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 with the exterior and interior. Their pathways are unique and unconventional, hence they are called extraordinary meridians.
Their functions include:
1. Connecting the twelve meridians;
2. Regulating the accumulation and distribution of Qi and blood in the twelve meridians.
Eight Meridians
The Ren Meridian 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 is known as the “Sea of Yin Meridians.” The Ren Meridian originates from the uterus and is related to women’s pregnancy, hence it is said to “govern the uterus and fetus.”
The Du Meridian 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 is known as 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 Twelve Meridians” and also referred to as the “Sea of Blood.” It is related to women’s menstruation.
The Dai Meridian originates from the lateral abdomen, slants downward to the Dai point, encircling the body like a belt, and can restrain the meridians that run vertically.
The Yin Qiao and Yang Qiao Meridians: “Qiao” implies agility and quickness. They nourish the eyes, control the opening and closing of the eyelids, and facilitate the movement of the lower limbs.
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.”
Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Du Meridian
1. Pathway:The Du Meridian 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 Su Liao 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 meets the Kidney Meridian and Bladder Meridian at the tailbone, belonging to the kidneys.
The second branch ascends directly from the lower abdomen through the navel, travels upward to the heart, meets the Chong and Ren meridians at the throat, and surrounds the lips, reaching the center below the lower jaw.
The third branch originates from the inner canthus of the eye, ascends to the forehead, meets at the Baihui point, connects with 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.
3. Physiological Functions
1) Regulates the Qi and blood of the Yang meridians, being the “Sea of Yang Meridians”: The Du Meridian runs along the back, which is Yang, indicating that the Du Meridian has a commanding and supervising role over the Qi of all Yang meridians. Additionally, the six Yang meridians intersect with the Du Meridian at the Dazhui point, thus the Du Meridian regulates the Yang meridians, hence it is said to “supervise all Yang meridians.”
2) Reflects the functions of the brain, kidneys, and spinal cord: The Du Meridian belongs to the brain and 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 the kidney Qi is related to reproduction, hence the Du Meridian is associated with reproductive functions.
Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Ren Meridian
1. Pathway:The Ren Meridian originates from the uterus, exits at the perineum, travels through the Yin Palace, ascends along the midline of the abdomen, passes through the throat (Tiantu point), reaches the inner lower lip, divides to encircle the lips, meets the Du Meridian at the Gingjiao point, and then passes through the sides of the nose, ascending to the lower eye socket (Chengqi point), connecting with the Yangming Meridian of the foot.
2. Branches:It traverses the spine from the uterus, ascending along the back.
3. Physiological Functions
1) Regulates the Qi and blood of the Yin meridians, being the “Sea of Yin Meridians”: The Ren Meridian runs along the midline of the abdomen, which is Yin, indicating that the Ren Meridian has a commanding role over 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 regulates the Qi and blood of the Yin meridians, hence it is said to “govern all Yin meridians.”
2) Regulates menstruation and nourishes the fetus: The Ren Meridian originates from the uterus, having the function of regulating menstruation and promoting women’s reproductive functions, hence it is said to “govern the uterus and fetus.”
Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Chong Meridian
1. Pathway:It originates from the uterus, exits at the perineum, and divides into two branches. The ascending branch (the main trunk of the Chong Meridian) runs along the anterior abdominal wall, near the navel (five inches beside the navel), ascends, connects with the Kidney Meridian, spreads in the chest, and 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 space between the big toe.
2. 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; 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 Twelve Meridians,” “Sea of Five Zang and Six Fu,” and “Sea of Blood.”
2) Governs reproductive functions: The Chong Meridian originates from the uterus, also known as the “Blood Chamber” or “Sea of Blood.” The Chong Meridian has a regulating effect on menstruation. The Chong Meridian is closely related to reproductive functions; for women, “when the Chong Meridian is abundant, menstruation occurs regularly, 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 connects with the Kidney Meridian, belongs to the Yangming, and communicates 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).
Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Dai Meridian
1. Pathway:The Dai Meridian originates from the lateral abdomen, slants downward, intersects with the Dai point of the Gallbladder Meridian of the foot, encircles the body, and then moves forward and downward along the upper edge of the hip bone to the lower abdomen.
