PC 5 — Jiān Shǐ (间使) — Intermediary
On this page
1. Overview
PC 5 — Jiān Shǐ (间使) — is an acupuncture point on the Pericardium meridian. Its English name, Intermediary, 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 palmar aspect of the forearm, 3 cun above PC 7, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
3. Actions
- Jing-River point of the Pericardium — clears Heat and resolves Phlegm
- Calms the Mind and treats mental disorders
- Regulates the Heart and stops palpitations
- Harmonises the Stomach and stops vomiting
4. Indications
- Epilepsy and mania from Phlegm-Fire — the primary Pericardium point for mental disorders
- Palpitations and chest pain from Phlegm obstruction
- Vomiting and nausea — complements PC 6
- Malaria — a classical indication
- Arm and elbow pain
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–0.8 cun.
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 5 is the Jing-River and Metal point of the Pericardium. It has a stronger Phlegm-resolving and mind-calming action than PC 6 and is used specifically for Phlegm-Fire disturbing the Mind — mania, bipolar disorder and epilepsy. Combined with ST 40, GV 20 and HT 7 it forms the prescription for Phlegm-Fire mental disorders.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use PC 5 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Anxiety, Insomnia. 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.
