The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are significant, treating a wide range of conditions. This article summarizes their pathways, physiological functions, and eight representative acupuncture points!
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Eight Extraordinary Meridians
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians refer to the Ren Mai (Ren Meridian), Du Mai (Governing Meridian), Chong Mai (Penetrating Meridian), Dai Mai (Belt Meridian), Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Meridian), Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Meridian), Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Meridian), and Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Meridian). Unlike the twelve regular meridians, they do not directly connect to the organs and do not have a paired relationship with the exterior, hence their designation as extraordinary meridians.
Functions
1. They connect the twelve meridians;
2. They regulate the accumulation and distribution of Qi and blood in the twelve meridians.
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Eight Meridians
The Ren Mai runs along the midline of the abdomen, frequently intersecting with the three Yin meridians of the hands and feet as well as the Yin Wei Mai, thus governing all Yin meridians in the body, hence it is called the “Sea of Yin Meridians.” The Ren Mai originates from the uterus and is related to women’s pregnancy, hence the saying “Ren governs the uterus and fetus.”
The Du Mai runs along the midline of the back, frequently intersecting with the three Yang meridians of the hands and feet as well as the Yang Wei Mai, thus governing all Yang meridians in the body, hence it is called the “Sea of Yang Meridians.” The Du Mai runs along the spine, ascends into the brain, and branches off to connect with the kidneys, establishing a close relationship with the brain, spinal cord, and kidneys.
The Chong Mai ascends to the head and descends to the feet, traversing the entire body; it serves as a crucial junction for Qi and blood, regulating the Qi and blood of the twelve meridians, hence it is called the “Sea of the Twelve Meridians” or “Blood Sea.” It is also related to women’s menstruation.
The Dai Mai originates from the lateral costal region, descending obliquely to the Dai Mai point, encircling the body like a belt, and restraining the meridians that run vertically.
The Yin Qiao Mai and Yang Qiao Mai: “Qiao” implies agility and lightness. They nourish the eyes, control eyelid movement, and facilitate lower limb movement.
The Yin Wei Mai and Yang Wei Mai: “Wei” implies connection. The function of the Yin Wei Mai is to “link all Yin meridians”; the function of the Yang Wei Mai is to “link all Yang meridians.”
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Du Mai
1. Pathway:The Du Mai originates in the lower abdomen, exits at the perineum, travels posteriorly to the Changqiang point at the tailbone, ascends along the spine, passes through the nape to the Fengfu point, enters the brain, connects with the brain, follows the midline of the head, ascends to the Baihui point at the crown, descends through the forehead to the Su Liao point at the tip of the nose, passes through the philtrum, and reaches the Gingjiao point at the center of the upper gums.
2. Branches:
The first branch originates with the Chong and Ren meridians from the uterus, exits at the perineum, and meets the Qi of the Kidney Meridian and the Bladder Meridian at the tailbone, traversing the spine and belonging to the kidneys.
The second branch ascends directly from the lower abdomen through the navel, travels upward to the heart, reaches the throat where it meets the Chong and Ren meridians, and encircles the lips, reaching the center below the eyes.
The third branch originates from the inner canthus of the eye, ascends to the forehead, meets at the crown, connects with the brain, and then branches down the back of the neck, along the inner scapula, and the sides of the spine, reaching the lumbar region, connecting with the muscles on both sides of the spine and the kidneys.
Physiological Functions
1) Regulates the Qi and blood of the Yang meridians, serving as the “Sea of Yang Meridians”: The Du Mai runs along the back, which is Yang, indicating its role in commanding and supervising the Qi of all Yang meridians. Additionally, the six Yang meridians intersect with the Du Mai at the Dazhui point, indicating its regulatory function over the Yang meridians, hence the saying “it supervises all Yang meridians in the body.”
2) Reflects the functions of the brain, kidneys, and spinal cord: The Du Mai runs along the spine, connects with the brain, and also connects with the kidneys. The kidneys produce marrow, and the brain is the sea of marrow. The relationship between the Du Mai and the brain, kidneys, and spinal cord is very close.
3) Governs reproductive functions: The Du Mai connects with the kidneys, and since the kidneys govern reproduction, the Du Mai is related to reproductive functions.
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Ren Mai
1. Pathway: The Ren Mai originates from the uterus, exits at the perineum, travels through the Yin Palace, ascends along the midline of the abdomen, passes through the throat (Tiantu point), reaches the inner lower lip, divides to encircle the lips, meets the Du Mai at the Gingjiao point, and then passes through the sides of the nose, ascending to the lower eye socket (Chengqi point), where it intersects with the Yangming meridian.
