The Eight Extraordinary Meridians refer to the Du Mai (Governing Vessel), Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel), Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel), Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel), and Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel). Unlike the twelve regular meridians, they do not directly connect to the organs and do not have a paired relationship, hence they are called “extraordinary meridians”.
Beyond the twelve regular meridians, the human body has a more important balancing system, which is the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are our lifelines. By stimulating the major acupoints on these meridians daily, we can open the meridians and enhance the flow of Qi and blood, leading to a sensation of clear Yang energy in the body.
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians regulate the accumulation and infusion of Qi and blood in the twelve meridians. There are eight representative acupoints: Gong Sun (Pericardium 4), Nei Guan (Pericardium 6), Lin Qi (Gallbladder 41), Wai Guan (San Jiao 5), Shen Mai (Bladder 62), Hou Xi (Small Intestine 3), Lie Que (Lung 7), and Zhao Hai (Kidney 6).
Each acupoint acts like a "nuclear reactor"; treating one can affect a large area. Regular acupuncture stimulation of these acupoints can clear the meridians, harmonize Qi and blood, strengthen the body, expel pathogens, and balance Yin and Yang, thus preventing and treating diseases and protecting the body.
Nei Guan Acupoint: Nourishing Beauty and Heart
Nei Guan (Pericardium 6) belongs to the Pericardium meridian, connects with the Ren Mai, and is one of the meeting points of the Eight Meridians.
The true efficacy of Nei Guan lies in its ability to open the internal mechanisms of the body, benefiting Qi and blood, calming the spirit, and enhancing beauty.
Many women between the ages of 40 and 50 often experience discomfort such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and night sweats. Hospitals may not find any specific disease, only broadly diagnosing it as menopausal syndrome or sub-health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that this age range marks a stage of decline in women's bodies. Aging in women begins with the Yangming meridian, gradually leading to a decline in the Qi and blood of the three Yang meridians. As the head is the meeting point of all Yang, when Qi and blood cannot reach the face, wrinkles and spots appear.
Beauty is closely related to Qi and blood. The heart governs the spirit, and its radiance is reflected on the face. The spirit of the heart relies on Qi and blood for fullness; when Qi and blood are abundant, it naturally reflects on the face. Therefore, women should first nourish the heart to enhance beauty.
Wai Guan Acupoint: The Clever Ear Acupoint
Wai Guan (San Jiao 5) is a connecting point of the San Jiao meridian, linking with the Yang Wei acupoint, and has the effects of dispelling wind and relieving pain. It is not only effective for acute lumbar sprains but also has good results for arthritis and cervical spondylosis.
TCM believes that temporary hearing problems are manifestations of insufficient Yang Qi in the body. Wai Guan can enrich the original Yang Qi of the San Jiao and guide the vital energy to circulate throughout the body.
When this acupoint is blocked, it can cause the eardrum to become slack and unable to return to its normal state. Clinically, Wai Guan is also used to treat acute lumbar sprains.
Lie Que Acupoint: Treating Stiff Neck and Migraine
Almost everyone has experienced a stiff neck, which can be quite painful. A stiff neck can also be an early signal of cervical spine issues. Those who frequently experience stiff necks should take preventive measures, as it often leads to cervical spondylosis.
Lie Que (Lung 7) is particularly effective in preventing cervical spondylosis. On the human body, Lie Que serves as a tool for repairing head-related ailments, primarily treating migraines, headaches, and stiff necks.
In the "Great Compendium of Acupuncture", there is a well-known verse about the four major acupoints, one line states: "Seek Lie Que for neck and head ailments," indicating that this acupoint can be used to treat and regulate diseases above the neck.
Hou Xi Acupoint: Improving Cervical and Lumbar Spine Disorders
Hou Xi (Small Intestine 3) is first mentioned in the "Lingshu" and belongs to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine meridian. It is a transport acupoint of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine meridian and a meeting point of the Eight Meridians, connecting with the Du Mai.
