The Eight Extraordinary Meridians refer to the Du Mai (Governing Vessel), Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel), Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel), Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel), and Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel), which are eight unique pathways in TCM. Although the names, pathways (excluding the Qiao vessels), origins, functions, and related conditions of these eight meridians are clearly stated in texts such as the Suwen (Plain Questions), for example: “Du Mai is associated with diseases causing stiffness in the spine,” “Ren Mai is associated with conditions like the seven types of hernias in men and abnormal discharges in women,” and “Chong Mai is associated with counterflow qi and urgency,” the discussions in the Neijing (Inner Canon) regarding the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are scattered throughout various chapters without a systematic independent discourse or the term ‘Eight Extraordinary Meridians’ being explicitly mentioned. The earliest comprehensive discussion of the concept of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians is found in the Nanjing (Classic of Difficulties), where the 27th difficulty discusses their names and functions, the 28th difficulty discusses their pathways, and the 29th difficulty discusses their related conditions. The theory of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians is primarily applied in acupuncture, massage, qigong, health preservation, and Daoist practices, and is also used to guide herbal treatments for diseases.
Ye’s theory posits that the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are closely related to the liver and kidneys, stating that “the eight meridians are subordinate to the liver and kidneys,” and that “if the liver and kidneys are weak and unstable, the eight meridians will lose their functions.” He further explains that “if the essence and qi of the liver and kidneys are damaged, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians will lack the strength to function,” and that “if the lower source is depleted, it will inevitably affect the Eight Meridians.” Ye advocates for using the Eight Extraordinary Meridians to differentiate and treat diseases, stating that each of the Chong, Ren, Du, and Dai meridians has a primary herb: “For diseases of the Chong Mai, use zi shi qing (purple quartz) to calm counterflow; for diseases of the Ren Mai, use gui ban (tortoise shell) to stabilize; for diseases of the Du Mai, use lu jiao (deer antler) to warm; for diseases of the Dai Mai, use dang gui (Angelica sinensis) to nourish” (from Clinical Guidelines for Medical Cases).
The specific herbal treatments are summarized as follows according to Clinical Guidelines for Medical Cases.
Du Mai
The Du Mai governs all yang in the body and is known as the sea of yang meridians. The relationship between the Du Mai and the liver and kidneys is very close; if the Du Mai is deficient, it can lead to symptoms such as soreness and heaviness in the lower back.
Treatment for Du Mai diseases is focused on the Shaoyin.
Main herbs:lu rong (deer velvet), lu jiao jiao (deer antler glue), lu jiao shuang (deer antler powder).
Other herbs:zi he che (human placenta), yang rou (lamb), yang nei shen (sheep kidney), gou qi zi (goji berries), huang qi (astragalus), bu guo zhi (psoralea fruit), shu di huang (rehmannia), jiu zi (chives), tu si zi (cuscuta seed), niu zhu (cow and pig spinal marrow), etc.
Circulating herbs:“Ancient practitioners often used circulating herbs to enter the extraordinary meridians.” These may include fu zi (prepared aconite), rou gui (cinnamon), gan jiang (dried ginger), chuan jiao (Sichuan pepper), gui zhi (cinnamon twig), xi xin (asarum), and gao ben (ligusticum).
Ren Mai
The Ren Mai is the sea of yin meridians, playing a vital role in nurturing and is the “foundation of life” and “governs the uterus and fetus.” Its pathway is either connected to or shares commonalities with the liver and kidney meridians. The conditions governed by the Ren Mai, such as “the seven hernias in men and the accumulation of masses in women” and “urinary retention” and “incontinence,” are similar to those found in the foot Jueyin and Shaoyin meridians. Treatment for Ren Mai diseases is focused on the Jueyin.
Main herb:gui jia (tortoise shell).
Other herbs:a jiao (donkey-hide gelatin), bian jia (tortoise shell), yu jiao (fish gelatin), dan cai (sea cucumber), bang rou (clam meat), zi he che (human placenta), zi shi qing (purple quartz), ai ye (mugwort), sha shen (glehnia), fu pen zi (raspberry), etc.
