Pericardium
muscular sac that contains the heart and the roots of the great vessels. It normally contains a small amount of pericardial fluid which lubricates the movement of the heart against the pericardial sac.
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium. It can cause fluid to build up in the sac. Excessive amounts of fluid may lead to cardiac tamponade by physically blocking the heart from beating properly or compression of the great vessels of the heart.
Traditional chinese theory
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the pericardium is also called the "heart protector," and is a yin organ paired with the yang organ San Jiao. The pericardium has a meridian named for it, which reflects the health of the organ. In terms of the Five Elements, these organs are both associated with the fire element. In treatment, it is often best to approach heart problems via the pericardium, rather than directly.
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