TCM believes that Hou Xi has the effects of clearing heat and dampness, calming the mind, and promoting blood circulation. Regular stimulation of this acupoint can alleviate cervical pain, lumbar pain, and leg pain, as well as protect vision, relieve fatigue, and replenish essence and Qi.
If you sit in front of a computer, you can place the area of Hou Xi on the edge of the table and use your wrist to roll your hands back and forth easily to achieve stimulation.
Zhao Hai Acupoint: Treating Throat Pain
Zhao Hai (Kidney 6) belongs to the Yin Qiao Mai among the Eight Extraordinary Meridians and intersects with the Foot Shaoyin Kidney meridian, being one of the key acupoints of the Eight Meridians. It has the functions of nourishing the kidneys, clearing heat, and regulating the San Jiao, providing both nourishment and heat-clearing effects.
Sun Simiao in the "Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold" referred to this acupoint as "Luo Yin", indicating that if there is an issue with this acupoint, the kidney water decreases, leading to kidney Yin deficiency and causing the rise of empty fire.
Regular stimulation of this acupoint can activate the essence Qi in the kidneys, promote the upward movement of fluids, and moisten the throat. When the empty fire is nourished by kidney water, it descends, alleviating throat pain naturally.
Therefore, whenever we feel chest tightness, dry throat, hoarseness, or even chronic pharyngitis, we can stimulate this acupoint to nourish the kidneys, clear heat, and ensure the smooth functioning of the San Jiao.
Shen Mai Acupoint: Warming Yang and Dispelling Cold
Shen Mai (Bladder 62) belongs to the Bladder meridian and is known as "the utmost Yang among Yangs". It can dispel cold pathogens from the body and ensure the smooth flow of Yang Qi to the top of the head, playing a balancing role in the body and allowing for agile movement.
When the body is affected by cold pathogens, it tends to curl up and shiver, which in TCM is called "contraction and pulling in". Shen Mai has the meaning of extending the meridians, quickly mobilizing the body's Yang Qi; when Yang Qi is sufficient, cold pathogens are dispelled.
Stimulating this acupoint can expel cold pathogens from the body in a short time and restore one's Yang Qi, improving symptoms such as back pain and leg pain.
Gong Sun Acupoint: Addressing Spleen and Stomach Disorders
Gong Sun (Spleen 4) is a connecting point of the Spleen meridian, associated with the spleen and linked to the stomach, directly connecting with the Chong Mai located in the chest and abdomen. Therefore, it has the effect of treating various disorders of the spleen, stomach, and abdominal area.
TCM believes that treating all gynecological diseases should start with the spleen and stomach. The spleen governs blood and is responsible for transportation and transformation. If the spleen and stomach are deficient and cold, they cannot transform dampness, leading to dysmenorrhea, which may also be accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and headaches.
Women with dysmenorrhea can frequently stimulate Gong Sun. It can tonify the spleen and stomach, calm the mind, promote Qi and blood circulation, nourish Yin, and reduce fire, improving conditions of spleen deficiency and kidney weakness.
Lin Qi Acupoint: Elevating Shao Yang Qi
Lin Qi (Gallbladder 41) is one of the main acupoints on the Gallbladder meridian, connecting with the Dai Mai, and is a wonderful acupoint that regulates two meridians. It has the effects of soothing the liver, extinguishing wind, resolving phlegm, and reducing swelling, as well as relieving fatigue.
The Dai Mai runs around the human body at the level of the navel, like a jade belt tying the body together, enhancing the connection of Qi and blood flow between the meridians, making it a very important health meridian for the body.
Zu Lin Qi primarily elevates the Shao Yang Qi of the body, dispersing the Qi stagnation of the liver and gallbladder. Regular acupressure can be more effective than professional foot therapy. This acupoint is also a blessing for women, as it can treat various gynecological diseases.
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