Fire-reducing herbs:As the Ren Mai connects with the liver and kidneys, treatment also requires reducing kidney fire, using zhi mu (anemarrhena), huang bai (phellodendron), xuan shen (scrophularia), and sheng di huang (rehmannia).
Chong Mai
The Chong Mai is the sea of blood, and its pathway distribution is either aligned with the foot Shaoyin kidney meridian or connected to its collateral vessels, treated from both Jueyin and Yangming perspectives.
Main herb:zi shi qing (purple quartz).
Other herbs:shu di huang (rehmannia), gou qi zi (goji berries), sha yuan zi (astragalus), zi he che (human placenta), wu wei zi (schisandra), dai zhe shi (hematoid), hu tao ren (walnut), dang gui (Angelica sinensis), bian jia (tortoise shell), rou cong rong (cistanche), du zhong (eucommia), shan yao (Chinese yam), ba ji tian (morinda root), etc.
Qi-regulating and circulating herbs:As the Chong Mai connects with the liver and stomach, it is necessary to include qi-regulating and circulating herbs such as chuan lian zi (melia fruit), jiang xiang (sandalwood), wu zhu yu (evodia), xiao hui xiang (fennel), fu ling (poria), bai zi ren (biota seed), xiang fu (cyperus), and huang bai (phellodendron).
Dai Mai
The Dai Mai serves a binding function. Ye states: “If the meridian’s qi disperses and does not gather, it must be drawn together and secured.”
Main herbs:dang gui (Angelica sinensis), zi shi qing (purple quartz), yu yu liang (millet), huang pi jiao (yellow eel glue), sha yuan zi (astragalus), wu ze gu (cuttlefish bone), bai shao (white peony), shu di huang (rehmannia), gou qi zi (goji berries).
Securing herbs:To treat the Dai Mai, it is also necessary to secure, thus herbs such as shan yao (Chinese yam), lian zi rou (lotus seed), qian shi (euryale seed), jin ying zi (cherokee rose), fu pen zi (raspberry), sang piao xiao (silkworm), lian xu (lotus stamen), long gu (dragon bone), and mu li (oyster shell) can be used.
Wei Mai
It serves a protective function, divided into Yin Wei and Yang Wei. Yang Wei diseases manifest as cold and heat, while Yin Wei diseases manifest as heart pain, treated in the middle jiao.
Commonly used herbs include dang gui (Angelica sinensis), gui zhi (cinnamon twig) with lu jiao shuang (deer antler powder), sha yuan zi (astragalus), gou qi zi (goji berries), often combined with hui xiang (fennel), bai zi ren (biota seed), and fu ling (poria) for circulation.
Qiao Mai
It serves a protective function, divided into Yin Qiao and Yang Qiao. Yang Qiao manifests as a slow yin and a rapid yang, while Yin Qiao manifests as a slow yang and a rapid yin. Treatment is focused on the liver and kidneys.
Commonly used herbs include bai shao (white peony), shan zhu yu (cornelian cherry), shu di huang (rehmannia), gui jia (tortoise shell), dan cai (sea cucumber), huai xiao mai (Chinese wheat), da zao (jujube), zhi gan cao (honey-fried licorice), and ban xia (pinellia).
Characteristics of Conditions and Key Points in Treatment The Eight Extraordinary Meridians interweave and distribute among the twelve meridians, serving two main functions. First, they connect the twelve meridians; second, they regulate the accumulation and infusion of qi and blood in the twelve meridians. Thus, the twelve meridians are interconnected by the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, allowing the qi of the three yin and three yang organs and meridians to flow freely, thereby achieving a state of normal physiological function where “the qi of the organs and meridians mutually resides.”