2. Branches: It traverses the spine from the uterus, ascending along the back.
Physiological Functions
1) Regulates the Qi and blood of the Yin meridians, serving as the “Sea of Yin Meridians”: The Ren Mai runs along the midline of the abdomen, which is Yin, indicating its role in overseeing and governing the Qi of all Yin meridians. Additionally, the three Yin meridians of the feet intersect with the Ren Mai in the lower abdomen, and the three Yin meridians of the hands connect with the Ren Mai through the three Yin meridians of the feet, thus the Ren Mai regulates the Qi and blood of the Yin meridians, hence the saying “it governs all Yin meridians.”
2) Regulates menstruation and nourishes the fetus: The Ren Mai originates from the uterus, playing a role in regulating menstruation and promoting women’s reproductive functions, hence the saying “Ren governs the uterus and fetus.”
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Chong Mai
Pathway:It originates from the uterus, exits at the perineum, and divides into two branches.
The ascending branch (the main part of the Chong Mai) runs along the anterior abdominal wall, near the navel (five fen from the navel), ascends, parallels the Kidney Meridian, spreads in the chest, then ascends through the throat, encircling the lips; the descending branch runs along the posterior abdominal wall, ascending within the spine.
The descending branch exits the perineum, descending along the inner thigh to the big toe.
Physiological Functions
1) Regulates the Qi and blood of the twelve meridians: The Chong Mai ascends to the head and descends to the feet, traversing the entire body, serving as a crucial junction for the Qi and blood of all meridians. When the Qi and blood of the meridians and organs are abundant, the Chong Mai can store and accumulate them; when they are deficient, the Chong Mai can provide timely supplementation to maintain the normal physiological activities of the body’s tissues and organs. Hence it is referred to as the “Sea of the Twelve Meridians,” “Sea of the Five Zang and Six Fu,” and “Blood Sea.”
2) Governs reproductive functions: The Chong Mai originates from the uterus, also known as the “Blood Chamber” or “Blood Sea.” The Chong Mai has a role in regulating menstruation. It is closely related to reproductive functions; for women, “when the Chong Mai is abundant, menstruation occurs regularly, hence the ability to conceive.” Conversely, if the Chong Mai is deficient, it can lead to reproductive dysfunction.
3) Regulates the ascending and descending of Qi: The Chong Mai, during its pathway, connects with the Kidney Meridian, belongs to the Yangming, and connects with the Jueyin and Taiyang. The Chong Mai has the function of regulating the ascending and descending of Qi in certain organs (mainly the liver, kidneys, and stomach).
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Dai Mai
Pathway: The Dai Mai originates from the lateral costal region, descending obliquely, meeting at the Dai Mai point of the Gallbladder Meridian, encircling the body, and then descending forward along the upper edge of the hip bone to the lower abdomen.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: It restrains the vertical flow of all meridians and governs women’s leukorrhea.
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yin Qiao Mai
Pathway: The Yin Qiao Mai originates from the inner side of the heel of the foot, at the Zhaohai point of the Kidney Meridian, ascends through the inner ankle, along the inner thigh to the anterior genital area, ascends along the anterior trunk to the chest, enters the Jueyin, ascends beside the Adam’s apple to the Ren Mai, reaching the side of the nose, connecting with the inner canthus of the eye, and ascending with the Yang Qiao Mai.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: It controls the opening and closing of the eyes and the movement of the muscles.
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yang Qiao Mai
Pathway: The Yang Qiao Mai originates from the outer side of the heel of the foot, at the Shenmai point of the Bladder Meridian, ascends along the posterior side of the lower limb, along the hip, side, shoulder, neck, and reaches the corner of the mouth, arriving at the inner canthus of the eye. It then connects with the Bladder Meridian and the Yin Qiao Mai, ascending along the Bladder Meridian to meet the Shaoyang Meridian at the Fengchi point behind the neck.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: It controls the opening and closing of the eyes and muscle movement.
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yin Wei Mai
Pathway: The Yin Wei Mai originates from the Zhuyin point, five cun above the inner ankle of the foot, ascends along the posterior side of the lower limb to the abdomen, travels alongside the Spleen Meridian to the lateral costal region, connects with the Liver Meridian, ascends to meet the Ren Mai at the Tiantu point, and reaches the Lianquan point in the throat, where it meets the Ren Mai at the neck.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: The “Wei” in Wei Mai implies connection. The Yin Wei Mai has the function of linking the Yin meridians.
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yang Wei Mai
Pathway: The Yang Wei Mai originates from the Jinmen point of the Bladder Meridian, passes over the outer ankle, ascends alongside the Shaoyang Meridian, along the posterior lateral side of the trunk, from the back of the armpit to the shoulder, ascends through the neck, behind the ear, moving forward to the forehead, distributing to the side of the head and the back of the forehead, and finally meeting the Du Mai.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: It maintains the Yang meridians.
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Summary of the Characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians
Physiological Characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians
① The Eight Extraordinary Meridians have no direct connection to the organs.
