Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WP Contentuploads201902yin Yang Qiao Yin Yang Wei Dai Mai PDF
WP Contentuploads201902yin Yang Qiao Yin Yang Wei Dai Mai PDF
WP Contentuploads201902yin Yang Qiao Yin Yang Wei Dai Mai PDF
阴 阳 跷 脉
YIN QIAO MAI PATHWAY FROM CLASSICS
Nan Jing, Chapter 28
“The Yin Qiao Mai starts from inside the heel, goes around the internal malleolus
and rises up to the throat going past the Chong Mai.”
“The [Yin] Qiao Mai separates from the Kidney channel and originates
from behind KI-2 Rangu and flows up to the internal malleolus. It rises on
the inner thigh to the genitals. Then it rises inside the chest and joins with
ST-12 Quepen coming to the area in front of ST-9 Renying entering the
cheekbone and reaching BL-1 Jingming.”
“The Yin Qiao Mai starts inside the heel behind KI-2 Rangu, goes to KI-6
Zhaohai, up to the internal malleolus and then 2 cun up to KI-8 Jiaoxin
which is its Accumulation point [Xi-Cleft point]. It then ascends along
the inside of the leg and enters the genitals. It proceeds upwards and
enters inside the chest, it connects with ST-12 Quepen it emerges in front
of ST-9 Renying, reaches the throat where it crosses with the Chong Mai,
it then reaches the inner corner of the eye.”
“The Yin Qiao Mai reaches the area in front of the coccyx and below the
scrotum [i.e. perineum].”
YIN QIAO MAI
Because of its relation with the eyes, the Yin Qiao Mai can be used in
disturbances of sleep, whether insomnia or somnolence. Its classical
indication is a tendency for the eyes to want to close and therefore
somnolence.
“If the Yin Qiao Mai is in Excess, the eyes want to close.”
The tendency for the eyes to close is due to an Excess of Yin in the
eyes. In this context, it is often used in conjunction with the Yang
Qiao Mai.
In cases of somnolence, the Yin Qiao Mai is drained (by reducing KI-
6 Zhaohai) and the Yang Qiao Mai is tonified (by reinforcing BL-62
Shenmai), together with BL-1 Jingming.
However, the Yin Qiao Mai is used also for insomnia in combination with
the Yang Qiao Mai. In cases of insomnia, the Yin Qiao Mai is tonified (by
reinforcing KI-6 Zhaohai) and the Yang Qiao Mai drained (by reducing
BL-62 Shenmai), together with BL-1 Jingming.
To relax the muscles of the medial side of the leg, we need to reduce the
Yin Qiao Mai by reducing KI-6 Zhaohai and KI-8 Jiaoxin bilaterally.
3. ABDOMINAL PAIN
The Yin Qiao Mai extends its range of action to the abdomen, and can
be used in Full patterns of the Lower Burner in women, for such
symptoms as abdominal distension, abdominal masses, difficult
delivery or retention of placenta, all from stagnation.
However, the Yin Qiao Mai is chosen only when the abdominal
symptoms are unilateral. In my experience, the Yin Qiao Mai can be
used to treat adhesions following surgery.
When I use the Yin Qiao Mai to treat unilateral abdominal pain, I
deviate from my rule of using the opening point according to sex, i.e.
left in men and right in women. When I treat unilateral abdominal
pain, I use the opening point of the vessel on the side of the pain and
its coupled point on the opposite side.
Right LU-7
KI-6 Left
The Yin Qiao Mai can be used also for abdominal masses but, again,
when these are unilateral. In the treatment of abdominal masses there
is an overlap between the Ren, Chong and Yin Qiao Mai.
The Yin Qiao Mai is used for abdominal masses that may be from Qi
stagnation, Blood stasis or Phlegm: in terms of location, it is especially
used when the mass is in the lateral abdomen and is unilateral.
The classical indications for the Ren Mai include abdominal masses in
women but of the Ju type (of Ji Ju) or Jia type (of Zheng Jia). Therefore
this vessel can be used for abdominal masses from Qi stagnation especially
in women and especially if they are central.
The Chong Mai is the Sea of Blood and is particularly indicated for
abdominal masses from Blood stasis; in terms of location, it is especially
indicated when the masses are not central (as for the Ren Mai) but lateral
(whether unilateral or bilateral).
Abdominal masses are called Ji Ju [积 聚]. Ji indicates actual
abdominal masses which are immovable; if there is an associated
pain, its location is fixed. These masses are due to stasis of Blood.
