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The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are like a great medicine, treating a wide range of issues. It is essential to understand the pathways, physiological functions, and eight representative acupuncture points of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
Eight Extraordinary Meridians
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians refer to the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), Du Mai (Governing Vessel), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel), Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel), Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel), and Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel). 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 unique pathways are termed extraordinary.
Functions include:
1. Connecting the twelve meridians;
2. Regulating the accumulation and distribution of qi and blood in the twelve meridians.
Pathways of the Meridians
The Ren Mai runs along the midline of the abdomen, frequently intersecting with the three Yin meridians of the hands and feet and the Yin Wei Mai, thus governing all Yin meridians in the body, hence called the “Sea of Yin Meridians.” The Ren Mai originates from the uterus and is related to women’s pregnancy, thus referred to as “the master of 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 and the Yang Wei Mai, thus governing all Yang meridians in the body, hence called the “Sea of Yang Meridians.” The Du Mai runs along the spine, ascending into the brain, and branches from the spine to the kidneys, closely linking the brain, spinal cord, and kidneys.
The Chong Mai ascends to the head and descends to the feet, traversing the entire body; it is the crucial point for qi and blood, regulating the qi and blood of the twelve meridians, hence called the “Sea of the Twelve Meridians,” also known as the “Sea of Blood.” It is 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, 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,” while the Yang Wei Mai’s function is to “link all Yang.”
Pathways and Physiological Functions of the Du Mai
1. Pathway: The Du Mai originates from the lower abdomen, exits at the perineum, travels to the tailbone at the Changqiang point, ascends along the spine, passes through the nape to the Fengfu point, enters the brain, belongs to the brain, ascends along the midline of the head to the Baihui point, descends through the forehead to the tip of the nose at the Suliao point, passes through the philtrum, and reaches the center of the upper gums at the Yinjiao point.
2. Branches:
The first branch originates with the Chong and Ren meridians from the uterus, exits at the perineum, and merges with 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, upward to the heart, meeting the Chong and Ren meridians at the throat, encircling the lips, and reaching the center below the eyes.
The third branch originates from the inner canthus of the eye, ascends to the forehead, meets at the Baihui point, connects to the brain, then branches down the back of the neck, along the inner scapula, beside the spine, reaching the waist, and enters the muscles on both sides of the spine, connecting with the kidneys.
Physiological Functions
1) Regulates the qi and blood of the Yang meridians, being the “Sea of Yang Meridians”: The Du Mai runs along the back, which is Yang, indicating that the Du Mai has a commanding and supervising role over the qi of all Yang meridians. Additionally, all six Yang meridians intersect with the Du Mai at the Dazhui point, thus the Du Mai regulates the Yang meridians, hence the saying “governing all Yang meridians in the body.”
2) Reflects the functions of the brain, kidneys, and spinal cord: The Du Mai runs along the spine, enters the brain, and 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, communicating with kidney qi, which governs reproduction, thus the Du Mai is related to reproductive functions.
Pathways and Physiological Functions of the Ren Mai
1. Pathway: The Ren Mai originates from the uterus, exits at the perineum, passes through the Yinfu, ascends along the midline of the abdomen, passes through the throat (Tiantu point), reaches the inner lower lip, divides to encircle the lips, intersects with the Du Mai at the Yinjiao point, and then separately passes through the sides of the nose, ascending to the lower eye socket (Chengqi point), intersecting with the Yangming meridian.
2. Branches: It traverses from the uterus along the spine, ascending along the back.
Physiological Functions
1) Regulates the qi and blood of the Yin meridians, being the “Sea of Yin Meridians”: The Ren Mai runs along the midline of the abdomen, which is Yin, indicating that the Ren Mai has a commanding and supervising role over 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 “governing all Yin meridians.”
2) Regulates menstruation and nourishes the fetus: The Ren Mai originates from the uterus, having the function of regulating menstruation and promoting women’s reproductive functions, hence the saying “the Ren Mai governs the uterus and fetus.”
Pathways 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, merges with 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.
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 the crucial point 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; when they are deficient, the Chong Mai can provide infusion and 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 “Sea of Blood.”
2) Governs reproductive functions: The Chong Mai originates from the uterus, also known as the “Blood Chamber” or “Sea of Blood.” The Chong Mai has a role in regulating menstruation. The Chong Mai is closely related to reproductive functions; for women, “when the Chong Mai is abundant, menstruation occurs regularly, hence having children.” 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 communicates 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).
