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). Unlike the twelve regular meridians, they do not directly connect to the organs and do not have a paired relationship with the exterior, hence they are called “extraordinary meridians.”
Their functions include: first, they connect the twelve meridians, linking those that are close in location and similar in function, thus regulating the qi and blood of related meridians and coordinating yin and yang;
Second, they regulate the accumulation and infusion of qi and blood in the twelve meridians. The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are like lakes and reservoirs, while the qi of the twelve meridians is like the waters of rivers.
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians were mentioned in scattered records in the “Huangdi Neijing” (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), but were discussed in detail in the “Nanjing” (Classic of Difficult Issues), which introduced the term “Eight Extraordinary Meridians.”
The Ren Mai and Du Mai among the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are associated with their respective acupoints, thus collectively referred to as the “Fourteen Meridians.” All fourteen meridians have specific pathways, symptoms, and associated acupoints.
Opening the extraordinary meridians allows one to feel the smooth flow of qi and blood throughout the body, resulting in abundant energy. The method of opening the Eight Extraordinary Meridians is a crucial aspect of traditional dual cultivation practices. It has been regarded as a closely guarded secret by Taoist masters throughout history, with no disclosure in various alchemical texts and Taoist scriptures.
Li Shizhen in his “Study of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians” stated, “All humans possess these eight meridians, which are closed and inactive in ordinary people, but can be opened by the yang energy of immortals, thus allowing them to attain the Dao. The eight meridians are the roots of pre-heaven and the ancestors of qi.”
Zhao Bicheng, the eleventh generation successor of the Longmen School, first revealed this practice to the world in his book “Instructions on the Dual Cultivation Method,” providing a detailed introduction to this practice. His disciple, Niu Jinbao, elaborated on the Eight Extraordinary Meridians in his book “Methods for Health and Longevity.” However, truly understanding and mastering this practice is not an easy task.
Among the eight meridians, the Ren Mai and Du Mai are the most important. They play a significant role in the entire dual cultivation process, as the ancients said: “The Ren and Du meridians are the child and noon of the human body, the path of the yang fire and yin symbol of the alchemists, and the place where the Kan water and Li fire interact.”
The twelve regular meridians are the main body of the meridian system, characterized by their connection to the organs and their paired relationships. They include the three yin meridians of the hand (Taiyin Lung Meridian, Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, Shaoyin Heart Meridian), the three yang meridians of the hand (Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian), the three yang meridians of the foot (Yangming Stomach Meridian, Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, Taiyang Bladder Meridian), and the three yin meridians of the foot (Taiyin Spleen Meridian, Jueyin Liver Meridian, Shaoyin Kidney Meridian), collectively known as the “regular meridians.”
The connection rules of the twelve meridians: yin meridians and yang meridians (mutually exterior-interior) intersect at the extremities of the hands and feet, yang meridians of the same name intersect at the head and face, and yin meridians intersect at the chest.
In addition to the twelve regular meridians, the human body has a more important balancing system, which is the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are our lifelines; as long as you massage the major acupoints on the eight meridians daily, the meridians will be opened, and you will feel a surge of clear yang energy in your body.
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians regulate the accumulation and infusion of qi and blood in the twelve meridians. Among the eight meridians, there are eight representative acupoints: 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), and Zhao Hai (Zhao Hai). Each acupoint’s effect can be likened to a “nuclear reactor,” treating a large area with just one treatment.
Nei Guan Acupoint, Nourishing Beauty and Heart
Many women between the ages of 40 and 50 often experience symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and night sweats. Hospitals may not find any specific illness, only vaguely diagnosing it as menopausal syndrome or sub-health.
According to ancient wisdom, when women reach this age, their bodies are generally in a state of decline, with aging starting from 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 qi and blood cannot reach the face, wrinkles and spots will 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 their hearts to enhance their beauty.
The Nei Guan acupoint belongs to the Pericardium Meridian, connects with the Ren Mai, and is one of the meeting points of the eight meridians. The true efficacy of the Nei Guan acupoint lies in its ability to open the body’s internal mechanisms, benefiting qi and blood, calming the spirit, and enhancing beauty.