I call them "Blood masses".
In this context, the “Su Wen” uses the term Jia-Ju, i.e. non-
substantial masses from Qi stagnation.
ABDOMINAL MASSES
积 聚 JI JU
症 瘕 ZHENG JIA
积 Ji
聚 Ju
Masses from Blood stasis
症 Zheng
Masses from Qi stagnation
瘕 Jia
4. THE YIN QIAO MAI IN URINARY PROBLEMS
The Yin Qiao Mai can be used to treat urinary problems. Again, I would
use it for urinary problems from Full conditions such as Qi stagnation,
Dampness or Blood stasis in the urinary passages.
The main symptoms that this vessel treats are therefore hypogastric
distension and pain, urinary difficulty, urinary retention, blood in the
urine.
When using the Yin Qiao Mai for urinary problems I would use its
opening and coupled points (KI-6 Zhaohai and LU-7 Lieque) together
with KI-8 Jiaoxin, SP-9 Yinlingquan, LIV-5 Ligou and SP-6 Sanyinjiao.
5. THE YIN QIAO MAI IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
The Yin Qiao Mai is used in obstetrics especially for problems after
birth, such as abdominal pain, retention of lochiae, retention of placenta.
It can also be used during labour for difficult labour. Again, I would
use the Yin Qiao Mai for these problems only in Full conditions and
particularly from Blood stasis. Also, it is particularly indicated if the
abdominal pain after childbirth is unilateral.
When using the Yin Qiao Mai for these problems I would use its opening
and coupled points (KI-6 and LU-7) together with KI-8 Jiaoxin, Ren-3
Zhongji, SP-6 Sanyinjiao and LIV-3 Taichong.
6. THE YIN QIAO MAI AND THE EXTERNAL GENITALIA
The Yin Qiao Mai is not usually mentioned in connection with the
external genitalia: in my experience it does affect this area and can be
treated for such problems in men and women. As we have seen above, Li
Shi Zhen mentions that the Yin Qiao Mai flows to the external genitalia.
As the Du, Ren and Chong Mai all flow to the genitalia, when would we
use the Yin Qiao Mai?
The answer to this question is twofold: firstly, we use the Yin Qiao Mai
when there is an Excess of Yin, i.e. Blood stasis, Phlegm or Dampness and
the condition is primarily Full. Secondly, we use the Yin Qiao Mai when
the pulse indicates it, i.e. it is Wiry on both Rear positions.
Examples of genitalia problems that can be treated by the Yin Qiao Mai
are vulvodynia, vaginismus, vaginitis, iching, swollen scrotum,
Peyronie’s disease, undescended testis, etc.
When using the Yin Qiao Mai for the genitalia, I would use its opening
and coupled points (KI-6 Zhaohai and LU-7 Lieque) together with KI-8
Jiaoxin, KI-11 Henggu, LIV-1 Dadun and Ren-1 Huiyin
7. THE PULSE OF THE YIN QIAO MAI
The pulse of the Yin Qiao Mai is Wiry on both Rear positions.
“If the Rear positions of both left and right are Wiry, it indicates [a
pathology of] the Yin Qiao Mai.”
Therefore, I tend to use the Yin Qiao Mai when the pulse is Full at the
Middle or Deep level (reflecting accumulation or stagnation at the Yin
level).
The pulse of the Yin Qiao Mai is Wiry on both Rear positions.
“If the Rear positions of both left and right are Wiry, it indicates [a
pathology of] the Yin Qiao Mai.”
.. .. Wiry-Full
SUMMARY OF YIN QIAO MAI PATHOLOGY
Urinary
retention
- Ling Shu: eyes want to close, red eyes, pain in inner canthus, urinary
retention
- Jia Yi Jing: convulsions.
-Yi Zong Jin Jian: obstruction of the throat, difficult urination, chest
distension, painful urination, pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, regurgitation
of food, breast abscess, dry stools, difficult labour causing fainting,
wind and blood from anus, discomfort in the diaphragm, feeling of
lump in the throat.
CLASSICAL INDICATIONS FOR THE YIN QIAO MAI
i. Nature
Spring (Ying) point
Fire point
Beginning point of Yin Qiao Mai.
ii. Actions
Clears Empty-Heat and cools Blood
Invigorates the Yin Qiao Mai.
iii. Indications
Dry throat, night-sweating, feeling of heat in the evening, 5-palm heat,
malar flush, itching of genitals, infertility, irregular menstruation, difficult
urination, unilateral abdominal pain, abdominal masses.
