Chinese meridians extraordinary

Within Chinese Medicine, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians represent the body’s deepest level of energetic structuring. These meridians are the first to form in utero, and are carriers of Yuan Qi – the ancestral energy which corresponds to our genetic inheritance. They function as deep reservoirs from which the twelve main meridians can be replenished, and into which the latter can drain their excesses.

Other names for these Eight Extraordinary Meridians include: the Eight Curious Vessels, the Eight Marvelous Meridians, and the Eight Irregular Vessels.

PRIMARY VESSELS: Single channels operating within the torso

Ren Mai  – Conception Channel (mai translates as vessel)

Du Mai – Governing Channel  

Chong Mai – Penetrating  or Central Channel  

Dai Mai – Girdle or Belt Channel  

What makes these four particularly extraordinary, is that they are the only single channels in the ‘top 20’ of the meridian system. All the others are bilateral. This means that the four primary vessels fulfill a special function of dividing the body in halves (energetically).  The Du Mai, Ren Mai and Chong Mai, all divide it into left and right; and the Dai Mai creates an upper and lower division. The Chong Mai also defines the central core of the body and energetically ‘separates’ it from the periphery.

The conception (ren mai) and governing (du mai) vessels are sometimes included as an additional pair in the principal meridian group, bringing the number up to 14, but they are not a true pair. Unlike the 12 meridian pairs, they have no interconnecting vessels between them.

CONCEPTION VESSEL (CV) or REN MAI

Ren in Chinese means “direction, responsibility.” Ren Mai, the “Conception Vessel,” has a major role in Qi circulation, monitoring and directing all of the Yin channels (plus the stomach channel). The Conception Vessel is connected to the Thrusting and Yin Linking vessels, and is able to increase the Yin energy of the body. This vessel nourishes the uterus (one of the five ancestral organs) and the whole genital system. It is said in the Nei Jing that the Conception and Thrusting vessels contain both blood and essence (Jing), and both flow up to the face and around the mouth. They contain more blood than essence in men, and thus promote the growth of the beard and body hair. Because women lose blood with their menstruation, they contain proportionately less blood and hence, no beard or body hair.

It was described in the Su Wen that both the Conception and Thrusting vessels control the life cycles every 7 years for women and every 8 years for men. It is the changes taking place in these vessels at those intervals that promote the major alterations in our lives.

In addition, the Conception vessel also controls the distribution and “dispersion” of Guardian Qi all over the abdomen and thorax via numerous small Qi branches (Luo). This vessel also plays an important role in the distribution of body fluids in the abdomen.

“Sea of Yin” vessel – receives all of the Qi from the yin meridians.

Has its own acupuncture points

Travels from pelvic floor, up the midline of the front of the body, to the lower lip

Regulates female cycles, menstruation, reproduction; affects male genitalia, impotence, libido.

Important Relationship between the Governing and Conception Meridians

The Governing and Conception Vessels are the main rivers of the body’s Yin and Yang energies.  They are polar aspects of the body, perfectly complementary, like midnight and midday.  They are responsible for the formation of the holoblastic cleavage and the first cellar division of the fertilized ovum in embryological development.

In China, Dr. Li Shi Zhen was the first to believe that the Governing and Conception Vessels are two branches of the same source, and inseparable Yin-and-Yang, front-and-back duality.  These vessels connect the uterus with the Kidneys, Heart, and Brain.

The Governing and Conception Vessels each have two energy flows on the anterior and posterior vertical midline of the body.  Each vessel’s pathway is complete, being composed of an ascending energetic flow and a descending energetic flow. The duality of these two medial lines joins at the extremities (the head and perineum), forming one complete circle of energetic current.

Both vessels are superimposed on each other, with the energy of the Governing Vessel being predominant up the back and inferior down the front (behind the Conception Vessel); the energy of the Conception Vessel is predominant up the front and inferior down the back (behind the Governing Vessel).

The energetic flow of the Conception Vessel corresponds to Yin, negative polarity, the female aspect, and responds to bass tones; while the energetic flow of the Governing Vessel corresponds to Yang, positive polarity, the male aspect, and responds to treble tones.

It is important to understand the energetic potential of these two currents flowing in both an ascending and descending direction on the posterior and anterior vertical midline in the body.  The energetic movement of these two currents explains why there are two opposite directions of focused concentration used in energy cultivation meditations.  One direction follows the Microcosmic Fire cycle along the Governing Vessel (up the spine and down the chest) to stimulate the emotional regulation of the acquired mind (Zhi Shen); the other direction follows the Microcosmic Water cycle along the conception Vessel (up the chest and down the spine) to stimulate spiritual intuition and activate the perceptions of the Yuan Shen.