② There is no paired relationship between the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
③ The distribution of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians is not as widespread as that of the twelve meridians; the upper limbs do not have the distribution of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
Moreover, their pathways differ from those of the twelve meridians, with all but the Dai Mai ascending from below.
Common Physiological Functions of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians
1. Further strengthen the connections between the twelve meridians: For example, the Du Mai supervises all Yang meridians; the Ren Mai governs all Yin meridians; the Dai Mai restrains the vertical flow of the meridians. The two Qiao meridians govern the Yin and Yang of the body; the two Wei meridians link the Yin and Yang of the exterior and interior. Thus, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians further enhance the connections between various parts of the body.
2. Regulate the Qi and blood of the twelve meridians: When the Qi of the twelve meridians is abundant, it is stored in the Eight Extraordinary Meridians; when the Qi and blood of the twelve meridians are deficient, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians can “overflow” to provide timely supplementation.
3. The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are closely related to the liver, kidneys, and other organs, as well as to the uterus, brain, and marrow, establishing certain physiological and pathological connections.
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Eight Representative Acupuncture Points
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians regulate the accumulation and distribution of Qi and blood in the twelve meridians. Among the Eight Meridians, there are eight representative acupuncture points: Gongsun, Neiguan, Zuliqiao, Waiguan, Shenmai, Houxi, Lieque, and Zhaohai. Each point’s efficacy can be likened to a “nuclear reactor,” treating a wide range of conditions.
Neiguan Point: Nourishing Beauty and Heart
Many women between the ages of 40 and 50 often experience symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and profuse sweating. Hospitals may not identify any specific illness, often labeling it as menopausal syndrome or sub-health.
According to ancient wisdom, women at this age are generally in a stage of decline, with aging beginning in the Yangming meridian, gradually leading to a decline in the Qi and blood of the three Yang meridians. The head is the meeting point of all Yang meridians; when Qi and blood cannot reach the face, wrinkles and spots appear. A person’s beauty is closely related to Qi and blood. The heart governs the spirit, and its essence is reflected in the face. The spirit of the heart relies on Qi and blood for nourishment; when Qi and blood are sufficient, it naturally reflects on the face. Therefore, nourishing the heart is essential for women to maintain beauty.
The Neiguan point belongs to the Pericardium Meridian, connecting with the Yin Wei Mai, and is one of the eight meeting points. The true efficacy of the Neiguan point lies in its ability to open the body’s internal mechanisms, benefiting Qi and blood, calming the spirit, and nourishing beauty. The Neiguan point is easy to locate, found on the inner side of the arm, two cun above the wrist crease. When locating the point, make a loose fist and place the hand palm-up; use the index, middle, and ring fingers of the other hand to align with the wrist crease, and the point where the index finger touches is the Neiguan point.
This point can be massaged anytime and anywhere, applying pressure until a slight soreness is felt.
Waiguan Point: The Divine Point for Hearing
Traditional Taoist medicine suggests that temporary hearing issues are manifestations of insufficient Yang Qi in the body. What role does the Waiguan point play in this context? Massaging the Waiguan point can invigorate the Yuan Yang Qi of the Sanjiao, guiding the Yuan Qi to circulate throughout the body. When this point is blocked, it can lead to the eardrum becoming slack and unable to return to its normal state.
Clinically, the Waiguan point can also be used to treat acute lumbar sprains. A patient in their 40s experienced severe pain after bending down quickly to pick something up. After acupuncture and massage treatment at both Waiguan points, along with movements of the lumbar region, the pain completely disappeared within minutes, and normal activity was restored.
The Waiguan point is a connecting point of the Sanjiao Meridian, located two cun above the wrist crease on the dorsal side, opposite the Neiguan point. It connects with the Yang Wei point, having the effects of dispelling exterior pathogens, relieving wind, and alleviating pain. It is not only effective for acute lumbar sprains but also beneficial for arthritis and cervical spondylosis.
Lieque Point: Special Treatment for Stiff Neck and Migraine
Stiff neck is a common experience for many, often causing significant discomfort. It can also be an early signal of cervical spine issues. Those who frequently experience stiff necks should take preventive measures, as it can lead to cervical spondylosis. The Lieque point has unique effects in preventing cervical spondylosis. In the human body, the Lieque point serves as a tool for addressing head-related ailments.
The Huangdi Neijing states that the Lieque point primarily treats migraines, headaches, and stiff necks. The “Great Compendium of Acupuncture” includes a well-known verse stating, “For ailments above the neck, seek the Lieque point.” This indicates that this point can be used to treat and regulate all conditions above the neck. The Lieque point is easily located, found 1.5 cun above the wrist crease, on the radial side of the radius. When locating the point, cross the thumbs of both hands, and the depression reached by the index finger is the Lieque point. The technique for using the Lieque point primarily involves flicking.
