PC 6 — Nèi Guān (内关) — Inner Pass

PC 6 (Nei Guan, “Inner Pass”) is the Luo-Connecting point of the Pericardium meridian and the opening point of the Yin Wei Mai — the most important antiemetic point in acupuncture. Located 2 cun above the wrist crease between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis, it is used clinically for nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and chest pain. Acupressure wristbands targeting PC 6 are widely available for motion sickness.

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic
8. Frequently asked questions about PC 6

1. About PC 6 (Nei Guan)

PC 6 — Nèi Guān (内关) — is an acupuncture point on the Pericardium meridian. Its English name, Inner Pass, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of 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. I use PC 6 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. PC 6 location

2 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

3. Actions

1. Opens the chest and regulates Heart Qi
2. Calms the Mind and settles palpitations
3. Descends rebellious Stomach Qi — the primary antiemetic point
4. Opens the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)
5. Regulates the Middle Jiao
6. Relieves pain in the chest and Heart

4. Indications

1. Nausea and vomiting — the most important antiemetic point (morning sickness, chemotherapy, motion sickness)
2. Palpitations, irregular heartbeat and angina
3. Anxiety, panic attacks and emotional disturbance
4. Insomnia and restlessness from Heart disturbance
5. Chest pain, fullness and tightness
6. Epilepsy and mania
7. Wrist and hand pain
8. Hiccup and epigastric pain

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1.0 cun.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.

6. Clinical notes

PC 6 is the Luo-Connecting point of the Pericardium meridian and the opening point of the Yin Wei Mai. It is one of the most frequently used and clinically versatile points in acupuncture. Its antiemetic effect is so well documented that acupressure wristbands targeting PC 6 are commercially available for motion sickness and morning sickness. Multiple Cochrane-quality systematic reviews have confirmed its effectiveness for nausea and vomiting from multiple causes. In cardiology, PC 6 is used for cardiac arrhythmia, angina and anxiety-related palpitations. Combined with HT 7 it powerfully calms the Heart and Mind.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use PC 6 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Morning sickness, Anxiety, Insomnia, 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.

8. Frequently asked questions about PC 6

What is the PC 6 acupuncture point used for?

The PC 6 acupuncture point (Nei Guan) is best known as the most effective anti-nausea point in acupuncture. The acupuncture point PC 6 is used to treat morning sickness in pregnancy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, motion sickness and post-operative nausea. Beyond nausea, the PC 6 acupuncture point is also used for palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, chest tightness and wrist pain.

Where is the acupuncture point PC 6 located?

The acupuncture point PC 6 is located on the inner forearm, 2 cun (approximately 3 finger-widths) above the wrist crease, between the two tendons (palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis). To find it: turn your forearm so the palm faces up, then measure roughly three finger-widths from the wrist crease. The point sits between the two prominent tendons that run down the middle of the forearm.

How do I press acupuncture points PC6 for nausea?

For acupressure on PC6, apply firm steady pressure with your thumb on the point for 1–3 minutes, breathing slowly. Repeat on the other wrist. Acupressure wristbands (Sea-Bands and similar) are designed specifically to apply continuous pressure to the PC6 acupuncture point and are widely used for travel sickness and pregnancy nausea. Press the acupuncture points PC6 on both wrists for best effect.

Is PC 6 safe in pregnancy?

Yes. PC 6 is one of the few acupuncture points specifically recommended during pregnancy. It is endorsed by the NHS for treating morning sickness and has been used safely in countless pregnancy studies. Pregnancy-related acupressure wristbands target this exact point.

What does PC 6 mean in Chinese?

PC 6 is called Nèi Guān (内关) in Chinese, which translates as “Inner Pass”. The name reflects the point's role as an opening or gateway to the deeper energetic channels (specifically the Yin Wei Mai, the Yin Linking Vessel).

Can PC 6 help with anxiety?

Yes. The PC 6 acupuncture point calms the Heart (Shen) in Chinese medicine, making it one of the primary points used for anxiety, panic attacks and palpitations driven by emotional stress. It is often combined with HT 7 (Shen Men) for stronger calming effect. See my page on acupuncture for anxiety for more.