PC5 (Jianshi / Intermediary Messenger) Acupuncture Point Guide
Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
PC5 Jianshi is a jing-river; metal point of the Pericardium channel. This Project Lotus reference brings together surface landmarks, traditional theory and practical safety considerations for qualified practitioners.
Quick reference
| Point | PC5 — Jianshi (Intermediary Messenger) |
|---|---|
| Channel | Pericardium — Hand Jueyin |
| Classification | Jing-River; Metal |
| Region | Anterior forearm |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Location | On the palm-facing forearm, between palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons, 3 B-cun proximal to the palmar wrist crease. |
Location of PC5 Jianshi
On the palm-facing forearm, between palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons, 3 B-cun proximal to the palmar wrist crease.
Landmark sequence
- Support the forearm palm upwards.
- Identify the palmar wrist crease and flexor carpi radialis tendon.
- Measure three proportional units proximally.
- Locate the interval with palmaris longus; if that tendon is absent, use the ulnar side of flexor carpi radialis as the reference.
Where a B-cun measurement is given, use the patient’s proportional body measurement. It is not a fixed centimetre distance or a universal number of the practitioner’s finger breadths. Confirm the relevant landmarks by palpation before deciding on a technique.
Distinguishing nearby points
PC5 is 3 B-cun from the wrist crease, while PC6 is 2 B-cun. Palmaris longus is absent in some people, so tendon variation must be considered.
Traditional functions
Within traditional East Asian medicine, this point is commonly described in terms of the following functions:
- Transforms Phlegm in traditional theory
- Calms the Shen
- Harmonises the Stomach and regulates Qi
Traditional applications
Traditionally considered for selected Phlegm or Shen presentations and epigastric or chest-pattern discomfort. Medical causes of chest symptoms must be excluded rather than assumed to be a channel imbalance.
These descriptions express traditional theory. They are not claims that this individual point has been proven to prevent or cure a medical condition. A symptom or channel label alone is insufficient to select a treatment.
Planning a point combination
Consider the treatment principle, local versus distal selection and the patient’s complete presentation. Related Project Lotus guides for comparison include PC6, HT7. These are educational comparison points, not a fixed prescription. Confirm the rationale, laterality and technique within accredited training.
Anatomy and essential safety
The median nerve lies deep to this interval. Avoid direct nerve injury or deliberate production of an electric sensation; reassess sharp pain, tingling or new numbness.
- Inspect the skin and assess local tissue, circulation and sensation. Do not needle through infected, ulcerated, inflamed or otherwise unsuitable tissue.
- Review relevant surgery, injuries, implants, bleeding risk, medication, pregnancy and previous adverse reactions.
- Use sterile single-use needles, appropriate infection control and safe sharps disposal. Obtain informed consent and document the treatment.
- Choose angle, depth and stimulation from anatomical assessment and accredited training. This guide gives no universal insertion depth. Stop and reassess unexpected sharp pain, neurological symptoms or a concerning response.
When medical assessment takes priority
New chest pain with sweating, breathlessness or collapse requires emergency assessment. Severe mental distress, confusion or risk of self-harm requires appropriate urgent clinical support.
Moxibustion
Moxa is not an automatic addition. Consider the traditional pattern, local anatomy and the practitioner’s training. Where heat is appropriate, assess sensation, skin condition, ventilation and the patient’s ability to report discomfort; supervise continuously and prevent burns.
Research note
Evidence concerning an acupuncture treatment or a multi-point protocol cannot be assigned automatically to this point alone. This guide does not claim an independently established clinical effect for PC5. Traditional functions and clinical evidence should be discussed separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is this point bilateral?
Yes. The surface landmarks apply on both sides. Treatment laterality depends on assessment and the chosen clinical strategy.
Can the image replace palpation?
No. The image shows the landmark relationship schematically. Body proportions, tendon visibility and tissue depth vary, so trained examination remains essential.
Is this a self-needling guide?
No. It is an educational reference for qualified practitioners and does not replace professional training or medical assessment.
Continue exploring Project Lotus
Browse our Acupuncture Point Guides and professional acupuncture needles.
Professional note: Educational material for qualified acupuncture practitioners. Individual assessment, consent, safe technique and appropriate referral remain the practitioner’s responsibility.
References: WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations, updated reprint 2009 (entry PC5); CEIMEC point atlas (cross-check; WHO takes precedence where descriptions differ); Joel Penner, American Dragon: traditional point reference; NCCIH: acupuncture evidence and safety. Checked 5 October 2026.