(1) Predominantly Deficiency Patterns, with Supplementation as the Core Physiologically, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians have the functions of connecting the regular meridians, storing and transporting qi and blood, linking the organs, facilitating upward and downward flow, and regulating the qi mechanism. The qi and blood of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians flow into them after overflowing from the twelve regular meridians, nourishing the twelve meridians and regulating the yin and yang qi and blood of the body. The Nanjing states: “When the pulse is strong, it enters the Eight Meridians but does not circulate around.” The Study of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians further clarifies that the qi overflowing from the twelve regular meridians enters the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, irrigating them, warming the organs internally, and moistening the skin externally… The regular meridians are like canals, while the extraordinary meridians are like lakes and marshes; when the pulse of the regular meridians is strong, it overflows into the extraordinary meridians.” Therefore, various causes leading to diseases of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians often result in qi depletion, with deficiency being predominant, or a mix of deficiency and excess, while pure excess patterns are rare. This is determined by the physiological characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. In pathology, if the organs are chronically deficient and not replenished, the essence and blood will be depleted, leading to a lack of nourishment for the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, resulting in the organs being unable to warm, and the skin unable to be moistened, ultimately leading to weakness and deficiency diseases. “The eight meridians are subordinate to the liver and kidneys,” and if the liver and kidneys are damaged, the essence and blood will be depleted, inevitably affecting the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, as “the loss of the lower source will inevitably affect the Eight Meridians” and “the liver blood and kidney essence are damaged, leading to a lack of strength in the Eight Meridians.” Generally, chronic diseases and frequently occurring conditions are often due to “disorders of the Eight Meridians,” “instability of the extraordinary meridians,” and “emptiness of the Eight Meridians.” Treatment involves promoting the flow of the extraordinary meridians, stabilizing them, and replenishing the lower jiao. The Suwen states: “For those with insufficient form, warm them with qi; for those with insufficient essence, supplement them with flavor.” Diseases of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians often manifest as insufficient form and qi, with essence depletion. Common herbs are often ineffective in treatment. As Ye Tianshi stated: “If physicians do not understand the principles of the Eight Meridians, they can only point to deficiency; both hard like gui (cinnamon) and soft like di (earth) are not the methods for treating the extraordinary meridians,” and “herbs from plants cannot treat the fatigue of essence and blood; using emotionless herbs for supplementation will not resonate with the essence and qi.” Based on the previous theories that “the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are all subordinate to the lower jiao” and that “the replenishment of essence and blood must be emotional,” Ye advocates for using products with essence and blood to directly nourish the lower jiao, thus supplementing the extraordinary meridians with tangible essence and blood. Products with essence and blood are all spiritually rich and can not only nourish the foundation but also often achieve remarkable effects in treating diseases of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. In the application of products with essence and blood in diseases of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, they should be supplemented without stagnation, embodying circulation within supplementation. Among the products with essence and blood, those from turtles and deer are most commonly used. The Compendium of Materia Medica states: “The turtle’s head often hides towards the abdomen, which can open the Ren Mai, thus its shell is used to nourish the heart, kidneys, and blood, all for nourishing yin. The deer’s nose often faces the tail, which can open the Du Mai, thus its antlers are used to nourish life, essence, and qi, all for nourishing yang.” Commonly used are lu rong (deer velvet), lu jiao (deer antler), lu jiao jiao (deer antler glue), and lu jiao shuang (deer antler powder) to treat Du Mai disorders, “lu rong