GIRDLE OR BELT VESSEL (GV) or DAI MAI; its function is to bind up (like a belt) all the other meridians. It is the only meridian that runs transversely across the surface of the body. The general functions are to bind up the other meridians and to control leucorrhoea in females. When this meridian is diseased, there will be pain and weakness in the lower back, distension of the abdomen, prolapse of the uterus, weakness of the waist.

Yin and Yang vessel

The only horizontally flowing channel

Uses acupuncture points of main meridians

Circles the waist; binds all the 12 vertical channels, plus CV, GV and PV

Connects the upper and lower body, and the front and back. Regulates upward and downward flow of Qi in the torso

Associated with mid body issues- abdomen and back; muscle weakness in low back & legs; strength of waist area; supports abdominal organs

Responsible for horizontal balance (mental and physical)

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GOVERNING VESSEL (GV) or DU MAI

The Governing Vessel is the confluence of all the Yang channels, over which it is said to “govern.” Because it controls all the Yang channels, it is called the “Sea of Yang Meridians.” This is apparent from its pathway because it flows up the midline of the back, a Yang area, and in the center of all Yang channels (except the stomach channel which flows in the front). The Governing Vessel governs all the Yang channels, which means that it can be used to increase the Yang energy of the body.

Since the Governing Vessel is the “Sea of Yang Meridians” and it controls or governs the back, the area richest in Guardian Qi (Wei Qi), it is also responsible for the circulation of the body’s Guardian Qi to guard against external evil intruders. The circulation of Guardian Qi starts from Fengfu (Gv-lG), and moves down the Governing Vessel to Huiyin (LI-l). It is said that it takes 21 days for the Guardian Qi to flow from Fengfu to Huiyin, and 9 days from Huiyin to the throat, making it a monthly cycle.

According to Chinese medical science, Guardian Qi is Yang Qi and therefore represents the “Fire” of the body. Its quick and ubiquitous circulation keeps the fire going in the body and controls the loss of body heat. Guardian Qi is also inextricably linked with the fluids that flow outside the channels, in the skin and flesh. Consequently, through the breathing (under control of the lungs), Guardian Qi is responsible for the opening and the closing of the pores, and also controls sweating.

The Governing vessel is also responsible for nourishing the five ancestral organs, which include the brain and spinal cord. This is one of the ways in which the kidneys “control” the brain, as is said in Chinese medicine.

“Sea of Yang” vessel – regulates all of the yang channels

Has its own acupuncture points

Travels from pelvic floor up the midline of the back to the top of the head and down the front to the top lip

Associated with spine; spinal cord; brain; cerebrospinal fluid; pain & swelling in head and face.

Important for qigong cycling of Qi exercises

Strengthens Guardian Qi (Wei Qi)

PENETRATING VESSEL (PV) or CHONG MAI

Also called the Central Channel

The Penetrating Vessel (Sushumna) does NOT take a straight line up the centre of the spine, but DIRECTLY connects the Muladhara (Crutch Point) to the Ajna (Pineal Gland) and passes directly through the energetic and biological/neural centers (Vortex intersection points) simply mapped as the other Chakras.

The Sino-atrial node is the Heart Chakra where Masculine and Feminine, Ida and Pingala, Governor and Conception meet.

The Penetrating Vessel (Sushumna) is sometimes known as the ‘chong’ (or fertility) acupuncture channel is also called the ‘sea of blood.

It has links to the main acupuncture channels (Spleen, Kidney, Liver, Conception, and Governing) that correspond to digestive function, some endocrine functions, menstruation, some neurological functions, and heredity. In the female body, it provides a direct connection between the Head, Heart, Uterus and Crutch Point.

From this, it can be seen why so many people have all sorts of “symptoms” when Kundalini “blows” and the rest of the body is not in balance.

It is important to understand that the Sushumna (Penetrating Vessel) provides (as well as the main flow of “blood”) the complete psycho-spiritual and neuro-biological balance (Tantra) … firstly between the Conception Vessel – Yin (Ida) and the Governing Vessel – Yang (Pingala) … and then between the other Vessels, Meridians or Nadi’s which create harmony within the whole Hu-man being.

