PC6 Acupuncture Point Guide: Neiguan
PC6, known as Neiguan or “Inner Pass”, is one of the most widely used acupuncture points in clinical practice. Located on the Pericardium channel, PC6 is traditionally associated with regulating the chest, calming the mind, harmonising the Stomach and easing nausea. It is also one of the best-known points outside professional acupuncture circles because of its association with travel sickness and nausea wristbands.
For qualified practitioners, PC6 is a highly versatile point. It is frequently used in treatments involving the chest, epigastrium, emotional tension, nausea, palpitations and stress-related presentations. Its location on the inner forearm makes it accessible, clinically practical and suitable for a wide range of treatment styles.
Point Name and Classification
Point code: PC6
Chinese name: Neiguan
English translation: Inner Pass
Channel: Pericardium channel
Point category: Luo-Connecting point of the Pericardium channel; one of the Eight Confluent Points, linking with the Yin Wei Mai.
Because of its relationship with the chest, Heart, Pericardium and Yin Wei Mai, PC6 is often selected where emotional, digestive and thoracic symptoms overlap.
PC6 Location
PC6 is located on the anterior aspect of the forearm.
To locate it:
Measure 2 cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
A practical location method is to ask the patient to lightly flex the wrist or make a gentle fist. The two tendons on the inner forearm often become easier to identify. PC6 lies between them, approximately two thumb-widths above the wrist crease.
In patients where palmaris longus is absent or difficult to palpate, locate the point in the midline of the anterior forearm, between the available tendon landmarks, taking care to maintain correct depth and angle.
Traditional Functions of PC6
Traditionally, PC6 is used to:
- Regulate the Heart and calm the Shen
- Open and relax the chest
- Harmonise the Stomach
- Descend rebellious Qi
- Regulate the Pericardium channel
- Unbind constraint in the chest and epigastrium
- Support the Yin Wei Mai
This combination of actions makes PC6 especially useful when symptoms cross between emotional tension, digestive upset and chest discomfort.
Common Clinical Applications
PC6 is commonly considered in patterns involving nausea, epigastric discomfort, anxiety, palpitations, chest tightness and emotional stress.
Nausea and Digestive Upset
PC6 is probably best known for its use in nausea-related presentations. In traditional practice, it is often selected when there is rebellious Stomach Qi, queasiness, retching or a sensation of fullness in the epigastrium.
It may be used as part of a broader treatment approach for nausea associated with travel, pregnancy, digestive disharmony or post-operative recovery, depending on practitioner scope and clinical appropriateness.
Chest and Epigastric Fullness
Because of its ability to open the chest and regulate Qi, PC6 is often used when a patient reports tightness, oppression or discomfort in the chest or upper abdomen. In Chinese medicine terms, it is especially relevant where constraint affects the chest, Heart, Pericardium or Stomach.
Emotional Tension and Anxiety
PC6 is frequently used where emotional stress presents with physical symptoms. Patients may describe a tight chest, fluttering sensation, sighing, restlessness, nausea or digestive disturbance linked to stress.
As a Pericardium point, PC6 is often chosen to calm the mind and regulate the relationship between emotional and physical symptoms.
Palpitations and Restlessness
In traditional point usage, PC6 is commonly included in treatments for palpitations, unease, insomnia or agitation where the pattern diagnosis supports its use. It is often paired with points such as HT7, CV17, SP6 or LV3 depending on the clinical picture.
Wrist and Forearm Discomfort
Although best known for internal conditions, PC6 may also be used locally for discomfort along the anterior forearm or wrist, particularly where the Pericardium channel pathway is involved.
Needling PC6
Typical needling is perpendicular or slightly oblique, depending on the patient’s anatomy and the practitioner’s intention.
A commonly referenced depth is approximately 0.5–1 cun, adjusted according to body size, tissue depth and clinical judgement.
Practitioners should be mindful of the local anatomy of the wrist and forearm. Avoid aggressive needling, excessive manipulation or needling too deeply in sensitive patients. As always, use sterile, single-use acupuncture needles and follow appropriate professional hygiene protocols.
