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Figure of the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian

The Pericardium (Pericardium) is described as formless in the *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues). Hua Borren stated: The Pericardium, also known as the Hand-Shoumain (Master of the Hand); according to Zang-Xiang (Viscera and Manifestations) theory, it is located above the horizontal diaphragm and below the vertical diaphragm beneath the Heart. The part adhering to the horizontal diaphragm and wrapped in yellow fat is the Heart itself. Outside this fatty membrane, there are fine fibrous membranes like silk connecting to the Heart and Lungs; this is the Pericardium. This explanation is correct, and those who claim it is formless are wrong.

"Baoluo" refers to the tissue wrapping the Heart, which is also the location of Danzhong (Chest Center/Shanzhong), the source from which the Heart's functions emanate. Various theories have existed for a long time, perpetuating errors; these are now corrected through examination.

The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian is also called the Xin Zhu (Heart Master) meridian, referring to Danzhong. Danzhong is the "Official of the Envoy," where feelings of joy and pleasure arise. One might ask: Why does the Hand-Jueyin meridian have three names: Xin Zhu, Xin Baoluo, and Danzhong? Essentially, the Heart belongs to Minister Fire (Jun Huo), while the Pericardium belongs to Assistant Fire (Xiang Huo). Minister Fire governs by status/name, while Assistant Fire governs by function/position, acting on behalf of Minister Fire. From the perspective of function, it is called Xin Zhu; from the perspective of the meridian name, it is called Xin Baoluo. Furthermore, regarding Danzhong, the *Ling Shu·Lan Lan Mi Dian Pian* states: "Danzhong is the Official of the Envoy, where joy arises." Joyful laughter is governed by Heart Fire, so the intent of joy corresponds directly to the Heart. It is uniquely called the "Envoy" because it is a close minister to the Monarch (Emperor). By this reasoning, Baoluo is Danzhong, and Danzhong is Xin Zhu; they are merely different names for the same single meridian. Its physical structure lies above the horizontal diaphragm and below the vertical diaphragm beneath the Heart. The part connected to the horizontal diaphragm and wrapped in yellow fat is the Heart; outside this fatty membrane, the silk-like fibrous tissues connecting to the Heart and Lungs constitute the Pericardium. However, the Pericardium does not merely wrap the Heart locally; it is essentially a layer of fatty membrane surrounding the diaphragm, connecting with the Large Luo vessel of the Spleen and the fatty membranes within the abdomen, permeating the entire body cavity, and linked to the spine. Through this, the Zang-Fu organs connect with each other. The Qi and Blood of the Zang-Fu organs also communicate through this medium. Since it is linked to the spine, the connection between the internal organs and the body shell must rely on this pathway; the infusion of Qi and Blood from the internal organs to the body shell also relies on this. Thus, the Pericardium is actually the general manager of the Zang-Fu organs. It has both name and form, so the claim that it is formless is incorrect. This meridian contains much blood and little Qi, stands in interior-exterior relationship with the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) meridian, and receives Qi and Blood flow during the Xu hour (7-9 PM).

Its clinical manifestations include: incessant laughing, heat in the palms, spasms and stiffness in the arms and elbows, swelling in the axilla, and in severe cases, fullness in the chest, axilla, and limbs, redness of the face, and mental restlessness.

The meridian originates in the chest, descends to connect with the Pericardium located below the Heart, receiving transmission from the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. From there, it passes downward through the diaphragm and connects with the Upper Wrist and Middle Wrist areas of the Sanjiao. Its branch arises from the Pericardium, ascends along the chest, emerges from the hypochondrium, descends three cun below the axilla to the Tianchi (Heavenly Pool) acupoint, ascends to reach the axilla, then descends along the medial aspect of the upper arm to the Tianquan (Heavenly Spring) acupoint, positioned midway between the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, entering the elbow at the Quze (Pool at the Crook) acupoint. From the elbow, it descends along the forearm, running between the two tendons of the forearm, passing through the Ximen (Door of the Xi), Jianshi (Intercourse Time), Neiguan (Inner Pass), and Daling (Great Market) acupoints, entering the palm at Laogong (Palace of Labor), and following the middle finger to its tip at Zhongchong (Central Rush). Another branch diverges from the palm, follows the ring finger to its tip, and intersects with the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, ascending from Guanchong (Gate of Rush) and Yemen (Liquid Gate) acupoints.