strengthens the yang of the Du Mai, while lu shuang opens the qi of the Du Mai.” Lu jiao jiao combined with lu rong nourishes the blood of the Du Mai and strengthens its yang, treating the deficiency of the Du Mai with cold and soreness in the back and lower back. When it comes to supplementation, it embodies circulation; when it comes to circulation, it relies on supplementation, aligning with the principles of yin and yang opening and closing.” As Li Shizhen stated: “Ancient practitioners used tonics while also expelling evil; when the evil is removed, the tonic will be effective; this is the subtlety of one opening and one closing.” Ye Tianshi deeply understood the importance of circulation in the extraordinary meridians, using bitter and spicy herbs to facilitate circulation and descending, combined with aromatic herbs to reach the orifices and circulate, thus unblocking the extraordinary meridians. He believed that “for solid conditions of the extraordinary meridians, ancient practitioners must use bitter and spicy herbs to open the meridians; for deficient conditions, they must use warm tonics combined with circulating herbs, ensuring the harmony of qi and blood, and the disease will surely heal.” When applying circulation methods, he emphasized the use of soft and yang herbs and spicy and sweet warm tonics, allowing the treatment of diseases of the extraordinary meridians to embody supplementation within circulation, combining both to prevent excessive circulation that depletes the righteous qi. Ye Tianshi proposed that “soft and yang herbs can circulate the extraordinary meridians without stagnation” and that “for the Chong and Ren extraordinary meridians, if there is internal deficiency, it is advisable to solidify and supplement while also circulating the extraordinary meridians.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring smooth circulation of qi and blood while supplementing, stating, “It must be spicy and sweet warm tonics, combined with circulating herbs, ensuring the harmony of qi and blood,” with commonly selected circulating herbs including chuan lian zi (melia fruit), yan hu suo (corydalis), dang gui wei (Angelica sinensis tail), xiang fu (cyperus), you jin (turmeric), wu yao (lindera), jiang xiang (sandalwood), san leng (sparganium), and e zhu (curcuma).Ye Tianshi’s Principles of Using Herbs for the Extraordinary Meridians Ye Tianshi’s elaboration on treating diseases of the extraordinary meridians is highly representative. His treatment often emphasizes the extraordinary meridians, using circulation and supplementation as methods, thus expanding the scope of treatment for extraordinary meridian conditions. Scholars have summarized Ye’s principles of using herbs for the extraordinary meridians as follows. Du Mai: As the sea of yang meridians, it plays a supervisory and governing role. Treatment for Du Mai diseases has historically focused on replenishing essence and marrow, especially since the Ming and Qing dynasties. Li Shizhen’s Compendium of Materia Medica states that deer is “a pure yang creature that can open the Du Mai,” particularly valuing lu rong and spinal marrow for their ability to “nourish essence, replenish marrow, nourish blood, and strengthen bones.” Ye Tianshi stated: “Deer is yang in nature and enters the Du Mai.” The main herbs are lu rong (deer velvet), lu jiao (deer antler), and lu jiao shuang (deer antler powder), with others including zi he che (human placenta), yang rou (lamb), pig spinal marrow, sheep spinal marrow, gou qi zi (goji berries), rou gui (cinnamon), huang qi (astragalus), and yang shen (sheep kidney). Ren Mai: As the sea of yin meridians, it plays a nurturing role, with treatment focused on the Jueyin. The main herb is gui jia (tortoise shell). Li Shizhen states: “The turtle is yin in nature and enters the Ren Mai,” thus it can open the Ren Mai. Ye Tianshi emphasizes “filling yin with essence and blood” and includes bian jia (tortoise shell), a jiao (donkey-hide gelatin), yu jiao (fish gelatin), dan cai (sea cucumber), and prefers to use warming products such as zi he che (human placenta), ai ye (mugwort), and zi shi qing (purple quartz) to warm the uterus; nourishing the kidneys and reducing fire, using zhi mu (anemarrhena), sheng di huang (rehmannia), and da bu yin wan (great yin tonifying pill). Other herbs include a jiao (donkey-hide gelatin), bian jia (tortoise shell), yu jiao (fish gelatin), dan cai (sea cucumber), fu pen zi (raspberry), dan shen (salvia), zi he che (human placenta), ai ye (mugwort), etc. Chong Mai: As the sea of blood, Ye Tianshi states: “Diseases in the Chong Mai are treated from both Jueyin and Yangming perspectives,” with zi shi qing (purple quartz) as the main herb. Other herbs include shu