The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are significant, treating a wide range of conditions. It is essential to understand the pathways, physiological functions, and eight representative acupuncture points of these meridians. 
Extraordinary Meridians The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are:Ren Mai (Ren Meridian), Du Mai (Du Meridian), Chong Mai (Chong Meridian), Dai Mai (Dai Meridian), Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Meridian), Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Meridian), Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Meridian), Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Meridian).They differ from the twelve regular meridians, as they do not directly connect to the organs and do not have a paired relationship. Their pathways are unique, hence they are called extraordinary meridians.
Functions include:
1. Connecting the twelve meridians; 2. Regulating the accumulation and distribution of qi and blood in the twelve meridians.Eight Meridians 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 referred to as the “Sea of Yin Meridians”. The Ren Mai originates from the uterus, relating to women’s pregnancy, hence the saying “Ren governs the uterus”. 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 referred to as the “Sea of Yang Meridians”. The Du Mai runs along the spine, ascending into the brain, and branches off to connect with the kidneys, closely linking the brain, spinal cord, and kidneys. 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 referred to as the “Sea of Twelve Meridians” and also known as the “Sea of Blood”. It is related to women’s menstruation. 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. Yin Qiao Mai, Yang Qiao Mai—-Qiao means to be agile and swift. They nourish the eyes, control eyelid movement, and facilitate lower limb movement. Yin Wei Mai, Yang Wei Mai—-Wei means to connect. The function of the Yin Wei Mai is to “link all Yin”; the function of the Yang Wei Mai is to “link all Yang”.
Pathways and Physiological Functions of the Du Mai
1. Pathway: The Du Mai originates in 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 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 coccyx, it meets with the Kidney Meridian (Foot Shaoyin) and Bladder Meridian (Foot Taiyang), traversing the spine, belonging to the kidneys. The second branch ascends directly from the lower abdomen through the navel, upward to the heart, reaching the throat where it meets 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, intersects at the crown, connects with the brain, then branches off to the lower neck, along the inner scapula, beside the spine, reaching 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, known 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 in the body. Additionally, all six Yang meridians intersect with the Du Mai at the Dazhui point, indicating its regulatory function over 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.
Pathways and Physiological Functions of the Ren Mai
1. Pathway: The Ren Mai 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, intersects at the Gingjiao point with the Du Mai, and then ascends through the sides of the nose to the lower eye socket (Chengqi point), connecting with the Foot Yangming Meridian. 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, known 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 role over the qi of all Yin meridians in the body.Additionally, the three Yin meridians of the foot intersect with the Ren Mai in the lower abdomen, and the three Yin meridians of the hand connect with the Ren Mai through the three Yin meridians of the foot, thus the Ren Mai regulates the qi and blood of the Yin meridians, hence the saying “governs all Yin”. (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 “Ren governs the uterus”.
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 beside the navel), ascends, parallels the Foot 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 space between 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 the qi and blood are insufficient, 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 Twelve Meridians”, “Sea of 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 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, “when the Chong Mai is deficient, menstruation ceases”. The “Chong Mai” here refers to the Chong Meridian.Additionally, for men, either congenital deficiency of the Chong Mai or acquired injury to the Chong Mai can lead to diminished reproductive function. (3) Regulates the ascending and descending of qi: The Chong Mai connects with the Foot Shaoyin, 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, descending obliquely, intersecting at the Dai Mai point of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, encircling the body, and then descending 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 Shaoyin Meridian at the 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 Mai’s Tiantu point, reaches the side of the nose, connects with the inner canthus of the eye, and ascends along with the Foot 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 Taiyang Meridian at the Shenmai point, ascends along the outer ankle, travels up the outer edge of the lower limb, along the hip, ribs, shoulder, neck, and ascends to the inner canthus of the eye. It connects with the Foot Taiyang Meridian and the Yin Qiao Mai, then ascends along the Foot Taiyang Meridian to meet the Foot 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 Shaoyin Meridian, ascends along the inner edge of the lower limb to the abdomen, travels with the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian to the lateral costal region, connects with the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, then ascends to intersect with the Ren Mai at the Tiantu point, reaching the throat at the Lianquan point, connecting with the Ren Mai at the neck.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: The “Wei” in Wei Mai means to connect and link. The Yin Wei Mai 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 Jimen point of the Foot Taiyang Meridian, passes over the outer ankle, ascends along the outer edge of the lower limb, travels 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 to the side of the head and the back of the neck, then meeting the Du Mai.
Physiological Functions
Physiological function: links the Yang meridians.
