Eight Extraordinary Meridians are significant, treating extensive areas of the body. 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 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, hence their unique pathways are termed extraordinary.
Functions
1. Facilitate communication between the twelve meridians;
2. 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 female 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 abdomen, descending obliquely to the Dai Mai point, encircling the body like a belt, thus restraining the meridians that run vertically.
The Yin Qiao Mai and Yang Qiao Mai: “Qiao” implies agility and quickness. 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 “connect all Yin meridians”; the function of the Yang Wei Mai is to “connect all Yang meridians.”
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Pathway 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, connects with the brain, runs along the midline of the head, ascends to the Baihui point at the top of the head, 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 coccyx, it connects with the Kidney meridian and the Bladder meridian, traversing the spine and belonging to the kidneys.
The second branch ascends directly from the lower abdomen through the navel, reaching the heart and throat, where it intersects with the Chong and Ren meridians, then descends to the lower jaw, 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 top of the head, connects with the brain, then branches down the back of the neck, along the inner scapula, and reaches the waist, entering 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 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, indicating that the Du Mai regulates the Yang meridians, hence the saying “governs all Yang meridians.”
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 mound, 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 Gingjiao point, and then ascends along both sides of the nose to the lower eye socket (Chengqi point), where it intersects 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, serving as 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 “governs all Yin meridians.”
2) Regulates menstruation and nourishes the fetus: The Ren Mai originates from 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 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, connects 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.
The descending branch exits the perineum and descends 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 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 Mai originates from the uterus, also known as the “Blood Chamber” or “Blood Sea.” The Chong Mai has a regulating effect on 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 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 abdomen, 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 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, from 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 Xuepen, ascends beside the Adam’s apple to the Ren Mai’s Tian Tu point, reaches the side of 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.
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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, from the Shenmai point of the Taiyang meridian, ascends along the outer ankle, travels up the outer side of the lower limb, along the hip, ribs, shoulder, neck, and reaches the corner of the mouth, arriving at 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.
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Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yin Wei Mai
Pathway: The Yin Wei Mai originates from the Zhubin point of the Kidney meridian, five cun above the inner ankle, ascends along the inner side of the lower limb, reaches the abdomen, travels alongside the Spleen meridian to the ribs, connects with the Liver meridian, ascends to intersect with the Tian Tu point of the Ren Mai, and reaches the Lianquan point in the throat, where it meets the Ren Mai in the neck.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: The term “Wei” in Wei Mai implies connection and linking. The Yin Wei has the function of connecting 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 Taiyang meridian, passes over the outer ankle, ascends alongside the Shaoyang meridian, travels up the outer side of the lower limb, along the posterior lateral side of the trunk, from the back of the armpit 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 meets the Du Mai.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: 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 among 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, except for the Dai Mai, the others all ascend from below.
Common Physiological Functions of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians
1. Further strengthen 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 all meridians. The two Qiao meridians govern the Yin and Yang of the body; the two Wei meridians connect the Yin and Yang of the body. 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, indicating a significant connection in both physiological and pathological contexts.
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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 extensive areas with just one treatment.
Neiguan Point: Nourishes the Heart and Enhances Beauty
Many women between the ages of 40 and 50 often experience symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and excessive 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 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, and 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 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 the heart is the first step to enhancing beauty.
The Neiguan point belongs to the Pericardium meridian and connects with the Yin Wei Mai, 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 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 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 Daoist medicine believes 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 enhance the original Yang Qi of the Sanjiao, guiding the original 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 to twist the waist, 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 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 has good effects on 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 to avoid developing cervical spondylosis. The Lieque point has unique effects in preventing cervical spondylosis. On 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 book “Zhenjiu Daceng,” there is a famous verse: “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 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 mainly involves flicking.
Houxi Point: Treatment for Cervical and Lumbar Issues
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 fist is clenched).
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 joint to roll your hands back and forth, achieving a stimulating effect. During the rolling, a slight soreness will be felt. Spending just three to five minutes daily to stimulate this point can have excellent therapeutic effects on the cervical and lumbar spine.
Zhaohai Point: Treatment for Throat Pain
Massaging the Zhaohai point can provide excellent relief 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 Sanjiao, 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 excessive heat to rise. Therefore, whenever we feel discomfort in the chest, dryness in the throat, hoarseness, or even chronic pharyngitis, we can massage this point, which not only nourishes the kidneys and clears heat but also helps the functions of the Sanjiao to flow smoothly.
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 above image). When massaging this point, it is important to keep the mouth closed and refrain from speaking, allowing the saliva to accumulate in the mouth and swallow it down.
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 and fluid in the kidneys, promoting the upward movement of fluids to moisten the throat, while the excessive heat is nourished by the kidney water, thus alleviating throat pain naturally.
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 connects with the bladder meridian, the Shenmai point is an important point of the bladder meridian. Using this point can dispel internal cold pathogens and promote Yang Qi to reach the top of the head, balancing the body and allowing for agile movement.
When combined with Xiao Qinglong Decoction, it can achieve a synergistic effect. It helps expel cold pathogens 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 crucial intersection point between 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 pathogens, 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, allowing sufficient Yang Qi to disperse the cold pathogens.
Gongsun Point: Alleviates Dysmenorrhea and Spleen-Stomach Disorders
The Gongsun point is a connecting point of the Spleen meridian, belonging to the Spleen, linking with the Stomach, and directly connecting with the Chong Mai located in the chest and abdomen, thus it has the effect of treating various disorders of the Spleen and Stomach.
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 unable to transform water and dampness, poor transformation can lead to dysmenorrhea, often 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 the large metatarsal bone on the inner side of the foot. Pressing on the point where you feel the most soreness or discomfort is your 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 treatment. The Dai Mai encircles the body like a belt around the navel, restraining the vertical flow of the meridians, enhancing the connection of Qi and blood flow between the meridians, which is crucial for maintaining health.
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 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 be more effective than professional foot therapy.
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