PC 8 — Láo Gōng (劳宫) — Labour Palace
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1. Overview
PC 8 — Láo Gōng (劳宫) — is an acupuncture point on the Pericardium meridian. Its English name, Labour Palace, 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 palm, between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones, where the tip of the middle finger touches when a fist is made.
3. Actions
- Clears Heart and Pericardium Fire — the most powerful Heat-clearing point on the Pericardium channel
- Calms the Mind and revives consciousness
- Resolves Damp-Heat in the mouth
- Cools the Blood
4. Indications
- Heart and Pericardium Fire — extreme agitation, mania, delirium
- Mouth ulcers and bad breath from Stomach and Heart Heat
- Vomiting and nausea from Stomach Heat
- Tinea manuum (fungal hand infection)
- Stroke — reviving consciousness
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun. Very tender.
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 8 is the Ying-Spring and Fire point of the Pericardium — the Fire point on the Fire meridian's envelope organ, giving it the most powerful Fire-clearing action on the channel. It is used for extreme Heart and Pericardium Fire patterns. In emergency practice, pressing PC 8 firmly is used alongside GV 26 for restoring consciousness. Its clearing of Stomach Heat via the Pericardium-Stomach connection addresses mouth ulcers and bad breath.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use PC 8 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Anxiety, Stress. 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.
