Xu period (19:00 to 21:00) is the time when the pericardium channel is on duty. The pericardium (or Xīn Bāo) is the guard of the heart, protecting it. So pericardium health is also important for maintaining the health of the heart. Massaging at Laogong (PC 8) and Zhongchong (PC 9) can regulate the functions of the heart.
Hai period (21:00 to 23:00) is the time when the Sanjiao channel is on duty. The Sanjiao can unblock qi and connect the whole body. At this time, baths and foot baths are suggested to regulate the body. It is also the time when many people have sexual intercourse. But several important points should be noted.
Pericardium (Xīn Bāo)
The pericardium is located outside the heart, and can protect the heart. When external pathogens attack, it is affected first. The hand jueyin pericardium channel originates from the chest, connecting the pericardium, and the upper, middle and lower Jiao. Therefore, the channel is closely related to the heart and chest, and is mainly used for diseases and symptoms involving the heart such as heart pain, chest stuffiness and fever in the palms.
Sanjiao
Sanjiao is a general term for the upper, middle and lower Jiao. Its main physiological functions include managing various types of qi and freeing and regulating the waterways. It is the passage for qi rising and falling, and is the place for qi transformation. Through the transportation of the Sanjiao, the original qi rooted in the kidney is distributed to the whole body. As the passage for moving water and fluid, the Sanjiao can also help to distribute them to the whole body under the regulation of the lung, spleen and kidney.
Since the hand shaoyang san jiao channel passes through the lateral side of the upper arm and the shoulder, it has a good therapeutic effect on diseases in or related to the scapula.
Laogong (PC 8) is one of the acupoints of the pericardium channel, possessing effects of clearing and draining fire, opening the orifices to induce resuscitation, eliminating dampness and harmonizing the stomach, cooling the blood and extinguishing wind, as well as eliminating swelling and relieving itching.
Location: In the center of the palm, between the second and third metacarpal bones, slightly closer to the third one; When bending the fingers to form a fist, it is located at the tip of the middle finger.
Stimulating PC 8 can protect the heart and improve sleep. In Chinese medicine, the heart is the monarch ruling over the other officials, and governs the (conscious) mind. Since the pericardium channel protects the heart, massage at PC 8 can calm the mind and is effective for insomnia and sweating caused by syndromes such as exuberance of heart fire and deficiency of heart yin. It is suitable for manipulation before sleep.
For physical and mental fatigue that arises due to the pressure of life and work, massage at PC 8 can eliminate fatigue quickly by speeding up blood circulation. It can also treat arrhythmia, especially when it is caused by blood pressure instability and tachycardia that comes and goes with fluctuations of emotions.
Pressing PC 8 can quickly calm the mood and restore the normal heart rate. Every night when the pericardium channel is on duty (during Xu period), first rub PC 8 on the palms. Then press-scrub Yongquan (KI 1) on the left side with the right palm and repeat it at the right KI 1 for 200 times on each side. The method can descend the heart fire and ascend the kidney water so as to promote heart-kidney interaction to treat insomnia.
Pressing PC 8 can also treat the sudden rise of blood pressure. If the blood pressure of patients with hypertension rises sharply due to anger, rage or agitation, pressing and massaging from PC 8 to the tips of all ten fingers with a sweeping stroke can be done with the thumb. The point should be manipulated alternately on both sides. When pressing, pay attention to keeping a calm mind and an even breath.