Summary of the Characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians The physiological characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are three: 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 distributions of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians in the upper limbs. Their pathways also differ from the twelve meridians; except for the Dai Mai, the others all run 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 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 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 insufficient, 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:Gong Sun (Gong Sun), Nei Guan (Nei Guan), Zu Lin Qi (Zu Lin Qi), Wai Guan (Wai Guan), Shen Mai (Shen Mai), Hou Xi (Hou Xi), Lie Que (Lie Que), Zhao Hai (Zhao Hai).Each acupuncture point’s effect can be likened to a “nuclear reactor”, treating a wide range of conditions.
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. In fact, 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 where all Yang converges; if the qi and blood cannot reach the face, wrinkles and spots will appear. A person’s 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 abundant, it naturally reflects on the face. Therefore, for women, nourishing beauty begins with nourishing the heart. The Nei Guan point belongs to the Pericardium Meridian, which connects with the Yin Wei Mai and is one of the eight meeting points. 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 nourishing beauty.The Nei Guan point is easy to locate, situated on the inner side of the arm, two cun above the wrist crease. 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 Nei Guan point.This point can be massaged anytime and anywhere, applying pressure until a slight soreness is felt.
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, 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 Wai Guan point can also be used to treat acute lumbar sprains. A patient around 40 years old experienced severe pain after bending down to pick something up quickly. After acupuncture and massage treatment, the pain completely disappeared within minutes, and normal movement was restored.The Wai Guan point is a connecting point of the Sanjiao Meridian, located two cun above the wrist crease on the dorsal side, opposite the Nei Guan 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.
Lie Que Point: Special Treatment for Stiff Neck and Migraine
Stiff neck is an experience almost everyone has gone through, often causing significant discomfort. It can also be an early signal of cervical spine issues. If not addressed promptly, frequent stiff necks can lead to cervical spondylosis. The Lie Que point has unique effects in preventing cervical spondylosis. On 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 famous verse that states:“For neck and head ailments, seek the Lie Que point.”It indicates that this point can be used to treat and regulate all ailments above the neck.The Lie Que 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 fingertips touch is the point. The technique for using the Lie Que point mainly involves flicking.
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 metacarpophalangeal joint when the hand is in a fist). If you are sitting in front of a computer, you can place the Hou Xi point of both hands on the edge of the table, using the wrist joint 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 spine.
Zhao Hai Point: Treatment for Throat Pain
For throat pain, massaging the Zhao Hai point can yield excellent results, as it belongs to the Yin Qiao Mai and intersects with the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, being one of the eight meeting points. It has the functions of nourishing the kidneys, clearing heat, and regulating the Sanjiao, providing both nourishment and heat-clearing effects.In “Qianjin Yaofang”, Sun Simiao refers 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 the rise of empty heat.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 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 above image). When massaging this point, keep your mouth closed and do not speak; when you feel saliva in your mouth, swallow it down.Generally, after three to five minutes of pressing, you will feel saliva in your throat, and the pain will quickly alleviate. Keeping your mouth closed is to facilitate the upward movement of saliva to moisten the throat, which is what the ancients referred to as the “swallowing saliva method”.Massaging the Zhao Hai point stimulates the essence and qi in the kidneys, promoting the upward movement of fluids to moisten the throat, and the empty heat is nourished by the kidney water, thus alleviating throat pain naturally.
Shen Mai Point: A Pure Yang Remedy for Cold Sensitivity
”Stiffness in the waist and back, leg pain” is a clear sign of cold evil qi invading the Bladder Meridian. Since the Yang Qiao connects with the Bladder Meridian, the Shen Mai point is an important point of the Bladder Meridian.Using this point can dispel internal cold evil and allow Yang qi to reach the crown, balancing the body and enabling agile movement. When combined with Xiao Qing Long Tang, it achieves 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 Shen Mai point is an important intersection of the Yang Qiao and the Bladder Meridian, and it is easy to locate, situated in the depression directly below the outer ankle bone. When the body is invaded 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 disperses naturally.
Gong Sun Point: Alleviating Dysmenorrhea and Spleen-Stomach Disorders
Gong Sun is the 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, 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 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, along a large metatarsal bone on the inner side of the foot. Pressing along this bone until you feel the most soreness or discomfort is your own Gong Sun point.
Zu Lin Qi Point: Elevating the Shaoyang Qi of the Body
The Zu Lin Qi point is one of the main points on the Gallbladder Meridian, connecting with the Dai Mai, and is a remarkable point that regulates two meridians. The Dai Mai encircles the body around the navel, like a jade belt, restraining the vertical flow of the meridians and enhancing the circulation of qi and blood between the meridians, making it a very important health meridian for the body.When using this point, you can adopt a seated position with legs curled up; it is located on the outer side of the foot, between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. The Zu Lin Qi point governs the elevation of the body’s Shaoyang qi, dispersing the stagnant qi of the liver and gallbladder. Regular pressing can yield better results than professional foot therapy.
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