The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are powerful pathways; their treatment effects are extensive. This article summarizes the pathways, physiological functions, and eight representative acupuncture points of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians!
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Eight Extraordinary Meridians
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians refer to the Ren (Renmai), Du (Dumai), Chong (Chongmai), Dai (Daimai), Yin Qiao (Yin Qiaomai), Yang Qiao (Yang Qiaomai), Yin Wei (Yin Weimai), and Yang Wei (Yang Weimai). Unlike the twelve regular meridians, they do not directly connect to the organs and do not have a paired relationship, hence their unique pathways are termed extraordinary.
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 Meridian 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 Meridian, thus governing all Yin meridians in the body, hence it is called the “Sea of Yin Meridians.” The Ren Meridian originates in the uterus and is related to female pregnancy, hence the saying “Ren governs the uterus and fetus.”
The Du Meridian 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 Meridian, thus governing all Yang meridians in the body, hence it is called the “Sea of Yang Meridians.” The Du Meridian 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 Meridian 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 Meridian originates at the lateral costal region, descending obliquely to the Dai point, encircling the body like a belt, thus restraining the meridians that run vertically.
The Yin Qiao and Yang Qiao Meridians: Qiao implies agility and lightness. They nourish the eyes, control eyelid movement, and facilitate lower limb movement.
The Yin Wei and Yang Wei Meridians: Wei implies connection. The function of the Yin Wei Meridian is to “connect all Yin meridians”; the function of the Yang Wei Meridian is to “connect all Yang meridians.”
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Du Meridian
1. Pathway:The Du Meridian 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, runs along the midline of the head, ascends to the Baihui point at the crown, descends through the forehead to the Suliao 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 at the tailbone, it connects with the Kidney Meridian (Shen) and Bladder Meridian (Pangguang) of the foot, 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, intersects with the Chong and Ren meridians, and encircles the lips, reaching the center below the eyes.
The third branch originates at the inner canthus of the foot’s Taiyang Meridian, ascends to the forehead, intersects at the crown, connects with the brain, and 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, serving as the “Sea of Yang Meridians”: The Du Meridian runs along the back, which is Yang, indicating its role in commanding and supervising the Qi of all Yang meridians. Additionally, all six Yang meridians intersect with the Du Meridian at the Dazhui point, thus it has a regulatory effect on 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 Meridian 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 Meridian and the brain, kidneys, and spinal cord is very close.
3) Governs reproductive functions: The Du Meridian connects with the kidneys, and since the kidneys govern reproduction, it is related to reproductive functions.
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Ren Meridian
1. Pathway: The Ren Meridian originates in the uterus, exits at the perineum, travels through the Yin mound, ascends along the midline of the abdomen, passes through the throat (Tiantu point), reaches the lower lip, divides to encircle the lips, intersects with the Du Meridian at the Gingjiao point, and then passes through both sides of the nose, ascending to the lower eye socket (Chengqi point), intersecting with the Yangming Meridian of the foot.
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 Meridian runs along the midline of the abdomen, which is Yin, indicating its role in commanding and supervising the Qi of all Yin meridians. Additionally, the three Yin meridians of the foot intersect with the Ren Meridian in the lower abdomen, and the three Yin meridians of the hand connect with the Ren Meridian through the three Yin meridians of the foot, thus the Ren Meridian has a regulatory effect on 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 Meridian originates in the uterus, thus it has the function of regulating menstruation and promoting female reproductive functions, hence the saying “Ren governs the uterus and fetus.”
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Chong Meridian
Pathway:It originates in the uterus, exits at the perineum, and divides into two branches.
The ascending branch (the main part of the Chong Meridian) runs along the anterior abdominal wall, near the navel (five fen beside the navel), ascends, parallels the foot’s Shaoyin Meridian, disperses 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 Meridian 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 Meridian can store and accumulate them; when they are deficient, the Chong Meridian 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 “Blood Sea.”
2) Governs reproductive functions: The Chong Meridian originates in the uterus, also known as the “Blood Chamber” or “Blood Sea.” It has a role in regulating menstruation. The Chong Meridian is closely related to reproductive functions; for women, “when the Chong Meridian is abundant, menstruation occurs regularly, thus leading to conception.” Conversely, if the Chong Meridian is deficient, it can lead to reproductive dysfunction.
3) Regulates the ascending and descending of Qi: The Chong Meridian, in its pathway, connects with the foot’s Shaoyin, belongs to the Yangming, and connects with the Jueyin and Taiyang. The Chong Meridian 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 Meridian
Pathway: The Dai Meridian originates at the lateral costal region, descending obliquely, intersecting with the Dai point of the foot’s Shaoyang 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 Meridian
Pathway: The Yin Qiao Meridian originates at the inner side of the heel from the foot’s Shaoyin Meridian (Zhaohai point), ascends through the inner ankle, along the inner 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 Meridian’s Renying point, reaches beside the nose, connects with the inner canthus of the eyes, and ascends along with the foot’s Taiyang and Yang Qiao Meridians.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: It controls the opening and closing of the eyes and the movement of muscles.