2. Physiological Functions:It restrains the vertical meridians and governs women’s leukorrhea.
Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yin Qiao Meridian
1. Pathway:The Yin Qiao Meridian 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 thigh to the anterior genital area, ascends along the anterior trunk to the chest, enters the cavity, ascends beside the Adam’s apple to the Ren Meridian’s Renying point, reaches the side of the nose, connects with the inner canthus of the eye, and ascends with the Taiyang and Yang Qiao Meridians.
2. Physiological Functions:It controls the opening and closing of the eyes and the movement of muscles.
Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yang Qiao Meridian
1. Pathway:The Yang Qiao Meridian originates from the outer side of the heel of the foot, at the Shenmai point of the Bladder Meridian, ascends along the outer ankle, travels upward along the outer edge of the lower limb to the abdomen, ascends along the outer side of the chest, through the shoulder, neck, and reaches the corner of the mouth, then arrives at the inner canthus of the eye. It connects with the Taiyang Meridian and the Yin Qiao Meridian, and ascends along the Taiyang Meridian to meet the Shaoyang Meridian at the Fengchi point behind the neck.
2. Physiological Functions:It controls the opening and closing of the eyes and muscle movement.
Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yin Wei Meridian
1. Pathway:The Yin Wei Meridian originates from the five inches above the inner ankle of the foot at the Zhubin point of the Kidney Meridian, ascends along the inner edge of the lower limb to the abdomen, travels alongside the Spleen Meridian of the foot to the lateral abdomen, connects with the Liver Meridian of the foot, ascends to meet the Ren Meridian at the Tiantu point, and terminates at the Lianquan point in the throat.
2. Physiological Functions:The “Wei” in Wei Meridian implies connection and support. The Yin Wei Meridian has the function of connecting the Yin meridians.
Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yang Wei Meridian
1. Pathway:The Yang Wei Meridian originates from the Jinmen point of the Taiyang Meridian, passes over the outer ankle, ascends alongside the Shaoyang Meridian, travels upward along the outer edge of the lower limb to the trunk, ascends along the outer side of the chest, through the shoulder, neck, and reaches the forehead, distributing along the side of the head and back of the neck, connecting with the Du Meridian.
2. Physiological Functions:It connects the Yang meridians.
Summary of the Characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians
The physiological characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are threefold:
1) The Eight Extraordinary Meridians do not have a direct connection to the organs.
2) There is no exterior-interior relationship among the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
3) The distribution of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians is not as widespread as that of the twelve meridians; the upper limbs do not have the distribution of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
Their pathways also differ from those of the twelve meridians; except for the Dai Meridian, the others generally run from the lower body to the upper body.
The common physiological functions of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians include:
1) Further strengthening 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 meridians. The Yin Qiao and Yang Qiao meridians govern the left and right Yin and Yang; the Yin Wei and Yang 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) Regulating 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” and 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 connections in both physiological and pathological contexts.
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: Gong Sun (Gong Sun), Nei Guan (Nei Guan), Lin Qi (Lin Qi), Wai Guan (Wai Guan), Shen Mai (Shen Mai), Hou Xi (Hou Xi), Lie Que (Lie Que), Zhaohai (Zhaohai). The efficacy of each acupuncture point can be likened to a “nuclear reactor,” treating a wide range of conditions.
1. Nei Guan Point: Nourishing Beauty and Heart
Many women between the ages of 40 and 50 often experience symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and profuse 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 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. 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 nourishment; when Qi and blood are abundant, it naturally reflects on the face. Therefore, women should first nourish the heart to enhance their beauty.
The Nei Guan point belongs to the Pericardium Meridian, connects with the Ren Meridian, and is one of the eight meeting points of the meridians. The true efficacy of the Nei Guan point lies in its ability to open the body’s internal mechanisms, benefiting Qi and blood, calming the spirit, and enhancing beauty. The Nei Guan point is easy to locate, situated two inches above the wrist crease on the inner side of the arm. When locating the point, make a loose fist and hold it horizontally; 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 Nei Guan point. This point can be massaged anytime and anywhere, applying pressure until a slight soreness is felt.