KI-6 ZHAOHAI Shining Sea
i. Nature
Opening point of Yin Qiao Mai.
ii. Actions
Nourishes Kidney-Yin
Benefits the eyes
Calms the Mind
Invigorates the Yin Qiao Mai
Benefits the throat
Regulates the uterus and menstruation (through
the Yin Qiao Mai).
iii. Indications
Dizziness, tinnitus, night-sweating, backache, dry eyes, blurred vision, red
eyes, floaters, insomnia, somnolence, epilepsy (night-time attacks), sadness,
fright, nightmares, itching of genitals, involuntary erection, hypogastric pain,
abdominal pain, tightness and contraction of the muscles of the inner aspect
of the legs, cramps of feet, hemiplegia, dry throat, dry cough, irregular
periods, amenorrhoea, painful periods, infertility from Cold in the Uterus,
difficult labour, post-partum umbilical pain.
KI-8 JIAOXIN Meeting the Spleen channel
i. Nature
Accumulation (Xi) point of the Yin Qiao Mai.
ii. Actions
Benefits the Uterus and regulates menstruation
Resolves Dampness
Removes obstructions from the channel.
iii. Indications
Painful periods, heavy periods, irregular periods, amenorrhoea
Abdominal fullness, diarrhoea, retention of urine, painful urination, turbid urine,
difficult urination, swelling and pain of testicles, itching of genitals, unilateral
abdominal pain, abdominal masses.
ST-12 QUEPEN Empty Basin
i. Nature
- Meeting point of Stomach, Large Intestine, Small
Intestine, Triple Burner and Gall-Bladder
channels.
- Point of the Yin Qiao Mai.
ii. Actions
Subdues rebellious Qi
Removes obstructions from the channel.
iii. Indications
Cough, breathlessness, fullness of the chest
Pain of the supraclavicular fossa, pain in the shoulder radiating to the neck,
pain in the upper limbs, inability to raise the arm.
ST-9 RENYING Person’s Welcome
i. Nature
- Point of the Sea of Qi.
- Meeting point of the Stomach and Gall-Bladder
channels.
- Window of Heaven point.
- Point of the Yin Qiao Mai.
.
ii. Actions
Regulates the ascending and descending of Qi to and from head
Subdues rebellious Qi
Dissipates nodules.
iii. Indications
Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, red face, fullness of chest, shortness of
breath, wheezing
Goitre, scrofula
BL-1 JINGMING Eye Brightness
i. Nature
- Point of Yin and Yang Qiao Mai.
- Meeting point of Bladder, Small Intestine,
Stomach, Gall-Bladder and Triple Burner.
ii. Actions
Expels Wind
Clears Heat
Stops itching
Brightens the eyes.
iii. Indications
Lachrymation on exposure to wind, aversion to cold fever, headache,
redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, redness and itching of the inner
corner of the eyes, blurred vision, diminished night vision, myopia,
Childhood Nutritional Impairment eye diseases.
HERBAL THERAPY FOR YIN QIAO MAI
i. Herbs
The herbs that affect the Yin Qiao Mai are:
Yan Hu Suo
Rhizoma
Corydalis
Yanhusuo
Huang Bo
Yuan Zhi Radix
Polygalae tenuifoliae
Shi Chang Pu
Rhizoma Acori
graminei.
Suan Zao Ren
Semen Ziziphi
spinosae
ii. Formulae
Ban Xia Tang Pinellia Decoction (Ban Xia Rhizoma Pinelliae ternatae
and Shu Mi, husked sorghum).
YANG QIAO MAI
“The Yang Qiao Mai originates inside the heel, it goes up to the external
malleolus and rises up to join with G.B.-20 Fengchi.”
Li Shi Zhen
“The Yang Qiao Mai is an offshoot of the Bladder channel. It starts inside
the heel, it goes up to the external malleolus to BL-62 Shenmai and then to
BL-61 Pushe. It then rises 3 cun to BL-59 Fuyang which is its Accumulation
point. It then rises along the external surface of the leg, behind the
hypochondrium, then up to the scapula where it connects with the Small
Intestine channel and the Yang Wei Mai at S.I.-10 Naoshu.
