PC 3 — Qū Zé (曲泽) — Marsh at the Bend
On this page
1. Overview
PC 3 — Qū Zé (曲泽) — is an acupuncture point on the Pericardium meridian. Its English name, Marsh at the Bend, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the cubital crease, on the ulnar side of the biceps brachii tendon.
3. Actions
- He-Sea point of the Pericardium — clears Heart Heat
- Cools the Blood and clears toxins
- Harmonises the Stomach and stops vomiting
- Activates the meridian and relieves elbow pain
4. Indications
- Febrile disease with agitation, palpitations and fever from Heat entering the Pericardium
- Nausea, vomiting and epigastric pain from Stomach Heat
- Elbow pain and contracture
- Cardiac arrhythmia from Heart Heat
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.8–1.2 cun, or prick to bleed.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
PC 3 is the He-Sea and Water point of the Pericardium. It is the primary point for Heat entering the Pericardium — a serious pattern with fever, agitation and confusion. Bloodletting at PC 3 alongside BL 40 is a classical technique for clearing extreme Heat. As a local point it is used for medial elbow pain and combined with PC 6 for elbow conditions.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use PC 3 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Anxiety, High blood pressure. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