di huang (rehmannia), gou qi zi (goji berries), sha yuan zi (astragalus), zi he che (human placenta), wu wei zi (schisandra), dai zhe shi (hematoid), rou cong rong (cistanche), dang gui (Angelica sinensis), bian jia (tortoise shell), du zhong (eucommia), shan yao (Chinese yam), dan shen (salvia), ba ji tian (morinda root), bai zhu (white atractylodes), lian zi (lotus seed), chuan jiao (Sichuan pepper), fu zi (prepared aconite), xiang fu (cyperus), mu xiang (saussurea), wu zhu yu (evodia), huang qin (scutellaria), and huang bai (phellodendron). Dai Mai: Serving a binding function, Ye states: “If the meridian’s qi disperses and does not gather, it must be drawn together and secured; the spirit of the zhen ling dan (spirit-quieting pill) is to circulate and secure the lower, while the astringent secures the lower, ensuring it does not receive excessive cold or heat, which is the essence of effective treatment.” The zhen ling dan consists of yu yu liang (millet), chi shi zhi (red stone), zi shi qing (purple quartz), dai zhe shi (hematoid), ru xiang (frankincense), mo yao (myrrh), and zhu sha (cinnabar). Other herbs include dang gui (Angelica sinensis), wu ze gu (cuttlefish bone), long gu (dragon bone), mu li (oyster shell), shu di huang (rehmannia), bai shao (white peony), wu wei zi (schisandra), lian zi (lotus seed), huang bai (phellodendron), huang qin (scutellaria), and ai ye (mugwort). Wei Mai: Serving a connecting function, divided into Yang Wei and Yin Wei. The Tong Du Huo Xue Tang (Open the Du and Activate Blood Decoction) consists of: 18g huang qi (astragalus), 9g dang gui (Angelica sinensis), 18g dan shen (salvia), 9g du zhong (eucommia), 9g mo yao (myrrh), 9g di long (earthworm), 9g su mu (sappan wood), 9g ze lan ye (loosestrife), 12g gou ji (dog spine), and 18g lu jiao pian (deer antler slices).Next, let’s follow the editor to interpret the pairing logic of this formula.This formula is basically divided into two steps: the first step is to activate blood and resolve stasis, opening the Du Mai; the second step is to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen the muscles and bones, and enhance the waist and knees.Using dang gui (Angelica sinensis), dan shen (salvia), su mu (sappan wood), ze lan (loosestrife), and mo yao (myrrh) to activate blood and resolve stasis.There is no need to elaborate on dang gui, as it is the primary herb for nourishing blood; only with sufficient blood can one activate blood flow; dan shen activates blood and resolves stasis, while su mu and ze lan resolve stasis and promote circulation; mo yao activates blood and alleviates pain; these are commonly used herbs in orthopedics, whether for external or internal injuries, whenever there is stasis and pain, these herbs are generally used.Of course, when qi flows, blood flows, so one herb, huang qi (astragalus), is used for qi supplementation, as qi is the commander of blood. Without huang qi’s promotion, the previous blood herbs would find it difficult to exert their intended effects.
Di Long is used to open the meridians; di long is a type of earthworm. When the soil is hard and cannot be cultivated, if you put earthworms in, they will drill holes and loosen the soil. Whether you have spinal stenosis, protrusion, or hyperplasia pressing on nerves, di long can penetrate and open it up.In addition, di long can also repair the meridians. In the past, when we dug up earthworms, we would cut them into segments, and each segment could survive when placed back in the soil. This shows that di long has a strong ability to repair the meridians. Using it in medicine not only opens the meridians but also repairs our damaged meridians.Thus, when qi is sufficient, there will be no numbness; when blood is sufficient, there will be no stiffness; when the meridians are open, naturally, there will be no pain, and numbness and swelling will be resolved.The next step is to use lu jiao pian (deer antler slices), gou ji (dog spine), and du zhong (eucommia) to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen the muscles and bones, and enhance the waist and knees.
Lu Jiao Pian is the antler that grows from the top of the deer’s head, nourishing the liver and kidneys, strengthening yang, and opening the Du Mai. When the yang energy of the Du Mai is abundant, the back will not feel cold, and with active yang, stiffness and soreness will naturally resolve.
Gou Ji, also known as Jin Mao Gou Ji, is named for its golden fur. Gou Ji primarily nourishes the liver and kidneys, opens the Du Mai, and has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, strengthening the muscles and bones, and alleviating wind-dampness and pain. Generally, when encountering stubborn conditions, gou ji and lu jiao are often added.