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yang Qiao Meridian
Pathway: The Yang Qiao Meridian originates at the outer side of the heel from the foot’s Taiyang Meridian (Shenmai point), 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 eyes. It connects with the foot’s Taiyang Meridian and Yin Qiao Meridian, then ascends along the foot’s Taiyang Meridian to meet the foot’s 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 Meridian
Pathway: The Yin Wei Meridian originates at the foot’s Shaoyin Meridian (Zhubin point), ascends along the inner side of the lower limb, reaches the abdomen, travels alongside the foot’s Taiyin Spleen Meridian to the lateral costal region, connects with the foot’s Jueyin Liver Meridian, ascends to intersect with the Ren Meridian at the Tiantu point, and reaches the throat at the Lianquan point, connecting with the Ren Meridian at the neck.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: The term “Wei” in Wei Meridian implies connection and maintenance. The Yin Wei Meridian has the function of connecting the Yin meridians.
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yang Wei Meridian
Pathway: The Yang Wei Meridian originates at the foot’s Taiyang Meridian (Jinmen point), passes over the outer ankle, ascends alongside the foot’s Shaoyang Meridian, travels along the outer side of the lower limb, through the trunk’s posterior lateral side, from the back of the armpit to the shoulder, along the neck, behind the ear, moving forward to the forehead, distributing to the side of the head and back of the forehead, then meeting the Du Meridian at the neck.
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 do not have a direct connection to the organs.
2. There is no paired relationship among the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
3. The distribution of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians is not as extensive as that of the twelve meridians; there are no Eight Extraordinary Meridians in the upper limbs.
Additionally, their pathways differ from the twelve meridians, with all but the Dai Meridian running from bottom to top.
Common Physiological Functions of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians
1. Further strengthen the connections between the twelve meridians: For example, the Du Meridian supervises all Yang meridians; the Ren Meridian governs all Yin meridians; the Dai Meridian restrains the vertical flow of all meridians. The two Qiao meridians govern the left and right Yin and Yang; the two Wei meridians connect the Yin and Yang of the exterior and interior. Thus, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians further enhance the connections among 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 have a close relationship with the liver, kidneys, and other organs, as well as with 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 (Gongsun point), Neiguan (Neiguan point), Zuliqiao (Zuliqiao point), Waiguan (Waiguan point), Shenmai (Shenmai point), Houxi (Houxi point), Lieque (Lieque point), and Zhaohai (Zhaohai point). Each point’s efficacy can be likened to a “nuclear reactor,” treating a wide range of conditions with a single treatment.
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 night sweats. 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 phase 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; 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 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, women should first nourish the heart to enhance their beauty.
The Neiguan point belongs to the Pericardium Meridian and connects with the Yin Wei Meridian, being 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 enhancing beauty. The Neiguan point is easy to locate, situated two inches above the wrist crease on the inner side of the forearm. When locating the point, make a loose fist and place the hand flat; 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 Ear-Enhancing Point
Traditional Taoist medicine suggests 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 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 inches 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. If not addressed promptly, frequent stiff necks may 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. In the “Great Compendium of Acupuncture,” there is a well-known verse stating, “For ailments above the neck, 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 inches above the wrist crease on the radial side of the styloid process. When locating the point, cross the thumbs of both hands, and the depression reached by the index fingers is the Lieque point. The technique for using the Lieque point primarily 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 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 Meridian and intersects with the foot’s Shaoyin 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 this point is problematic, it can lead to a decrease in kidney water, resulting in kidney Yin deficiency and causing deficiency heat to rise. Therefore, whenever one feels discomfort in the chest, dry throat, hoarseness, or even chronic pharyngitis, massaging this point can nourish the kidneys, clear heat, and promote smooth functioning 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 above image). When massaging this point, one should keep their mouth closed and refrain from speaking, allowing saliva to accumulate in the mouth, which should be swallowed.
Generally, after three to five minutes of massaging, one will feel saliva in the throat, and the pain will quickly subside. Keeping the mouth closed while massaging helps the rising 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 flow of fluids to moisten the throat, while 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 evil. Since the Yang Qiao connects with the bladder meridian, the Shenmai point is an important point of the bladder meridian. Using this point can dispel internal cold evil and promote Yang Qi to reach the crown, balancing the body and allowing for agile movement.
When combined with Xiao Qinglong Decoction, it can achieve a synergistic effect. It helps expel cold evil from the body 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 point of the Yang Qiao and the Taiyang Bladder Meridian, and it is easy to locate, situated in the depression directly below the outer ankle bone. When the body is affected by cold evil, it tends to curl up and shiver, which in TCM is referred to as “contraction and pulling back.” The Shenmai point has the meaning of extending the meridians, quickly mobilizing the body’s Yang Qi; when Yang Qi is sufficient, the cold evil will disperse.
Gongsun Point: Alleviating Dysmenorrhea and Spleen-Stomach Disorders
Gongsun is the Luo point of the Spleen Meridian, belonging to the spleen, connecting with the stomach, and directly communicating with the Chong Meridian located in the chest and abdomen, thus it has the effect of treating various disorders of the spleen, stomach, and chest and abdomen.
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 benefit from massaging 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 strong sensation of soreness or pain is felt indicates 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 Meridian, and serves as a remarkable point for regulating two meridians with a single treatment. The Dai Meridian encircles the body like a belt, enhancing the connection of Qi and blood flow between the meridians, making it a crucial health meridian.
When using this point, a sitting position with bent legs is recommended; it is located on the outer side of the foot, in the gap between the fourth and fifth toes. The Zuliqiao point governs the upward flow of the body’s Shaoyang Qi, dispersing the stagnant Qi of the liver and gallbladder. Regularly pressing this point can yield better results than professional foot therapy.
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