The spring at the top of the arm. Tianquan (PC-2) opens the chest, eases heart pain and brings Qi and Blood (Xue) flowing freely through the Pericardium channel — a quiet but dependable point for the upper arm and the heart region.
Contraindications
PC-2 is a straightforward point on the upper arm with no special contraindications. Use standard clean needle technique and respect the stated depth.
Name & story
The name 天泉 Tianquan means 'Heavenly Spring'. Picture a fresh spring welling up high on a hillside — water beginning its journey downward, clear and full of movement. Here, near the top of the arm, the Qi of the Pericardium channel flows like that spring: fresh, descending, ready to nourish and move. 'Heavenly' places the point high on the body and hints at its connection to the chest and Heart above. The image of a spring also suggests how it can unblock what has become still and stagnant.
Point family & character
PC-2 belongs to the Pericardium Meridian (PC). It sits near the beginning of the channel's path down the inner arm, making it an important local and regional point for the upper arm and axilla, as well as a gateway for opening the chest and heart.
Five-element dynamics
The Pericardium is the Fire element's protective minister — it shields the Heart, the emperor, from emotional and physical shock. When Fire is disturbed — whether by Heat, Cold, Stagnation or emotional hurt — the chest tightens, pain arises and Qi and Blood (Xue) lose their smooth flow. Tianquan, sitting high on the channel like a spring near its source, helps restore that flow right from the start of the pathway, allowing the Pericardium to do its protective work properly.
Location
Find the front of the armpit crease (the anterior axillary fold). Move straight down the inner surface of the upper arm by 2 Cun. The point sits in the muscle belly of the biceps brachii, between its two heads.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the inner (medial) surface of the upper arm, in the belly of the biceps brachii muscle.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly (straight in).
Safe depth
Safe depth — 0.5–1 Cun.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Massage and acupressure along the inner upper arm are practical home options. Gentle warming with a moxa stick may also be used when the condition involves Cold or Stagnation in the channel.
Functions
Regulates the Heart and opens the chest. Moves Qi and Blood (Xue) in the Pericardium channel. Relieves pain along the inner arm and chest. Calms the Shen.
Indications
Chest pain and cardiac pain. Palpitations. Pain, numbness or discomfort along the inner surface of the upper arm. Cough and fullness in the chest. Pain radiating to the back.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
Because the Pericardium stands guard around the Heart — the residence of the Shen — any tightness or Stagnation in the chest can disturb the spirit: the feeling of a heavy weight pressing on the heart, unease, or a low, constricted mood. Tianquan, by opening that constriction and freeing the flow of Qi and Blood (Xue) along the channel, gently lifts that heaviness and lets the Shen breathe more freely again.
Point combinations
With PC-6 (Neiguan) — to open the chest, calm palpitations and ease cardiac pain. With PC-4 (Ximen) — for acute chest pain and discomfort along the Pericardium channel. With BL-15 (Xinshu) — to nourish and regulate the Heart and calm the Shen.
Clinical spotlight
PC-2 is a valuable local point for the inner upper arm — useful in pain, numbness or weakness along that region — while simultaneously reaching into the chest to ease cardiac and respiratory symptoms. Its position near the top of the Pericardium channel means it can redirect and regulate Qi flow through the whole channel pathway from shoulder to wrist.
The golden tip
To ease tightness in the chest or discomfort along the inner upper arm, find the inner surface of the upper arm about two finger-widths below the front of the armpit crease, in the biceps muscle. Apply firm, steady pressure with your thumb for 1–2 minutes, breathing slowly and deeply. This can help release tension and encourage a feeling of openness in the chest.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.