For an overview of how internal organs are thought of in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I highly recommend my first post in this series “The Internal Organs in Chinese Medicine.”
In TCM, the Pericardium is an organ with its own functions separate from the Heart. In Western Medicine, the pericardium is a thin, protective sac that surrounds the heart, but is rarely thought of as a separate organ.
The TCM Pericardium has functions very similar to the Heart organ; it is also responsible for governing blood and houses the mind. The key differences between the Heart and Pericardium are in how they manifest symptoms and what points on each channel can be used for.
The Heart is considered the Emperor organ and is so essential to our wellbeing that it is protected more than other organs from external disease. Much of this protection comes in the form of the Pericardium. Theoretically, external pathogens will attack the Pericardium organ first, causing symptoms such as high fever, delirium and aphasia before attacking the Heart. Heart organ symptoms will be similar, but increase in severity and eventually result in loss of consciousness.
Acupuncture points on the Pericardium channel are extremely useful for mental-emotional symptoms as well as many pathologies affecting the mid-thoracic) cavity. Pericardium-6 (Neiguan) is the most often used point clinically, and has become famous for its effect on nausea (mid-thoracic symptoms). Pericardium-6 is also useful for general chest tightness, chest pain, stuffiness, palpitations and anxiety.
The next post will cover “The Functions of the Stomach in Chinese Medicine”
To start this series from the beginning, go to “The Internal Organs in Chinese Medicine”
Like what you’re reading and want to learn more about how these concepts may be useful in your health care? If you are in the Austin area, contact me for a free consultation here.