The Nei Guan acupoint is easy to locate; it is on the inner side of the arm, two inches above the wrist crease. To locate it, make a loose fist and hold it palm up, then 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 Nei Guan acupoint. The benefit of this acupoint in health maintenance is that it can be pressed anytime and anywhere, with a slight feeling of soreness being ideal.
Wai Guan Acupoint, the “Clever Ear Acupoint”
Traditional Taoist medicine believes that temporary hearing problems are a manifestation of insufficient yang energy in the body. So what role does the Wai Guan acupoint play at this moment? Massaging the Wai Guan acupoint can enrich the original yang energy of the Sanjiao Meridian and guide the original qi to circulate throughout the body. When this acupoint is blocked, it can cause the eardrum to become slack and unable to return to its normal state.
Clinically, the Wai Guan acupoint 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, needling both Wai Guan acupoints while allowing him to twist his waist back and forth, the pain completely disappeared within minutes, and he could move normally.
The Wai Guan acupoint is a connecting point of the Sanjiao Meridian, located two inches above the wrist crease on the back of the wrist, opposite the Nei Guan acupoint. It connects with the Yang Wei acupoint and has 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.
Lie Que Acupoint, Special Treatment for Stiff Neck and Migraine
Stiff neck is an experience almost everyone has gone through, and it can be quite painful. A stiff neck can also be an early signal of cervical spine issues. If someone frequently experiences stiff necks without timely adjustment and prevention, it often leads to cervical spondylosis. The Lie Que acupoint has unique effects in preventing cervical spondylosis. On the human body, the Lie Que acupoint serves as a tool for repairing head-related ailments.
According to the “Huangdi Neijing,” the Lie Que acupoint primarily treats migraines, headaches, and stiff necks. In the “Great Compendium of Acupuncture,” there is a well-known verse that states, “For neck and head ailments, seek Lie Que,” indicating that this acupoint can be used to treat and regulate all conditions above the neck.
The Lie Que acupoint is easy to locate; it is 1.5 inches above the wrist crease on the radial side. To locate it, cross the thumbs of both hands, and the depression where the fingertips touch is the acupoint. The technique for using the Lie Que acupoint mainly involves flicking.
Hou Xi Acupoint, Treatment for Cervical and Lumbar Diseases
How to find the Hou Xi acupoint? Make a fist, and the acupoint is located at the distal wrist crease behind the fifth finger joint (the end of the transverse crease behind the metacarpophalangeal joint).
If you are sitting in front of a computer, you can place the Hou Xi acupoint on the edge of the table and use your wrist to roll your hands back and forth to achieve a stimulating effect. During the rolling, you will feel a slight soreness.
By taking just three to five minutes each day to move this area, you can achieve excellent therapeutic effects for the cervical and lumbar spine.
Zhao Hai Acupoint, Treatment for Throat Pain
For throat pain, massaging the Zhao Hai acupoint can be very effective, as it belongs to the Yin Qiao Mai and intersects with the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, making it one of the key acupoints 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 his “Essential Prescriptions” referred to this acupoint as “Lou Yin,” indicating that if there is an issue with this acupoint, the kidney water decreases, leading to kidney yin deficiency and causing the rise of empty fire.
Therefore, whenever we feel discomfort in the chest, dry throat, hoarseness, or even chronic pharyngitis, we can press this acupoint, 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 acupoint, align the soles of both feet, and there is a small depression below the inner ankle, which is where the acupoint is located (see the above image). When massaging this acupoint, keep your mouth closed and do not speak, allowing the saliva to accumulate in your mouth and swallow it down.
Generally, after pressing for 3 to 5 minutes, you will feel saliva in your throat, and the pain will immediately 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 method of swallowing saliva.
Massaging the Zhao Hai acupoint stimulates the essence and qi in the kidneys, allowing fluids to rise and moisten the throat, while the empty fire is nourished by the kidney water, thus alleviating throat pain naturally.
