Editor’s Note
Ye Tianshi’s exposition on the treatment of diseases through the extraordinary meridians is highly representative. His approach emphasizes the use of the extraordinary meridians, focusing on tonifying and supplementing, thereby expanding the scope of treatment for extraordinary meridian syndromes. Today, let us learn about Ye Tianshi’s principles of herbal medicine for the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
01Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
The Du Mai is known as the sea of Yang meridians, playing a supervisory and governing role. The treatment of diseases related to the Du Mai is primarily focused on the Shaoyin, hence historically, the treatment of Du Mai diseases has often centered on tonifying essence and nourishing marrow, a focus that has been emphasized since the Ming and Qing dynasties. Li Shizhen in the “Compendium of Materia Medica” states that deer is a “pure Yang longevity substance that can open the Du Mai,” particularly valuing deer antler and spinal marrow for their ability to nourish essence, blood, and Yang, and strengthen muscles and bones. Ye Tianshi states: “Deer is Yang in nature and enters the Du Mai.”Deer antler, deer horn, and deer horn powder are the main herbs, along with others such as Zi He Che (Cordyceps), lamb, pig bone marrow, sheep bone marrow, Goji berries, cinnamon, Huang Qi (Astragalus), sheep kidneys, etc..
02Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
The Ren Mai is known as the sea of Yin meridians, serving a governing role. The Ren Mai primarily addresses diseases in the Jueyin. Gui Jia (Tortoise Shell) is its main herb. Li Shizhen states, “Gui is Yin in nature and travels through the Ren Mai” and “can open the Ren Mai.” Ye Tianshi strongly advocates for “filling Yin with blood and flesh,” and includes Bie Jia (Soft-shelled Turtle), Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), fish glue, and dried mussels in this category, often supplemented with warming herbs such as Zi He Che, Ai Ye (Mugwort), and Zi Shi Ying (Amethyst); nourishing the kidneys and lowering fire, with herbs like Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron, and Rehmannia Decoction), Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia), and Da Bu Yin Wan (Great Tonifying Yin Pill). Other herbs include Ejiao, Bie Jia, fish glue, dried mussels, raspberry, Dan Shen (Salvia), Zi He Che, Ai Ye, etc..
03
Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
The Chong Mai is known as the sea of blood. Ye Tianshi states: “If the disease is in the Chong Mai, treat it from the Jueyin and Yangming;” “Quartz can stabilize the Chong Mai.” Zi Shi Ying (Amethyst) is its main herb. Other herbs include Shu Di Huang (Cooked Rehmannia), Goji berries, Sha Yuan Zi (Astragalus Seed), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra), Zhi Shi (Red Ochre), Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), Dang Gui (Angelica), Zi He Che, Bie Jia, Du Zhong (Eucommia), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Dan Shen, Ba Ji Tian (Morinda), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Lian Zi (Lotus Seed), Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong), Fu Zi (Aconite), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Mu Xiang (Saussurea), Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), and Huang Bai (Phellodendron) etc.
04Dai Mai (Belt Vessel)
The Dai Mai serves a restraining function. Ye Tianshi states: “If the pulse is scattered and not collected… it must be guided to collect and secure it, the Zhen Ling Dan (Spirit-Soothing Pill) is effective; if it flows freely, it reaches below, if it is astringent, it secures below, but it must not be affected by excessive cold or heat, this is the effective method.”Zhen Ling Dan consists of Yu Yu Liang (Yuyuliang), Chi Shi Zhi (Red Stone Fat), Zi Shi Ying, Zhi Shi, Ru Xiang (Frankincense), Mo Yao (Myrrh), Zhu Sha (Cinnabar), and Wu Ling Zhi (Five Spirit Fat). Other herbs include Dang Gui, Hai Piao Xiao (Sea Turtle Shell), Long Gu (Dragon Bone), Mu Li (Oyster), Shu Di Huang, Bai Shao (White Peony), Wu Wei Zi, Lian Zi, Huang Bai, Huang Qin, and Ai Ye etc.
05Wei Mai (Girdle Vessel)
The Wei Mai serves a connecting function, divided into Yang Wei and Yin Wei. Yang Wei is associated with cold and heat, while Yin Wei is associated with heart pain, treated in the Middle Jiao. Ye Tianshi often uses Dang Gui Gui Zhi Tang (Angelica and Cinnamon Decoction) with deer horn powder, Sha Yuan Zi, and Goji berries for treatment. The main herbs for the Yang Wei include Bai Shao, Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Huang Qi, while the main herbs for the Yin Wei include Gui Jia, Bie Jia, Shan Zhu Yu (Cornelian Cherry), Wu Wei Zi etc.
06Qiao Mai (Heel Vessel)
The Qiao Mai serves a connecting function, divided into Yang Qiao and Yin Qiao. Yang Qiao is associated with Yin deficiency and Yang excess, while Yin Qiao is associated with Yang deficiency and Yin excess, treated in the liver and kidneys. Common herbs include Bai Shao, Shan Zhu Yu, Shu Di Huang, Gui Jia, dried mussels, Huai Xiao Mai (Huai Wheat), Da Zao (Jujube), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), and Wu Wei Zi etc.
Guidance on Herbal Medicine Based on Meridian Diagnosis
“The Forgotten Meridian Diagnosis”
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This book is not a specialized text on acupuncture, but primarily discusses the guidance of meridian diagnosis in clinical prescription. The book is divided into 20 lectures, split into three parts: the first part mainly explains the basic knowledge of meridian diagnosis, meridian diagnostic methods, how to learn meridian diagnosis well, the relationship between meridian diagnosis and the six meridian diagnosis, and combines a large number of practical cases to elucidate the key points of applying this diagnostic method, clearly explaining the essence of meridian diagnosis and its principles and formulas. The middle and lower parts explain the differentiation of the twelve meridians and the eight extraordinary meridians, allowing scholars to gain insights and practical benefits. Reading this book will greatly enhance clinical diagnostic and therapeutic levels.
❖This article is for knowledge sharing only and does not constitute a recommendation or promotion of any medication or treatment, nor can it replace professional medical advice. For any medical needs, please consult and contact a legitimate medical institution.
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Some content of this article is selected from “The Forgotten Meridian Diagnosis” (published by China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press, authored by Mao Yilin), with all rights reserved by the original author. Published by Yue Reading TCM (WeChat ID: ydzhongyi), cover and images in the article are sourced from Shetu Network, with copyright belonging to the original author. If there is any infringement, please contact for deletion. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited!
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