Houxi Point: Treatment for Cervical and Lumbar Disorders
How to locate the Houxi point? Make a fist, and the point is located at the distal end of the transverse crease behind the fifth finger joint (i.e., the end of the transverse crease behind the fist).
If you are sitting at a computer, you can place the Houxi points of both hands on the edge of the table, using the wrist joints to roll back and forth, achieving a stimulating effect. During the rolling, a slight soreness will be felt. Spending just three to five minutes daily on this can significantly benefit the cervical and lumbar regions.
Zhaohai Point: Treatment for Throat Pain
Massaging the Zhaohai point can yield excellent results for throat pain, as it belongs to the Yin Qiao Mai and intersects with the Kidney Meridian, being one of the eight meeting points. It has the functions of nourishing the kidneys, clearing heat, and regulating the Sanjiao, providing both nourishment and heat-clearing effects.
Sun Simiao in the “Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber” referred to this point as “Luo Yin,” indicating that if there are issues with this point, it can lead to a decrease in kidney water, resulting in kidney Yin deficiency and causing excessive heat to rise. Therefore, whenever we feel discomfort in the chest, dryness and pain in the throat, hoarseness, or even chronic pharyngitis, we can massage this point, which not only nourishes the kidneys and clears heat but also ensures smooth functioning of the Sanjiao.
To locate the point, align the soles of both feet, and there is a small depression below the inner ankle, which is where the point is located (see the image above). When massaging this point, it is important to keep the mouth closed and refrain from speaking, allowing the saliva to accumulate in the mouth, which should be swallowed.
Generally, after massaging for 3 to 5 minutes, one will feel saliva accumulating in the throat, and the pain will quickly subside. Keeping the mouth closed is to facilitate the upward movement of the saliva to moisten the throat, which is what the ancients referred to as the “swallowing saliva method.” Massaging the Zhaohai point stimulates the essence in the kidneys, promoting the upward movement of fluids to moisten the throat, and the deficiency heat is nourished by the kidney water, leading to a natural resolution of throat pain.
Shenmai Point: A Pure Yang Remedy for Cold Bodies
“Stiffness in the waist and back, leg pain” is a clear sign of the bladder meridian being affected by cold pathogens. Since the Yang Qiao Mai connects with the Bladder Meridian, the Shenmai point is an important point on the Bladder Meridian. Using this point can dispel internal cold pathogens and promote Yang Qi to reach the crown, balancing the body and allowing for agile movement.
When combined with Xiao Qing Long Tang, it can achieve a synergistic effect. This allows the cold pathogens in the body to be expelled quickly while restoring one’s Yang Qi, making it a remarkable point for dispelling cold and reviving Yang.
The Shenmai point is a significant intersection of the Yang Qiao and Bladder meridians, and its location is simple, found in the depression just below the outer ankle bone. When the body is affected by cold pathogens, it tends to curl up and shiver, which in TCM is referred to as “contraction and pulling in.” The Shenmai point has the meaning of stretching the meridians, quickly mobilizing the body’s Yang Qi; when Yang Qi is sufficient, the cold pathogens will disperse.
Gongsun Point: Alleviating Dysmenorrhea and Spleen-Stomach Disorders
The Gongsun point is a connecting point of the Spleen Meridian, belonging to the spleen and connecting with the stomach, and it directly communicates with the Chong Mai located in the chest and abdomen, thus it has the effect of treating various disorders of the spleen, stomach, and abdominal region.
In medicine, it is believed that treating all gynecological diseases should start with the spleen and stomach, especially for menstrual irregularities, where the stomach should be prioritized. The spleen governs blood and is responsible for transformation. If the spleen and stomach are deficient and cold, they cannot transform and transport fluids, leading to dysmenorrhea, which may also be accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and headaches.
Women experiencing dysmenorrhea can benefit from massaging the Gongsun point. The Gongsun point is located on the inner edge of the foot, generally considered a region behind the big toe, along the large metatarsal bone on the inner side. Pressing along this bone until a feeling of soreness or pain is felt indicates the location of the Gongsun point.
Shenmai Point: A Pure Yang Remedy for Cold Bodies
The Zuliqiao point is one of the main points on the Gallbladder Meridian, connecting with the Dai Mai, and serves as a remarkable point for regulating two meridians with one acupuncture point. The Dai Mai encircles the body like a belt, enhancing the connection of Qi and blood flow between the meridians, making it a crucial health meridian for the body.
When using this point, a seated position with legs curled is recommended; it is located on the outer side of the foot, in the gap between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. The Zuliqiao point governs the upward movement of the Shaoyang Qi, dispersing the stagnant Qi of the liver and gallbladder. Regularly pressing this point can yield better results than professional foot therapy.
This article is sourced from the internet.
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