Pathways and Physiological Functions of the Dai Mai
Pathway: The Dai Mai originates from the lateral costal region, descends obliquely, intersects with the Dai Mai point of the Gallbladder meridian, encircles the body, and then descends obliquely along the upper edge of the hip bone to the lower abdomen.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: Restrains the vertical flow of all meridians, governs women’s leukorrhea.
Pathways 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 side of the thigh to the anterior genital area, ascends along the anterior trunk to the chest, enters the Xuepen, ascends beside the Adam’s apple to the Ren Mai’s Tian Tu point, reaches beside the nose, connects with the inner canthus of the eye, and ascends along with the Taiyang and Yang Qiao Mai.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: Controls the opening and closing of the eyes and the movement of muscles.
Pathways 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 Taiyang meridian, ascends along the outer ankle, along the outer edge of the lower limb, through the hip, ribs, shoulder, neck, and ascends to the inner canthus of the eye. It connects with the Taiyang meridian and the Yin Qiao Mai, then ascends along the Taiyang meridian to meet the Shaoyang meridian at the Fengchi point behind the neck.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: Controls the opening and closing of the eyes and muscle movement.
Pathways and Physiological Functions of the Yin Wei Mai
Pathway: The Yin Wei Mai originates from the Zhubin point, five cun above the inner ankle of the foot, ascends along the inner edge of the lower limb, reaches the abdomen, travels with the Taiyin Spleen meridian to the lateral costal region, connects with the Jueyin Liver meridian, ascends to meet the Tian Tu point of the Ren Mai, and reaches the Lianquan point at the throat, connecting with the Ren Mai at the neck.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: The “Wei” in Wei Mai implies connection and linking. The Yin Wei has the function of linking the Yin meridians.
Pathways and Physiological Functions of the Yang Wei Mai
Pathway: The Yang Wei Mai originates from the Jinmen point of the Taiyang meridian, passes over the outer ankle, ascends along the outer edge of the lower limb, through the trunk’s posterior lateral side, from the axilla to the shoulder, ascends through the neck, behind the ear, and moves forward to the forehead, distributing along the side of the head and back to the forehead, then connects with the Du Mai.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: Maintains the Yang meridians.
Summary of the Characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary MeridiansThe physiological characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are threefold
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; there are no Eight Extraordinary Meridians in the upper limbs.
Their pathways also differ from the twelve meridians, with all but the Dai Mai running from bottom to top.
Common Physiological Functions of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians
1. Further strengthens the connections between the twelve meridians: For example, the Du Mai governs 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. Regulates 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, having certain connections in both physiological and pathological aspects.
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 acupuncture point’s efficacy can be likened to a “nuclear reactor,” treating a wide range of issues.
Neiguan Point: Nourishing Beauty and Heart
Many female friends between the ages of 40 and 50 often experience symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and profuse sweating. Hospitals may not find any specific illness, only vaguely diagnosing it as menopausal syndrome or sub-health.
According to ancient wisdom, women at this age are generally in a stage of decline, with aging starting from 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, and 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 radiance is 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, for women, nourishing beauty begins with nourishing the heart.
The Neiguan point belongs to the Pericardium meridian, connecting with the Yin Wei Mai, and is one of the Eight Meridians’ intersection 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, situated two cun above the wrist crease on the inner side of the arm. When locating the point, make a loose fist and place it 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 presses is the Neiguan point. This point can be massaged anytime and anywhere, applying pressure until a slight soreness is felt.
Waiguan Point: “Clever Ear Point”
Traditional Taoist medicine believes that temporary hearing issues are manifestations of insufficient Yang qi in the body. So what role does the Waiguan point play in this context? Massaging the Waiguan point can enrich the Yuan Yang qi of the Sanjiao, guiding the Yuan qi to circulate throughout the body. When this point is blocked, it can cause the eardrum to become slack and unable to return to its normal state.
Clinically, the Waiguan point can also be used to treat acute lumbar sprains. A patient around 40 years old bent down to pick something up and suddenly could not move his waist; any slight movement caused unbearable pain. After acupuncture and massage treatment, needling both Waiguan points while allowing him to perform gentle twisting movements of the waist, the pain completely disappeared within minutes, and he could move normally. The Waiguan point is a connecting point of the Sanjiao meridian, located two cun above the wrist’s dorsal crease, opposite the Neiguan point. The Waiguan point 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 has good effects on arthritis and cervical spondylosis.
