The Ba Mai Jiao Hui Xue (Eight Extraordinary Vessels Intersection Point) is one of the core theories in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) meridian theory. It forms a unique therapeutic network through the intercommunication of the twelve regular meridians and the eight extraordinary vessels.
This article analyzes its mysteries from four aspects: the return to meridians, efficacy, principles of point selection, and special applications, helping readers gain a deeper understanding of this millennia-old wisdom.
1. The Return to Meridians and Connection with the Eight Extraordinary Vessels
The Ba Mai Jiao Hui Xue is distributed in the wrists and ankles of the limbs, with each point belonging to both the twelve regular meridians and connecting to the eight extraordinary vessels, forming the characteristic of “one point connecting two vessels”: Gong Sun (SP4, Spleen Meridian) connects to the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel): the Chong Mai is the “Sea of Blood”; Gong Sun can regulate chaotic Qi and blood, treating spleen and stomach diseases and the rebellious Qi of the Chong Mai.
Nei Guan (PC6, Pericardium Meridian) connects to the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel): the Yin Wei governs the interior of the body; Nei Guan excels at opening the chest and regulating Qi, treating angina, stomach pain, and mental disorders.
Lie Que (LU7, Lung Meridian) connects to the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel): the Ren Mai is the “Sea of Yin Vessels”; Lie Que disperses lung Qi and benefits the throat, also regulating reproductive and respiratory system diseases associated with the Ren Mai. Zhao Hai (KD6, Kidney Meridian) connects to the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel): the Yin Qiao nourishes the eyes; Zhao Hai nourishes Yin and calms the spirit, treating insomnia, throat swelling, and gynecological diseases.
Hou Xi (SI3, Small Intestine Meridian) connects to the Du Mai (Governing Vessel): the Du Mai governs all Yang; Hou Xi opens the meridians and is effective in treating neck and back pain and the mental disturbances caused by the lack of nourishment of the Du Mai. Shen Mai (BL62, Bladder Meridian) connects to the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel): the Yang Qiao governs limb movement; Shen Mai relaxes the tendons and meridians, treating lower back and leg pain, and sequelae of stroke. Wai Guan (SJ5, San Jiao Meridian) connects to the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel): the Yang Wei governs the exterior; Wai Guan disperses wind and clears heat, treating exterior-induced headaches, flank pain, and febrile diseases.
Zu Lin Qi (GB41, Gallbladder Meridian) connects to the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel): the Dai Mai restrains all meridians; Zu Lin Qi clears and benefits the liver and gallbladder, treating migraines, leukorrhea, and menstrual irregularities.
2. Efficacy: Multidimensional Regulation from Local to Whole The regulation of the eight extraordinary vessels and the twelve meridians through bidirectional adjustment not only treats the symptoms of the regular meridians (e.g., Gong Sun treats spleen deficiency and abdominal distension) but also addresses the diseases of the extraordinary vessels (e.g., Zhao Hai regulates insomnia related to the Yin Qiao Mai). The synergistic effect of organ functions: Gong Sun + Nei Guan: descends the rebellious Qi of the Chong Mai, opens the chest and harmonizes the stomach, treating gastroesophageal reflux and palpitations. Zhao Hai + Lie Que: nourishes Yin and moistens the lungs, treating chronic pharyngitis and dry cough (lung and kidney Yin deficiency type).
Targeted Treatment of Special Areas Hou Xi + Shen Mai: connects the Du Mai and Yang Qiao, alleviating cervical spondylosis and shoulder periarthritis. Zu Lin Qi + Wai Guan: clears liver and gallbladder heat, treating migraines and red, swollen eyes.
3. Principles of Point Selection: Yin and Yang Complementation and Similar Qi Seeking The Yin meridian complementary point selection method, such as Gong Sun (Spleen Earth) paired with Nei Guan (Pericardium Fire), enhances the Spleen and Stomach’s ability to transform and transport and harmonizes heart blood, suitable for chronic gastrointestinal diseases with mixed deficiency and excess.
The Yang meridian similar Qi point selection method, such as Wai Guan (San Jiao Meridian) paired with Zu Lin Qi (Gallbladder Meridian), coordinates the same meridian to relieve Shaoyang excess fire, treating shingles and ear diseases. Temporal and spatial point selection: combining the Eight Methods of the Spirit Turtle and the Eight Methods of Ascension with the daily time and the attributes of the Eight Trigrams, for example, during the Shen hour (3-5 PM), using Hou Xi (Dui Trigram) paired with Shen Mai (Kan Trigram) enhances the effect of connecting the Du Mai and awakening the spirit, treating post-stroke depression.
4. Flexible Application for Special Diseases Differentiation of the extraordinary vessels for difficult and miscellaneous diseases: for stubborn insomnia, use Zhao Hai (Yin Qiao) paired with Shen Mai (Yang Qiao) to balance the Yin and Yang Qiao, regulating the circadian rhythm. For menopausal syndrome, pair Lie Que (Ren Mai) with Gong Sun (Chong Mai) to harmonize Chong and Ren, alleviating hot flashes and irritability. Expanding the application of I Ching theory: pairing hexagrams with points, such as pairing Li hexagram with Lie Que (connecting Ren Mai) to treat throat swelling; pairing Zhen hexagram with Wai Guan (Yang Wei) to relieve liver and gallbladder stagnation.
Innovative Combinations for Diseases For metabolic syndrome: Gong Sun (regulating blood lipids of the Chong Mai) + Zhao Hai (nourishing kidney Yin) to improve insulin resistance. For anxiety disorders: Nei Guan (calming the spirit) + Shen Mai (connecting Yang Qiao to awaken the brain), combined with ear acupuncture at the heart point.
🌿Inheriting the Wisdom of Qi Huang, Exploring the Mysteries of Meridians
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