Location

on the midline of the abdomen 6 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun below the sternocostal angle. (a cun is the distance between the 2nd and third knuckles or the lateral distance of the widest part of the thumb).

Needling

perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 inch or obliquely downward 1.0 to 1.5 inch.

Caution: deep insertion in thin patients may the Liver of Heart if either is enlarged.
oblique insertion upward is contraindicated in all cases.

Moxa is OK

Actions

Regulates the heart and alleviates pain
Descends Lung Qi and unbinds the chest
Transforms phlegm and calms the spirit
Harmonizes the stomach and descends rebellious Qi

Indications

pain in the chest esp. the cardiac region, nausea, acid regurgitation, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, mental disorders, epilepsy, palpitations.

Commentary:

Juque is the Front Mu point of the Heart. A Mu point is where the Qi of a particular organ gathers and collects and provides a direct line to the particular organ.

According the TCM theory, the Heart is the residence of the Spirit so this point is indicated for most mental disorders. Physical disorders are usually treated via the Pericardium channel, but if there are attendant emotional or mental symptoms then the Heart Channel should also be accessed.

There are a number of aetiologies that can affect the Heart, Juque is the point of choice in most cases. Poor memory, disorientation, loss of consciousness or epilepsy with vomiting foam, arises out of phlegm along 'misting the heart.' When phlegm combines with heat, mania disorders such as ranting & raving, anger & fury, cursing and scolding may arise. Deficient Heart blood or stagnant heart blood may give rise to agitation of the spirit, anxiety, nervousness, palpitations, and agitation in the pit of the stomach.

The Ren Channel (also called the Conception Vessel) has a strong downward pull on Qi. Since Juque is located midway between the Lungs and Stomach it has a strong action on both of descending Qi.