Quick Take
A social media post claims that there is a button for the heart called Pericardium 6, which can treat heart diseases and epilepsy. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook post with the caption, “Pericardium 6 is literally the button for the heart, it helps regulate its rhythm, which calms the spirit and has a ripple effect on overall health and well being. Grab the free acupressure ebook in my bio to learn more life changing points 🙂 #acupressure #brokenheart #chestpain” shares the video demonstrating the location of the so-called “button for the heart” and explaining how to press it to “release the stagnation from in and around the chest.”
Fact Check
What is Pericardium 6?
Pericardium 6 (P6), also known as the Neiguan point, is an acupuncture point located on the inside of the wrist, about two finger widths above the crease between the wrist and the hand. It is found on the anterior forearm, approximately three fingerbreadths below the wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and the flexor carpi radialis muscles.
Does massaging a button on the wrist called Pericardium 6 treat various heart diseases and epilepsy?
Not exactly. There is limited scientific evidence to support the use of Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure or acupuncture as a treatment for heart diseases and epilepsy. Acupressure is a traditional massage technique that is widely utilized as a treatment modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The primary objective of acupressure, along with other therapies within Chinese Medicine, is to stimulate the flow of Qi, or vital life energy, through the body’s 14 meridian channels.
Research indicates that P6 stimulation might be beneficial in nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Deepti Priya, Naturopath and Yoga Physician (BNYS) based in Mumbai, comments on this by stating, “Acupressure and Acupuncture are alternative Therapies. They help in relieving the symptoms more than treating any disease. Pericardium 6 is a major point in Acupuncture therapy, as it helps to relieve the symptoms like palpitation, anxiety, and uneasy feelings. As per research, massaging on P6 helps in reliving nausea feeling (quick result in motion sickness) and morning sickness in pregnancy and post-operative vomiting. However, no research backs the claim that massaging P6 will help in curing heart diseases and epilepsy.”
While P6 is traditionally believed to be an important acupuncture point for treating various conditions, however, more credible scientific evidence is needed to support these claims. Additionally, P6 massage should not be used as a replacement for proper medical treatment. Symptoms such as chest pain or seizures can be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which may require urgent medical attention. Heart diseases and epilepsy are serious conditions that require careful diagnosis and treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Delaying or avoiding proper medical treatment in favour of P6 massage can lead to worsening symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications.
In conclusion, while P6 massage may have some therapeutic benefits, it should not be relied upon as the sole treatment for heart diseases and epilepsy. Proper medical evaluation and treatment should always be sought for these serious conditions.
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