Shen Mai Acupoint, 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 evil qi. Since the Yang Qiao Mai connects to the bladder meridian, the Shen Mai acupoint is an important point on the bladder meridian.
Thus, the Shen Mai acupoint is the pure yang point; using this acupoint can dispel internal cold evil and allow yang energy to reach the summit, balancing the body and enabling agile movement.
When combined with Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction), it achieves a synergistic effect of resolving both exterior and interior issues. It helps expel cold evil from the body quickly while restoring one’s yang energy, making it a wonderful acupoint for dispelling cold and reviving yang.
The Shen Mai acupoint is an important intersection of the Yang Qiao and Taiyang Bladder Meridians, and it is easy to locate, found in the depression just 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 acupoint has the meaning of stretching the meridians, quickly mobilizing the body’s yang energy; when yang energy is sufficient, the cold evil will disperse.
Gong Sun Acupoint, Alleviating Dysmenorrhea and Spleen-Stomach Disorders
The Gong Sun acupoint is a connecting point of the Spleen Meridian, associated with the spleen and linked to the stomach, and it directly connects with the Chong Mai 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 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 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 frequently massaging the Gong Sun acupoint. The Gong Sun acupoint is located on the inner edge of the foot; I generally consider the Gong Sun acupoint 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 a significant soreness or discomfort indicates you have found your own Gong Sun acupoint.
Lin Qi Acupoint, Elevating the Body’s Shaoyang Qi
The Lin Qi acupoint is one of the main acupoints on the Gallbladder Meridian, connecting with the Dai Mai, and it is a wonderful acupoint that can regulate two meridians with one point. The Dai Mai runs around the body at the level of the navel, like a jade belt tying the body together, enhancing the connection of qi and blood flow between the meridians, making it a very important health meridian.
When using this acupoint, you can sit in a curled position; it is located on the outer side of the foot, in the gap between the fourth and fifth toes. The Lin Qi acupoint primarily elevates the body’s shaoyang qi and disperses the stagnant qi of the liver and gallbladder. Regular pressing can yield better results than professional foot therapy.
The extraordinary meridians are in contrast to the twelve regular meridians, namely the Du Mai, Ren Mai, Chong Mai, Dai Mai, Yang Qiao Mai, Yin Qiao Mai, Yang Wei Mai, and Yin Wei Mai.
The content of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians was first scattered in the “Huangdi Neijing” and compiled in the “Nanjing, Chapter 27,” where the name “Eight Extraordinary Meridians” was proposed, detailing their distribution routes and symptoms, stating: “All these eight meridians are not bound to the regular meridians, hence they are called the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.”
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are characterized by not being linked to the organs internally, lacking the regular meridian acupoints (except for the Ren and Du meridians), and having no paired relationships with the exterior. They are intricately interwoven among the twelve meridians, playing a role in regulating the overflow and accumulation of qi in the regular meridians.
Ordinary people with strong blood and qi have good vitality in the twelve regular meridians and the five organs, but the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are less involved.
According to meridian theory, the internal qi generally fills the twelve regular meridians, and any excess internal qi begins to flow into the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. For practitioners, once the internal qi is activated, it is advisable to first cultivate the Du Mai (this point is often reversed by those practicing Pure Land or esoteric methods, which can cause confusion), then connect to the Ren Mai and finally to the Chong Mai (the two meridians on either side of the Ren Mai).
During this stage, although the lower abdomen may be stimulated, the true qi is still insufficient, so it is advisable to focus on the important meridians.
The importance of the Du Mai lies in its pathway, which connects to the brain and links to the heart; these two areas are the focal points that practitioners must first stabilize.
When the internal qi enters the brain through the Baihui acupoint, it can develop wisdom; when the internal qi flows through the heart, the practitioner can enter a state of subtle breath, reaching the realms of those who have and have not leaked in their cultivation. In the seemingly imperceptible breath, the practitioner can then fill the internal qi throughout the body.
Source: Lele Cunle Tang
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