It rises outside the shoulder and connects with the Large Intestine
channel at L.I.-16 Jugu and with the Large Intestine and Triple Burner
channels at L.I.-15 Jianyu. It rises to ST-9 Renying and it connects
with the Large Intestine and Stomach channels and the Ren Mai at ST-4
Dicang.
It goes up to the Stomach channel to ST-3 Juliao and then rejoins the
Ren Mai at ST-1 Chengqi. It then goes to the inner corner of the eye
where it connects with the Small Intestine, Bladder and Stomach
channels and with the Yin Qiao Mai at BL-1 Jingming. From here, it
continues over the skull, passes behind the ear and enters G.B.-20
Fengchi where it ends. In total 23 points.”
PATHWAY
The Yang Qiao Mai is the first line of reservoirs to absorb excesses of
Yang, but it does so primarily in the head. “Excess of Yang in the
head” can manifest in a variety of ways, e.g. Liver-Fire or Liver-Yang
rising affecting the head, Liver-Wind, etc. Absorbing Excess Yang
from the head has also a mental implication as the Yang Qiao Mai is
used for mental symptoms such as mania, insomnia, agitation, etc.
Absorbing Excess Yang from the head also implies extinguishing internal
Wind and the Yang Qiao Mai is used to extinguish internal Wind for such
conditions as Wind-stroke, facial paralysis, aphasia, numbness or
epilepsy.
It may also be used to expel exterior Wind from the head for symptoms of
aversion to cold, fever, sneezing, headache, stiff neck, runny nose and
Floating pulse. It is particularly indicated if the exterior attack is
accompanied by severe headache and stiff neck.
a) Mental-emotional problems
Excess of Yang in the Yang Qiao Mai can cause manic behaviour,
agitation, anxiety, insomnia.
For these headaches use the opening and coupled points of the vessel
(BL-62 Shenmai and S.I.-3 Houxi), LIV-3 Taichong, L.I.-4 Hegu and
G.B.-20 Fengchi.
c) Epilepsy
BL-62 KI-6
3. THE YANG QIAO MAI IN MENTAL PROBLEMS
A particular indication for the use of the Yang Qiao Mai in these mental
conditions is a pulse that is Full and Wiry on both Front positions of left
and right.
The “Qian Jin Yao Fang" indicates the Yang Qiao Mai for "fright",
"seeing ghosts" and manic-depression [dian-kuang].
Points: BL-62 Shenmai and S.I.-3 Houxi together with Du-19 Houding, P-
7 Daling, Ren-15 Jiuwei.
The Yang Qiao Mai is very useful to treat unilateral backache and
sciatica. In channel problems, the extraordinary vessels are particularly
indicated when the symptoms overlap several channels. For example,
the Yang Qiao Mai is particularly indicated in sciatica when the pain
affects the Bladder, Gall-Bladder and Stomach channels (or also just
the first two).
As the Yang Qiao Mai flows through the point G.B.-29 Juliao,
this vessel affects both the Bladder and Gall-Bladder channels
in the hip area: for this reason, I often use the Yang Qiao Mai to
treat hip pain.
The “Golden Mirror of Medicine” (Yi Zong Jin Jian) indicates dribbling
of urination as a symptom of the Yang Qiao Mai (see below under
Classical Indications).
I would use this vessel for urinary problems only in Full conditions
characterized by urinary difficulty and pain from Dampness obstructing
the urinary passages.
In such cases, I use the opening and coupled points of the Yang Qiao Mai
(BL-62 Shenmai and S.I.-3 Houxi) together with BL-63 Jinmen, BL-59
Fuyang, Ren-3 Zhongji and SP-9 Yinlingquan.
7. THE YANG QIAO MAI AND THE LIMBS
The Yang Qiao Mai controls the state of the muscles of the lateral aspect of
the legs. When this vessel is diseased, the lateral muscles of the leg are tight
and stiff while those of the medial muscles are too relaxed.
a) Bi Syndrome
The Yang Qiao Mai can be used in Bi Syndrome especially from Wind
causing a spasm of the muscles and sinews of the lateral aspects of the body,
of the body itself and of the limbs.
The Yang Qiao Mai should be used for Bi Syndrome only in relatively Full
conditions with a Full and Wiry pulse. In this case, the “Excess of Yang” in
the Yang Qiao Mai is characterized by external Wind in the limbs.
