The Eight Extraordinary Meridians
The names of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are: Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), Du Mai (Governing Vessel), Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), Yin Qiao (Yin Heel), Yang Qiao (Yang Heel), Yin Wei (Yin Linking), and Yang Wei (Yang Linking). The characteristic of these eight meridians is that they do not directly connect to the organs and do not have yin-yang pairs, hence they are called extraordinary meridians.
Among the eight meridians, only the Ren Mai and Du Mai have their own acupoints, while the other six meridians have acupoints that are attached to the primary meridians.
The naming of the eight meridians is based on their functions and the locations they traverse.
1. Basic function of the Du Mai: The term ‘Du’ means to oversee and command. It runs along the midline of the back and frequently intersects with the three Yang meridians of the hands and feet as well as the Yang Wei meridian, thus it governs all Yang meridians in the body, hence it is also called the “Sea of Yang Meridians.” Additionally, it travels along the spine, ascends into the brain, and branches out from the spine to connect with the kidneys, establishing a close relationship with the brain, spinal cord, and kidneys.
Main indications: Stiffness of the spine, lordosis.
2. Basic function of the Ren Mai: The term ‘Ren’ means to bear and receive. It runs along the midline of the abdomen and frequently intersects with the three Yin meridians of the hands and feet as well as the Yin Wei meridian, thus it governs all Yin meridians in the body, hence it is also called the “Sea of Yin Meridians.” The Ren Mai is also associated with the concept of “pregnancy”. Its pathway originates from the uterus and is related to women’s pregnancy, referred to as “Ren governs the uterus and fetus.”
Main indications: Men are prone to various hernias, while women may experience leukorrhea and abdominal masses.
3. Basic function of the Chong Mai: The term ‘Chong’ means to be a vital point. The Chong Mai extends from the head to the hands and feet, traversing the entire body, becoming a crucial pathway for Qi and blood, thus it is known as the “Sea of the Twelve Meridians.” The Chong Mai is also referred to as the “Sea of Blood,” closely related to women’s menstruation.
Main indications: Qi rising from the lower abdomen, abdominal distension and acute pain.
4. Basic function of the Dai Mai: The Dai Mai encircles the waist like a belt, capable of restraining the meridians that run vertically.
Main indications: Abdominal fullness, a sensation of sitting in water in the lower back.
5. Basic function of the Yin Qiao: The term ‘Qiao’ means to be agile and swift. It nourishes the eyes, controls the opening and closing of the eyelids, and regulates the movement of the lower limbs. Ancient texts also mention that the Yin and Yang Qiao meridians “govern the balance of Yin and Yang in the body.”
Main indications: Insufficient Yang Qi, excessive Yin Qi, often leading to excessive sleep.
6. The basic function of the Yang Qiao is similar to that of the Yin Qiao. Main indications: Insufficient Yin Qi, excessive Yang Qi, commonly leading to insomnia.
7. Basic function: Wei, meaning to connect and maintain. Its function is to “link all Yin meridians.”
Main indications: Commonly seen in heart pain.
8. Basic function of the Yang Wei: “Links all Yang meridians.”
Main indications: Commonly seen in conditions of cold and heat.
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