In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the smooth flow of the body’s two meridians can improve constitution and balance Yin and Yang. The two meridians are the Ren (Renmai) and Du (Dumai) meridians. The Ren meridian governs blood, blood is associated with Yin; the Du meridian governs Qi, which is associated with Yang, and the harmonious balance of Qi and blood in the body is beneficial for the coordination of Yin and Yang. Therefore, unblocking the Ren and Du meridians is key to regulating the body’s Qi and blood and balancing Yin and Yang.According to the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), “Life is based on Yin and Yang,” indicating that the principles of our illnesses stem from imbalances in Yin and Yang. For example, conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes are all caused by Yin-Yang imbalance. Today, I will discuss how to unblock the Ren and Du meridians to maintain Yin-Yang balance.Ren Meridian Governs Blood — the Sea of Yin Meridians
Ren Meridian Governs Blood: TCM states that “the abdomen is Yin, the back is Yang.” The Ren meridian runs along the midline of the body, starting from the lower abdomen and descending to the perineum. The Ren meridian traverses the abdomen, intersecting with the Yin channels of the body, and governs the Qi and blood of the six Yin channels, thus having a comprehensive and supervisory role over the body’s Yin meridians, which is why it is also known as the “Sea of Yin Meridians.” Commonly used acupoints on the Ren meridian include the Yuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), Shenque (CV8), Zhongwan (CV12), and Danzhong (CV17). The Ren meridian originates from the uterus, and the term “Ren” implies nurturing and pregnancy. Therefore, the Ren meridian is closely related to female reproduction, pregnancy, and menstruation. The regularity of menstruation is related to Qi and blood, as well as the organs and meridians, which illustrates the blood-nourishing function of the Ren meridian. If the Qi of the Ren meridian is imbalanced, it can affect fertility and lead to menstrual irregularities, gynecological inflammation, and male reproductive system diseases; it can cause chest distension and pain, nasal congestion and rhinitis, and head symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and memory decline.Diseases Treated by the Ren Meridian:Lower Jiao Disorders: lower abdominal distension and pain, difficulty with urination and defecation, nocturnal emissions, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea.Middle Jiao Disorders: abdominal distension, abdominal pain, borborygmi, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, poor appetite, edema.Upper Jiao Disorders: chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, hiccups.Du Meridian Governs Qi — the Sea of Yang Meridians
Du Meridian Governs Qi: The Du meridian runs from the perineum along the spine upwards, reaching the top of the head and then passing forward between the eyes to the junction of the upper jaw in the mouth. Commonly used acupoints on the Du meridian include Shenting (DU24), Baihui (DU20), Fengfu (DU16), Da Zhui (DU14), Zhi Yang (DU9), and Mingmen (DU4).The term “Du” implies supervision and regulation; from its pathway, the Du meridian is located on the back, which is Yang. The Du meridian runs along the midline of the back, frequently intersecting with the three Yang channels of the hands and feet and the Yangwei meridian, thus overseeing the Yang channels of the body, indicating that the Du meridian has a commanding and supervisory role over the Qi of all Yang channels, hence the terms “supervisor of all Yang” and “the Sea of Yang Meridians.”
Additionally, the Du meridian serves as a carrier of Yuan Qi and a control system for the organs and meridians, linking the organs, coordinating the interior and exterior, and balancing Yin and Yang. Therefore, when the Qi of the Du meridian is abundant, it can fulfill its connecting function, replenish Yuan Qi, utilize Shen Qi, and ensure coordination among the organs, providing strong resistance against pathogenic factors.
Once the Du meridian fails to perform its supervisory role, it can affect the functional activities of Yang Qi throughout the body. The diseases that arise are primarily manifested in the brain, sensory organs, spinal cord, and limbs, such as headaches, heaviness in the head, neck stiffness, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, drowsiness, epilepsy, and stiffness in the lower back, as well as tremors, convulsions, numbness, and stroke.
Diseases Treated by the Du Meridian:
Psychological Disorders: insomnia, epilepsy, mania, coma, convulsions.External Channel Disorders: prolapse of the rectum, lumbosacral pain, neck and back pain.
Unblocking the Ren and Du MeridiansBalancing Yin and Yang, Nourishing Qi and BloodHow to Nourish the Ren Meridian?
The Shenque point is located in the center of the navel, at the mid-abdomen. This point is an important acupoint on the Ren meridian, which is the “Sea of Yin Meridians” and can regulate the Qi and blood of the Yin channels. The Shenque point governs the blood of all Yin channels. It serves to connect the upper and lower parts of the body. Moxibustion on the Shenque point can regulate blood vessels, open meridians, and warm the five organs. A saying goes: “Regularly moxibustion on the Shenque point will eliminate all diseases.” Method: The Shenque point is particularly suitable for ginger moxibustion. Place a thin slice of fresh ginger on the navel, allowing the warming properties to penetrate the body for better results. Each session should last 15-20 minutes, performed once every other day, totaling 10 sessions per month.How to Nourish the Du Meridian?
The Zhiyang point is located in the center of the line connecting the lower ends of the two scapulae; it is recommended to lie flat to locate this point. Since the Zhiyang point is located on the back where the Du meridian runs, which is Yang, the Du meridian governs the Yang of the entire body, making the Zhiyang point a place where the Yang Qi of the Du meridian is abundant. This point has the function of invigorating and disseminating Yang Qi throughout the body, and unblocking the Qi channels.Method 1: Use moxa sticks for gentle moxibustion for 15-20 minutes, once daily or every other day, for 1-2 months.
The Du meridian runs along the back, which is the sea of all Yang. The action of rolling the back can replace methods like acupoint massage.Method 2: Lay a yoga mat on the ground, sit on the mat with legs bent, hands on knees, and shift the body’s center of gravity to the tailbone. Raise both legs, bringing the thighs close to the abdomen, and lean back to roll the entire back on the mat.For those with “deficiency”, it is especially important to regulate the Ren and Du meridians, which govern the Qi and blood of the entire body. Proper care of the Ren and Du meridians leads to a strong body and resistance to aging.
References:
[1] Zeng Huiming. Unblocking the Du Meridian of the Ren and Du Meridians [J]. Broadcasting and Television Information (First Half Monthly), 2007
[2] Lang Yaoyuan. On the “Ren and Du Meridians” [J]. Selected Essays (Late Edition), 2012(6):40-40.
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