9, LV-4, GB-21; reducing or even. (Maciocia)
- Nine Needles to Return Yang — as death medicine: Three stages: Separation (Du-15, PC-8, PC-6, SP-6); Transition (KI-1, KI-3, Ren-12); Deliverance (GB-30, ST-36 or ST-37, LI-4), giving yang momentum for passage. (Lewis)
- Nine Points to Return Yang (soul-summoning, used counterflow): Used counterflow so souls don't separate before business is done: PC-8, PC-6, SP-6, KI-1, KI-3, Ren-12, GB-30, ST-36, LI-4, from Jing to Qi to Shen. (Lewis)
- Postnatal depression — Heart-Blood deficiency points: HT-5, HT-7, Ren-14, Ren-15, BL-15, LV-8, Du-20, Ren-4, ST-36, SP-6, Du-19, PC-6; reinforcing (Du-19 even); moxa applicable. (Maciocia)
- Principle: same point, changed intention: At end of life the point and its function don't change but the clinical intention does — e.g., SP-6 for discomfort rather than tonification, PC-6 for nausea or gastric distress. (Lewis)
- Yin Wei Mai psychic treatment — forgiving the past: Resolves deepest internal conflict: PC-6 opens the chest, KI-9 witnesses life as a revered guest, SP-15 centers, SP-16 for unresolved heartbreak, LV-14 unbinds the chest, Ren-22/23 tell a new story. (Lewis)