2. Wai Guan 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 Wai Guan point play in this context? Massaging the Wai Guan point can enrich the Yuan Yang Qi of the Sanjiao and guide 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 Wai Guan point can also be used to treat acute lumbar sprains. A patient in his 40s bent down to pick something up and suddenly could not move his waist; any slight movement caused unbearable pain. After treatment with acupuncture and massage, the Wai Guan points were needled while the patient performed twisting movements of the waist, and within minutes, the pain completely disappeared, allowing normal movement. The Wai Guan point is a connecting point of the Sanjiao Meridian, located two inches above the wrist on the dorsal side, opposite the Nei Guan point. The Wai Guan 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.
3. Lie Que Point: Special Treatment for Stiff Neck and Migraine
Stiff neck is an experience almost everyone has gone through, often causing great discomfort. It can also be an early signal of cervical spine issues. Those who frequently experience stiff necks should take preventive measures, as it can lead to cervical spondylosis. The Lie Que point has unique effects in preventing cervical spondylosis. In the human body, the Lie Que point serves as a tool for repairing head-related ailments.
The “Huangdi Neijing” records that the Lie Que point primarily treats migraines, headaches, and stiff necks. In the “Great Compendium of Acupuncture,” there is a well-known verse stating, “For neck and above ailments, seek the Lie Que point.” This means that any issues above the neck can be treated and adjusted using this point. The Lie Que point is easy to locate, situated 1.5 inches above the wrist crease on the radial styloid process. When locating the point, cross the thumbs of both hands, and the depression reached by the index fingers is the Lie Que point. The technique for using the Lie Que point mainly involves flicking.
4. Hou Xi Point: Treatment for Cervical and Lumbar Diseases
How to locate the Hou Xi 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 in front of a computer, you can place the Hou Xi 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 stimulate this point can have excellent therapeutic effects on the cervical and lumbar spine.
5. Zhaohai Point: Treatment for Throat Pain
Massaging the Zhaohai point can yield excellent results for throat pain, as the Zhaohai point belongs to the Yin Qiao Meridian and intersects with the Kidney Meridian, being one of the key meeting 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 deficiency fire to rise. Therefore, whenever we feel discomfort in the chest, dryness and pain in the throat, hoarseness, or even chronic pharyngitis, we can massage this point, which not only has the effect of nourishing the kidneys and clearing heat but also helps to smooth the functions of the Sanjiao.
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 emergence of saliva in the mouth, which should be swallowed down. Generally, after massaging for 3 to 5 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 of the kidneys, promoting the upward movement of fluids to moisten the throat, and deficiency fire is nourished by kidney water, leading to the resolution of throat pain.
6. Shen Mai 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 evil. Since the Yang Qiao connects with the Bladder Meridian, the Shen Mai point is an important point of the Bladder Meridian. Therefore, the Shen Mai point is a pure Yang point; using this point can dispel internal cold evil and allow Yang Qi to reach the top of the head, balancing the body and enabling agile movement.
When combined with Xiao Qing Long Tang, it can achieve a synergistic effect. It helps to expel cold evil from the body quickly while restoring one’s Yang Qi, making it a miraculous point for dispelling cold and reviving Yang.
The Shen Mai point is an important intersection of the Yang Qiao and Bladder Meridian, and it is also 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 in.” The Shen Mai 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.
7. Gong Sun Point: Alleviating Dysmenorrhea and Spleen-Stomach Disorders
Gong Sun 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 abdominal area.
In medicine, it is believed that the treatment of 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 water and dampness, leading to dysmenorrhea, which may also be accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and headaches.
Women with dysmenorrhea can benefit from massaging the Gong Sun point. The Gong Sun point is located on the inner edge of the foot; I generally consider the Gong Sun point as a region, located behind the big toe, where there is a large metatarsal bone. Press along this bone on the inner side of the foot until you find the point that feels most sore or tender; that is your personal Gong Sun point.
8. Lin Qi Point: Elevating the Yang Qi of the Body
The Lin Qi point is one of the main points on the Gallbladder Meridian, connecting with the Dai Meridian, and it is a wonderful point that regulates two meridians. The Dai Meridian encircles the body around the navel, like a jade belt, restraining the vertical meridians and 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 legs curled is recommended; it is located on the outer side of the foot, in the gap between the fourth and fifth toes. The Lin Qi point governs the elevation of the body’s Yang Qi, dispersing the Qi stagnation of the liver and gallbladder. Regularly massaging this point can yield better results than professional foot therapy.
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