Pericardium Meridian protects the heart from anger
Life’s little ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ affect us both physically and energetically – especially in the heart. During these times, if you have wished for a “heart protector,” it may surprise you to know about the “King’s Bodyguard” - the pericardium. A Fire element, yin organ, it is a mass of energy in the form of a tough, fibrous membrane that envelops the heart and protects it physically. Energetically, it also protects the heart from damaging energies, such as those caused by radical emotional fluctuations from the excessive emotional energies of other organs (for example, anger from the liver). It has a powerful influence on one’s mental and emotional states.
The Pericardium Meridian, a non-physical entity that surrounds the heart, governs both the heart and lungs. Problems in the Pericardium Meridian can be caused by emotional disorders resulting from repressed anger or stress. If the Pericardium Meridian flows well, decision making flourishes with choices that support the heart and satisfy the soul’s longing; if it does not, life’s demands can become overwhelming and the heart and soul’s needs are drowned in the confusion. For a healthy heart, then, this meridian must be strong.
Imbalances in the Heart and Pericardium Meridians are similar: restlessness, a flushed face, heart palpitation, nausea, yellowing of sclera (white of the eye), insomnia, and spasms in the chest and waist. In the case of arm and shoulder stiffness that occasionally accompanies heart problems, the Arm Twist exercise helps not only to release this discomfort but also to activate both the Pericardium Meridian and the Heart Meridian:
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, your arms extended to the side, and with your palms down. Inhale. Twist your thumbs and arms downward and all the way back. Hold for a few seconds. Exhale. Return to the original posture. Inhale. Twist your thumbs up and all the way back. Exhale. Inhale. Twist each arm in the opposite direction of the other. Repeat each motion 5 to 10 times.
When finished, massage your muscles and press the points on the Pericardium Meridian, which begins bi-laterally near the nipples, runs down the inner arms, and ends at the tip of each middle finger. Pressing the tips of the middle fingers is especially helpful for calming your mind and unclogging the congested fire energy in the chest and the head.
— Chungsuk Lee