Lieque Point: Special Treatment for 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. If someone frequently experiences stiff necks without timely adjustment and prevention, it can lead to cervical spondylosis. The Lieque point has unique effects in preventing cervical spondylosis. On the human body, the Lieque point serves as a tool for repairing head-related ailments.
The “Huangdi Neijing” records that the Lieque point primarily treats migraines, headaches, and stiff necks. In the “Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,” there is a well-known verse stating, “For neck and head ailments, seek the Lieque point.” This means that any issues above the neck can be treated and adjusted using this point. The Lieque point is easy to locate, situated 1.5 cun above the wrist crease, on the radial side of the styloid process of the radius. When locating the point, cross the thumbs of both hands, and the depression where the index finger touches is the point. The technique for using the Lieque point mainly involves flicking.
Houxi Point: Treatment for Cervical and Lumbar Diseases
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 finger joint when the hand is clenched).
If you are sitting in front of a computer, you can place the Houxi points of both hands on the edge of the table, using the wrist joint to roll both hands back and forth easily to achieve a stimulating effect. During the rolling, a slight soreness will be felt. Spending just three to five minutes daily to do this can significantly benefit the cervical and lumbar spine.
Zhaohai Point: Treatment for Throat Pain
Massaging the Zhaohai point can be very effective for throat pain, as it belongs to the Yin Qiao Mai and intersects with the Kidney meridian, being one of the key intersection points of the Eight Meridians. It has the functions of nourishing the kidneys, clearing heat, and regulating the three Jiao, providing both nourishment and heat-clearing effects.
Sun Simiao in the “Qianjin Yaofang” referred to this point as “Liu Yin,” indicating that if there is an issue with this point, the body’s kidney water decreases, leading to kidney Yin deficiency and causing false heat to rise. Therefore, whenever we feel discomfort in the chest, dry throat, hoarseness, or even chronic pharyngitis, we can press this point, which not only has the effect of nourishing the kidneys and clearing heat but also helps to smooth the functions of the three Jiao.
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, one should keep the mouth closed and refrain from speaking, feeling the saliva in the mouth, which should be swallowed. Generally, after pressing for three to five minutes, one will feel saliva in the throat, and the pain will immediately alleviate. 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 method of swallowing saliva. Massaging the Zhaohai point stimulates the essence and qi in the kidneys, promoting the upward movement of fluids to moisten the throat, and the false heat is nourished by the kidney water, leading to the natural alleviation of throat pain.
Shenmai Point: A Pure Yang Remedy for Coldness
“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 connects with the bladder meridian, the Shenmai point itself is an important point of the bladder meridian. Using this point can dispel internal cold pathogens and allow Yang qi to reach the top, balancing the body and enabling agile movement.
When combined with the Xiao Qinglong Decoction (strongly advised to be taken under a doctor’s guidance), it can achieve a synergistic effect of mutual resolution of exterior and interior. This allows the cold pathogens in the body to be expelled quickly while restoring one’s Yang qi, making it a wonderful point for dispelling cold and reviving Yang.
The Shenmai point is a crucial intersection point between the Yang Qiao and the Taiyang bladder meridian, and its location is also very simple, found in the depression directly 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 extending 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 the Luo point of the Spleen meridian, belonging to the spleen, connecting with the stomach, and directly communicating with the Chong Mai located in the chest and abdomen, thus having the effect of treating various disorders of the spleen, stomach, and abdominal area.
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 with dysmenorrhea can frequently massage the Gongsun point. The Gongsun point is located on the inner edge of the foot; I generally consider the Gongsun point as a region, located behind the big toe, along a large metatarsal bone on the inner side of the foot. Pressing along this bone until a feeling of soreness or pain is felt is your own Gongsun point.
Zuliqiao Point: Promoting the Ascension of Shaoyang Qi
The Zuliqiao point is one of the main points on the Gallbladder meridian, connecting with the Dai Mai, and is a wonderful point that can regulate two meridians. The Dai Mai encircles the body like a jade belt, enhancing the connection of qi and blood flow between the meridians, making it a very important health meridian for the body. When using this point, a sitting position with bent legs can be adopted; it is located on the outer side of the foot, in the gap between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. The Zuliqiao point primarily promotes the ascension of Shaoyang qi, dispersing the stagnant qi of the liver and gallbladder, and regular pressing can be more effective than professional foot therapy.
(Warm reminder: This article is for reference only; TCM emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. Do not treat dietary therapy as a universal remedy; alleviating symptoms does not have shortcuts, and individual conditions vary. Patients should seek a doctor’s advice to find the most suitable treatment method for themselves.
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