Cautions and Contraindications
Use caution with:
- Patients with significant wrist or forearm trauma
- Local skin infection, inflammation or wounds
- Patients on anticoagulant medication or with bleeding tendency
- Patients with altered sensation in the forearm or hand
- Strong needle-sensitive patients
PC6 is generally considered a commonly used and accessible point, but it should still be needled with care and appropriate anatomical awareness.
Patients with chest pain, severe breathlessness, sudden palpitations, fainting, or symptoms suggestive of a cardiac emergency should be referred for urgent medical assessment. Acupuncture should not be used as a substitute for emergency medical care.
Common PC6 Point Combinations
PC6 + ST36
A classic combination for supporting the Stomach and regulating Qi. Often considered where nausea, digestive weakness or epigastric discomfort is part of the treatment picture.
PC6 + CV17
Used to open the chest, regulate Qi and ease emotional or thoracic constraint. This pairing is often considered where stress affects breathing, chest comfort or emotional expression.
PC6 + HT7
A common combination where emotional restlessness, sleep disturbance, palpitations or anxiety-like symptoms are present.
PC6 + SP4
This is a traditional pairing linked with the Yin Wei Mai and Chong Mai. It is often used where symptoms involve the chest, epigastrium, digestion and internal disharmony.
PC6 + LV3
A useful combination where stress, Qi stagnation and digestive or chest symptoms overlap. LV3 helps move Liver Qi, while PC6 regulates the chest and Stomach.
PC6 in Modern Practice
PC6 remains popular because it sits at the intersection of several common clinical presentations: stress, digestion, nausea and chest tightness. It is a point that often makes sense in modern practice because patients frequently present with mixed physical and emotional symptoms.
For example, a patient may describe nausea when anxious, a tight chest during stress, or digestive discomfort that worsens during periods of tension. PC6 is frequently selected in these situations as part of a wider treatment plan based on full diagnosis.
Its accessibility also makes it useful in treatments where fewer needles are preferred, or where a practitioner wants a strong regulatory point without needling the torso.
Practitioner Notes
When using PC6, consider the patient’s broader pattern rather than relying on the point as a single-symptom solution. It may be especially relevant where the clinical picture includes:
- Chest constraint
- Nausea
- Epigastric fullness
- Anxiety or emotional tension
- Palpitations
- Stress-related digestive symptoms
- Yin Wei Mai involvement
PC6 is often at its best when used as a harmonising point within a focused prescription.
Related Products for Practitioners
For needling PC6, practitioners may prefer fine, sterile, single-use acupuncture needles suitable for forearm points.
Suggested internal product links:
- Acupuncture Needles
- DongBang Acupuncture Needles
- Seirin Acupuncture Needles
- Cotton wool / swabs
- Sharps disposal products
Suggested Internal Links
- LI4 Acupuncture Point Guide
- LV3 Acupuncture Point Guide
- ST36 Acupuncture Point Guide
- SP6 Acupuncture Point Guide
- Acupuncture Needles Guide
- Practitioner Guide to Needle Sizes
FAQ: PC6 / Neiguan
Where is PC6 located?
PC6 is located on the inner forearm, 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
What is PC6 commonly used for?
In traditional acupuncture, PC6 is commonly used for nausea, chest tightness, epigastric discomfort, palpitations, stress-related symptoms and calming the mind.
Is PC6 used for nausea?
Yes. PC6 is one of the best-known acupuncture points associated with nausea and rebellious Stomach Qi. It is commonly included in treatment strategies involving nausea or queasiness.
Is PC6 safe to needle?
PC6 is commonly needled by trained practitioners, but care is needed because of the local anatomy of the wrist and forearm. Practitioners should use appropriate depth, angle and sterile technique.
What points combine well with PC6?
Common combinations include PC6 with ST36, CV17, HT7, SP4 and LV3, depending on the treatment strategy and pattern diagnosis.
Practitioner Disclaimer
This guide is intended for qualified acupuncture and healthcare practitioners. It is for educational and professional reference only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or emergency care. Patients with serious symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting or sudden palpitations should seek urgent medical attention.
