Quze Point (PC-3 / Curved Marsh)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Quze (PC-3 / Curved Marsh). Learn its benefits for heart pain, palpitations, vomiting, and upper limb pain – the Pericardium meridian He-Sea point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Heart pain, proneness to fright, mental confusion, palpitations, restlessness, vomiting, cough, upper limb contracture with pain, and febrile diseases.
Precise Location
Located on the Pericardium Meridian, in the elbow crease, at the ulnar (medial) border of the biceps brachii tendon.
Location Method
Sit upright with the elbow extended, palm facing up, slightly flexed at approximately 45°. Lightly hold the elbow tip with the other hand, four fingers on the outside – bend the thumb and press vertically with the fingertip into the point.
Massage Method
Press vertically with the thumb tip – a sore, distending, and painful sensation will occur. Apply once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes on each side. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and relieves restlessness, relaxes the sinews and activates blood, opens the orifices and dispels pathogens, dredges the meridians and collaterals.
Compatibility
Palpitations: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6), Shaofu (HT-8), and Quze (PC-3). Disease overview: Palpitations can occur in many conditions, often accompanied by insomnia, forgetfulness, dizziness, and tinnitus – any disorder affecting heart rate or rhythm can cause palpitations. Massage sequence: First press Neiguan with the thumb pad for 5 minutes, then press Shaofu for 5 minutes, finally press Quze for 3 minutes. Diarrhea: Combine with Shenque (RN-8), Yinjiao (RN-7), Shimen (RN-5), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Quze (PC-3). Vomiting: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12), Quepen (ST-12), Tiantu (RN-22), Neiguan (PC-6), Zusanli (ST-36), Yangbai (GB-14), Taichong (LR-3), and Quze (PC-3). Heart pain and restlessness: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Ximen (PC-4). Upper limb contracture with pain: Combine with Tianquan (PC-2) and Chize (LU-5).
Efficacy & Actions
According to the Zhenjiu Jiayijing: "Sudden heart pain with cough and qi counterflow – Quze is the primary point; bloodletting resolves it." This point has liver-protecting effects and is very effective for spasmodic muscle contractions, convulsions of the hands and feet, chest and heart heat with restlessness, and dizziness with head distension. Quze also treats vomiting. Massage and bloodletting at Quze open the orifices, dispel pathogens, activate blood and resolve stasis, and dredge the meridians and collaterals. This point belongs to the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian and is the He-Sea point where the meridian qi enters (corresponding to the Water element in the five-element theory). It clears heat and relieves restlessness, relaxes the sinews and activates blood, opens the orifices and dispels pathogens, and dredges the meridians and collaterals. It is a commonly used key point for treating heart, chest, and mental disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Qu" means curved; "Ze" means marsh or depression. Located in the depression of the elbow crease, where Pericardium Meridian qi flows like water into a marsh – hence the name Quze (Curved Marsh).