Yin and Yang vessel

Regulates Qi in the 12 regular meridians

“Sea of Blood” vessel – regulates menstruation; and associated with arteries

Uses acupuncture points of main meridians

From lower pelvis up the front of the spinal column to the crown of head

Very important in qigong practice

Can be linked to heart pain; depression; infertility; asthma. Brings Kidney Qi upwards

SECONDARY VESSELS: Bilateral channels found in legs, torso and head

The Four Secondary Vessels are:

1. Yin Qiao Mai – the Yin Heel Channel

2. Yang Qiao Mai – the Yang Heel Channel

3. Yin Wei Mai – the Yin Linking Channel

4. Yang Wei Mai – the Yang Linking Channel

These four are not often referred to in qigong practice, but they are important for acupuncture treatment and other Traditional Chinese Medicine healing methods. See the table below for details about all eight extraordinary meridians.

Energy can flow in either direction but normally flows upwards in the extraordinary channels, (except for the horizontally flowing Dai Mai). In the Microcosmic Orbit Meditation, the energy in Ren Mai is encouraged to temporarily flow downward to complete the circular flow of Qi.

YIN HEEL VESSEL or YIN QIAO MAI

The Yin Heel vessel is connected with two cavities of the kidney channel. Therefore, one of the major sources of Qi for this vessel is the conversion of the kidney essence into Qi. It is believed in Qigong society that the other major Qi source is the essence of the external kidneys (testicles).

Yin vessel

Uses acupuncture points of main meridians

Located in feet, medial side of legs, torso, eyes and brain

Regulates gait and vision. Associated with digestive, urogenital & respiratory issues; excess sleepiness; hot flashes.

Together with yang heel vessel, it balances the lateral and medial surfaces of the body

YIN LINKING VESSEL or YIN WEI MAI

Symptoms of imbalance-weakness & limpness of body together w/ insecurity and mental disturbance. “When the Yin and Yang Wei Mai cannot maintain their respective ties, one feels uncomfortable and loses one’s will. Furthermore, one is flaccid, and cannot support one’s stature” -Nan Jing, Ch. 29

Links all the yin meridians

Uses acupuncture points of main meridians

Located in legs, trunk and head

Promotes internal balance

Together with the Yang Wei Mei, it balances the interior and exterior functions and surfaces of the body

Associated with blood circulation; heart/chest pain; depression; mid and low back pain; abdominal distension and pain.

YANG HEEL VESSEL or YANG QIAO MAI

Yang Heel vessel intersects with other Qi channels that it regulates the Yang channels, such as the urinary bladder, the gall bladder, the small intestine, and the large intestine. The Yang Heel vessel is also connected with the Governing vessel. The Qi filling this vessel is supplied mainly through exercising the legs, which converts the food essence or fat stored in the legs. This Qi is then led upward to nourish the Yang channels. It is believed in Qigong that, since this vessel is also connected with your brain, certain leg exercises can be used to cure headaches. Since a headache is caused by excess Qi in the head, exercising the legs will draw this Qi downward to the leg muscles and relieve the pressure in the head.

Yang vessel

Uses acupuncture points of main meridians

Located in feet, lateral side of legs, torso, eyes and brain

Regulates gait and vision. Associated with leg numbness, weakness, and spasm; plus eyes; face; headache and insomnia.

Together with yin heel vessel, it balances the lateral and medial surfaces of the body.

The Yangqiao and Yinqiao Meridians

AQiao means heel. Meaning the capacity to raise the foot. Both of these meridians promote motility. (motion). These meridians dominate the opening and closing of the eye lids with both meridians circling the eye to enter the brain. Both meridians have a relationship with sleep with the yangqiao meaning yang Qi. Hyperactive yang Qi leads to restless sleep, eyes open etc. Yinqiao means yin Qi and when the yin Qi becomes hyperactive, it leads to lassitude, closed eyes and somnolence. When both meridians are normal, the body is active, alert with good sleep and good mobility. When these two meridians are in balance, the whole balance between yin and yang Qi in the body is maintained.

YANG LINKING VESSEL or YANG WEI MAI

Links all the yang meridians

Uses acupuncture points of main meridians

Located in legs, trunk and head

Balances outside (external region) of body, and left with right side. Sides of hips, eyes, ears

Associated with the Wei Qi (protective layer)

Role in musculoskeletal and immune systems

Associated with pain or distension in lumbar region; alternating fevers and chills.

The Yinwei and Yangwei meridians

Wei means connection indicating that all the yin meridians connect to the yinwei while the yang meridians connect to the yangwei meridians. The functions of this pair is to connect all the yin and yang meridians together. The yinweimai dominates the internal aspects of the body while the yangweimai dominates the external aspects of the body. When these two meridians are working normally, there is balance between yin and yang in the body. If the Yinweimai is diseased, pain in the heart is the result. If the Yangweimai is diseased, the body is open to invasion of exogenous cold or heat.