Du Zhong is the bark of the Eucommia tree. When you break it, the fibers are still connected. For waist pain that feels like it is about to break, du zhong is essential.In the Ren Zhai Zhi Zhi Fang, it is recorded that du zhong is effective for all lower jiao deficiencies, and for lower jiao dampness, it is indispensable; for waist and knee pain, it is essential; for foot and leg soreness, it is also indispensable.This shows that du zhong is very effective in nourishing the liver and kidneys, strengthening the muscles and bones, and treating waist and leg pain.Finally, regarding the adjustments to this formula:If there is heavy dampness, add cang zhu (atractylodes), fang ji (stephania), and bi xie (dioscorea). Heavy dampness generally manifests as a white greasy tongue coating, no thirst, or thirst without desire to drink.If there is heavy stasis, add tao ren (peach kernel), yuan hu (corydalis), or san qi (notoginseng). Heavy stasis causing pain generally presents as fixed and stabbing pain.
Ren Mai Twelve Points
[Acupoints]
Cheng Jiang, Lian Quan, Tian Tu, Zi Guan, Dan Zhong, Jiu Wei, Shang Wan, Zhong Wan, Xia Wan, Qi Hai, Guan Yuan, Zhong Ji.
[Functions]
Regulates the Chong and Ren, opens the chest and smooths qi, strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, descends counterflow and transforms phlegm.
[Indications]
1. Aphasia.
2. Incontinence or obstruction of urination.
3. Seven hernias in men, impotence, and women’s masses, menstrual irregularities.
4. Dysentery.
[Notes]
“The Ren Mai is associated with diseases causing the seven hernias in men and masses in women.” The Ren Mai is the sea of yin meridians, where the three yin meridians and the Chong Mai converge, thus it has the function of regulating the yin qi of the body. The human back is yang, while the chest and abdomen are yin. The lower abdomen is the most yin, and it is also where the Ren Mai originates, hence diseases of the Ren Mai often occur in the lower jiao and lower abdomen. “If the Ren Mai is deficient, the yin qi will be exhausted, leading to “obstruction of the pathways resulting in deformity and infertility.” Clinically, points related to the Ren Mai can be selected for menstrual disorders, discharges, hernias, epilepsy, nocturnal emissions, and miscarriages.
[Point Analysis]
To benefit the throat and transform phlegm:
Cheng Jiang: Clears heat, expels wind, opens the meridians, and reduces swelling.
Lian Quan: Clears fire, transforms phlegm, and opens the orifices to benefit the throat.
Tian Tu: Diffuses the lungs, stops cough, descends counterflow, and transforms phlegm.
Zi Guan: Expands the chest, stops cough, and clears the throat.
Dan Zhong: Benefits the lungs, descends counterflow, and expands the chest to transform phlegm.
Jiu Wei: Expands the chest, transforms phlegm, and clears heat and extinguishes wind.
To strengthen the spleen and harmonize the stomach:
Shang Wan: Soothe the liver, calm the spirit, and descend counterflow to stop vomiting.
Zhong Wan: Strengthens the spleen, benefits dampness, harmonizes the stomach, and descends counterflow.
Xia Wan: Strengthens the spleen, harmonizes the stomach, and transforms dampness.
To nourish the kidneys and strengthen yang:
Qi Hai: Raises yang, supplements qi, and benefits the kidneys to secure essence.
Guan Yuan: Warms the kidneys, secures essence, and regulates the Chong and Ren.
Zhong Ji: Strengthens the original yang and regulates menstrual blood.
General Principles: Benefit the throat and transform phlegm, strengthen the spleen and nourish the kidneys.
Du Mai Thirteen Points
[Acupoints]
Bai Hui, Feng Fu, Da Zhui, Tao Dao, Shen Zhu, Shen Dao, Zhi Yang, Jin Suo, Ji Zhong, Xuan Shu, Ming Men, Yang Guan, Chang Qiang.
[Functions]
Unblocks the Du Mai, harmonizes yin and yang, nourishes the brain and benefits the marrow, calms the spirit and stabilizes the mind.
