Pericardium refers to the tissues surrounding the heart. Structurally it is a membrane surrounding the heart, and physiologically it protects the heart. When exogenous evils invade the heart, the pericardium is always the first to be affected. For example, invasion of the pericardium by pathogenic heat gives rise to mental disturbances like coma and delirium, present with the same manifestations as those of the heart. Therefore, the pericardium is not generally viewed as an independent organ, but as an attachment to the heart. The triple burner is the passage through which water, food and fluid are transported, and treatment focuses on its meridian aiming to restore the harmony of the affected organs such as the lung, spleen or kidney. The pericardium meridian communicates with the triple burner meridian creating an exterior and interior relationship. The two systems influence each other closely.

Pericardium syndrome	Meridians for the major acupoints	Recommended techniques
Localized symptoms along the course of the pericardium meridian e.g. chest pain radiating to armpit, irritability and feverish sensation in the palms	The pericardium meridian	Reducing needling techniques and use with moxibustion if necessary

 

Triple burner syndromes	Meridians for the major acupoints	Recommended techniques
Disorder of qi transformation leads to internal fluids disturbance	The conception vessel meridian as well as the back transport points, alarm points and lower sea points of the triple burner	Both acupuncture and moxibustion
Damp-heat accumulated internally leads to internal fluids disturbance	The three yin meridians in the legs as well as the back transport points, alarm points and lower sea points of the triple burner	Reducing needling techniques
Localized symptoms along the course of the triple burner meridians e.g. numbness or weakness of the back of the arm, dizziness, ear ringing and swelling of the cheeks	The triple burner and gallbladder meridians	Either acupuncture or moxibustion, or use "pricking" needles to draw small amount of blood from appropriate acupoints

The pericardium meridian communicates with the triple burner meridian creating a special relationship.