Jianshi Point (PC-5 / Interval Messenger)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Jianshi (PC-5 / Interval Messenger). Learn its benefits for malaria, heart pain, vomiting, and palpitations – the Pericardium meridian Jing-River point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Malaria, heart pain, vomiting, nausea with retching, palpitations, restlessness, manic disorders, epilepsy, and stomach pain.
Precise Location
In the anterior forearm region, 3 cun above the distal palmar wrist crease, between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon.
Location Method
Slightly flex the wrist and make a fist. Measure 3 cun (approximately 4 finger-widths) upward from the wrist crease – the point is between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger. ② Cupping: Apply retained cupping with a fire cup. ③ Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom. Press and knead Jianshi with the thumb or middle finger about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat heart pain, vomiting, and nausea with retching. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the chest and regulates qi, calms the heart and settles the spirit, harmonizes the stomach and descends rebellious qi, clears heat and stops malaria.
Compatibility
Nausea with retching, vomiting, and hiccups: Combine with Chize (LU-5). Malaria: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14) and Houxi (SI-3). Heart pain and palpitations: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Xinshu (BL-15). Manic disorders and epilepsy: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Dazhui (GV-14), and Fenglong (ST-40). Stomach pain: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Zusanli (ST-36).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian and is the Jing-River point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Metal element in the five-element theory). It soothes the chest and regulates qi, calms the heart and settles the spirit, harmonizes the stomach and descends rebellious qi, clears heat and stops malaria. It is a commonly used key point for treating heart, chest, mental, and digestive system disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Jian" means interval or space; "Shi" means envoy or messenger. This point is where Pericardium Meridian qi passes through, like a messenger conveying qi – hence the name Jianshi (Interval Messenger).
Contraindications
Located between the two tendons in the forearm, needling should avoid blood vessels – generally 0.5–1 cun vertically. Moxibustion is permissible.