[Indications]
1. Epilepsy.
2. Paralysis due to brain or marrow injury.
3. Various convulsions caused by wind.
4. Stiffness and pain in the spine, soreness in the back and waist.
[Notes]
“The Du Mai is associated with diseases causing stiffness in the spine.” The Du Mai connects the hand and foot three yang meridians, thus it plays an important role in adjusting and invigorating the yang qi of the entire body. The Du Mai has a close relationship with the body’s original qi, as it runs from the lower body upward, passing through the spine, which is associated with the kidneys. Its collateral branches run from above downward, connecting with the kidneys, which are the foundation of life and the gate of existence. The so-called “passing through the spine is related to the kidneys” and “collateral branches connect with the kidneys” are both related to the kidneys. If the Du Mai is unbalanced, it can lead to stiffness in the spine or a heavy head. Additionally, as the Du Mai connects to the brain, if wind qi invades, it can cause headaches, and as the collateral branches of the Du Mai ascend from the lower abdomen, it can also lead to conditions such as counterflow qi in the lower abdomen, urinary retention, and infertility in women.
[Formula Analysis]
To benefit the brain and calm spasms:
Bai Hui: Clears the brain, expels wind, raises yang, and benefits qi.
Feng Fu: Expels wind, disperses evil, opens the brain, and clears dizziness.
Da Zhui: Unblocks yang, regulates qi, and calms the heart and spirit.
Tao Dao: Calms the spirit, stabilizes the mind, and unblocks the Du Mai.
Shen Zhu: Calms the heart and spirit, alleviates spasms, and expels wind.
Shen Dao: Calms spasms, expels wind, and calms the spirit to relieve pain.
Zhi Yang: Diffuses the lungs, stops cough, and clears damp-heat.
Jin Suo: Strengthens the waist and spleen, alleviates spasms, and calms the spirit.
To nourish the original qi and strengthen the kidneys:
Ji Zhong: Benefits the kidneys, strengthens the spine, calms the spirit, and secures the essence.
Xuan Shu: Nourishes the kidneys, strengthens the waist, and harmonizes the stomach.
Ming Men: Nourishes the original qi, secures essence, and regulates menstrual blood.
Yang Guan: Regulates blood, secures essence, and strengthens the waist and knees.
Chang Qiang: Calms spasms, secures essence, and strengthens the brain and Du Mai.
General Principles: Unblock the Du Mai, nourish the brain, calm spasms, and stabilize the spirit.
[Appendix] Song of the Diseases of the Du Mai
The Du Mai governs yang and brain diseases,
Epilepsy, mania, and brain wind.
If deficient, the head feels heavy and sways,
If excessive, the spine is stiff and arches.
Urinary retention, hemorrhoids, and infertility in women,
Evil qi ascends from the lower abdomen causing hernias.
Ban Long Er Zhi Bai Bu Wan Composition:
Ren Shen, Lu Jiao Shuang, Wu Wei Zi each 30g
Huang Qi, Sheng Di, Zhi Mu, Huang Bai, Shan Yao, Yu Rou, Fu Ling, Qian Shi each 120g
Lu Jiao Shuang is salty, astringent, and warm in nature. It enters the liver and kidney meridians.
Ren Shen is sweet, slightly bitter, warm, and neutral.
Wu Wei Zi is sour and sweet, warm in nature.
Huang Qi is sweet and slightly warm.
Shan Yao is sweet and neutral.
Zhi Mu is bitter and cold, Huang Bai is bitter and cold.
Yu Rou is sour and astringent, slightly warm.
Fu Ling is sweet and bland, neutral.
Qian Shi is sweet, astringent, and neutral.
Effects: Strengthens the foundation, preserves the original, strengthens muscles and tendons, benefits the kidneys, prolongs life, strengthens yang, and increases offspring, benefits the five internal organs, enhances spirit, beautifies complexion, and opens the mind.
Main indications: True yang deficiency, depletion of original essence, impotence, frequent urination, nocturnal emissions, and weakness in the waist and knees.