The Pericardium Channel of Hand, Absolute Yin

The Pericardium (Yin) and the Triple Burner (Yang) are paired Organs. They are said to correspond to the "Ministerial Fire," as opposed to the "Sovereign Fire" of the Heart and Small Intestine. Though the Pericardium has no separate physiological functions, it is generally mentioned with regard to the delirium induced by high fevers.

The regulation of Qi in the Pericardium is considered a very important subject in Qigong.

It is believed that the Heart, the most vital organ in your body, must have a proper level of Qi circulation in order to function normally. The Qi level of the Heart can be raised easily to an abnormal state by illness, emotional disturbance, exercise, or injury. The function of the Pericardium is to dissipate the excess Qi from the Heart and direct it to the Laogong cavity, located in the center of the palm.

From Laogong, the excess Qi will be released naturally and hence, regulate the Heart’s Qi level. The Laogong cavity is used in Qigong massage to reduce the body’s temperature during a fever. You can see that the purpose of the Pericardium is to regulate the Qi in the Heart through the Laogong cavity.

You should understand that in Qigong it is believed that there are five centers (called gates) where the Qi of the body is able to communicate with the surrounding environment, and, consequently, regulate the Qi level in your body. Two of these five centers are the Laogong cavities, and two others are Yongquan, used to regulate the Qi in the Kidneys. The fifth one is your face. The face is connected and related to many of your organs. Whenever any of your organ Qi is not normal, it shows on your face. Click to learn how Chinese medicine treats Carbuncle.