Tianchi Point (PC-1 / Heavenly Pool, also known as Tianhui)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Tianchi (PC-1 / Heavenly Pool). Learn its benefits for chest fullness, headache, cough, asthma, and axillary swelling – the meeting point of Pericardium and Gallbladder – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Chest and diaphragm fullness with restlessness, headache, cough, asthma, inability to raise the four limbs, axillary swelling, heart pain, chest tightness, acute mastitis, and scrofula.
Precise Location
Located on the Pericardium Meridian, on the chest, in the 4th intercostal space, 1 cun lateral to the nipple.
Location Method
Sit upright with both hands raised, palms facing the chest. Press vertically downward with the thumb pads at 1 cun lateral to the nipple – that is the point.
Massage Method
Press vertically downward with the thumb pads at 1 cun lateral to the nipple – a sore sensation will occur. Apply once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes, simultaneously or separately. Therapeutic actions: Activates blood and resolves stasis, soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Axillary gland inflammation (axillary swelling, bromhidrosis): Combine with Jiquan (HT-1). Disease overview: Axillary gland inflammation, also known as bromhidrosis, is caused by higher fatty acid content in sweat from apocrine glands in the axilla, genital area, and mouth corners. When fatty acids reach a certain concentration, bacteria (mainly staphylococci) on the skin break them down into unsaturated fatty acids, producing an odor similar to fox scent. Massage sequence: Sit upright or lie supine – raise both hands with palms facing the chest, press Tianchi (1 cun lateral to the nipple) with the thumb pads for 1 minute, then press Jiquan in the axilla for 3 minutes. Cough: Combine with Lieque (LU-7), Fenglong (ST-40), and Tianchi (PC-1). Heart pain: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Tianchi (PC-1). Chest and hypochondriac pain: Combine with Zhigou (TE-6) and Tianchi (PC-1). Chest tightness and wheezing: Combine with Tanzhong (RN-17) and Neiguan (PC-6).
Efficacy & Actions
When feeling unwell with weakness of the four limbs and headache, try pressing Tianchi – it may help improve the condition. Tianchi is an important point on the Pericardium Meridian. According to the ancient text Zhenjiu Tongren, this point treats "chest and diaphragm fullness, headache, inability to raise the four limbs, axillary swelling, qi counterflow, sounds in the chest, and wheezing in the throat." This point belongs to the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian and is the meeting point of the Pericardium Meridian and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. It activates blood and resolves stasis, soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating heart, chest, and respiratory system disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Tian" means heaven or upper; "Chi" means pool or gathering place. Located in the upper chest, this point is where Pericardium Meridian qi gathers like a pool – hence the name Tianchi (Heavenly Pool). It is also known as "Tianhui."