Use BL-62 Shenmai and S.I.-3 Houxi with G.B.-20 Fengchi, ST-43 Xiangu
and L.I.-11 Quchi plus local points of the affected limbs.
b) Hemiplegia
When using the Yang Qiao Mai for hemiplegia from Wind-stroke, I
use the opening and coupled points (BL-62 Shenmai and S.I.-3 Houxi)
using BL-62 on the affected side and S.I.-3 on the other side together
with G.B.-20 Fengchi, Du-16 Fengfu, L.I.-11 Quchi and LIV-3
Taichong, plus local points on the affected limb
8. THE YANG QIAO MAI IN EXTERIOR INVASIONS OF WIND
The Yang Qiao Mai may also be used to expel exterior Wind from the head
for symptoms such as aversion to cold, fever, sneezing, headache, stiff
neck, runny nose and Floating pulse. It is particularly indicated if the
exterior attack is accompanied by severe headache and stiff neck.
Again, the use of the Yang Qiao Mai to expel Wind is indicated particularly
if the pulse is Full on both Cun positions.
To expel exterior Wind, I would use the opening and coupled points (BL-62
Shenmai and S.I.-3 Houxi) together with G.B.-20 Fengchi, Du-16 Fengfu
and BL-12 Fengmen.
9. PULSE OF THE YANG QIAO MAI
The pulse of the Yang Qiao Mai is Full and Wiry on both Cun positions,
reflecting the Excess of Yang in the head. Please note that the pulse
reflects areas of the body as well as channels and organs.
Therefore, when the pulse is Full and Wiry on both Front positions, it is
more likely to reflect an Excess of Yang in the top of the body and head
rather than a pathology of Heart and Lungs.
.. .. Wiry-Full
Absorbs Excess Yang in the head
SUMMARY OF YANG QIAO MAI
PATHOLOGY Yang is tense, Yin is relaxed
Bi Syndrome
Hip pain
Dribbling urination
Hemiplegia
Headache
Lateral Central Medial
外 中 内
Firm all three positions: Chong Mai
Floating all three positions: Du Mai
FRONT 前
BL HE LIV Yang Qiao Mai
- Nan Jing: Yin is slack and the Yang tense. (thought to refer to the leg
muscles)
- Su Wen-23: eye pain in the inner corner (contralateral needling)
- Ling Shu: eyes stay open.
- Mai Jing: lumbar pain, epilepsy, hemiplegia, Bi syndrome with
stiffness
- Li Shi Zhen: backache, epilepsy, apoplexy, crying like a sheep,
aversion to wind, hemiplegia and tightness of the body.
- Li Shi Zhen: mad walking [mania] and the eyes cannot close.
- Yi Zong Jin Jian: stiff back and spine, Wind in ankles and feet,
aversion to wind, sweating, headache, numbness of hands and feet,
upper arm cold, thunder headache, red eyes, breast abscess, deafness,
epistaxis, epilepsy, limb pain, unilateral fullness, swelling and
sweating of the body, dribbling of urination.
Zhen Jiu Ju Ying (1529):
ii. Actions
• Removes obstructions from the channel
• Benefits the eyes, opens the Yang Qiao Mai and harmonizes
left and right in the Yang Qiao Mai, extinguishes interior
Wind
• Subdues rebellious Qi from the head
• Expels exterior Wind, Calms the Spirit.
iii. Indications
• Stiff neck, occipital headache, stiff back, Cold Painful Obstruction
• Syndrome (Bi Syndrome) of the back, pain in the legs
• Insomnia, somnolence, red eyes, eye pain
• Imbalances between left and right, excess of Yang in the head
• Epilepsy (attacks in daytime), opisthotonos, lockjaw, tremors, Wind-
stroke, deviation of eye and mouth, headache, dizziness, Aversion to
cold, fever, occipital headache and stiffness, manic behaviour,
insomnia.
BL-61 PUCAN Servant’s Respect
i. Nature
Meeting point of the Bladder channel with Yang Qiao Mai.
ii. Action
Removes obstructions from the channel (head), calms the
Spirit, opens the Mind’s orifices, extinguishes internal
Wind, resolves Dampness from the Lower Burner, removes
obstructions from the channel (back and legs)
iii. Indications
• Headache, feeling of heaviness of the head
• Manic behaviour, raving (Dian Kuang), seeing ghosts
• Loss of consciousness, childhood epilepsy
• Turbid Painful Urination Syndrome (Lin from Dampness)
• Lower backache, Atrophy (Wei) Syndrome of legs, leg pain
BL-59 FUYANG Instep Yang
i. Nature
Point of the Yang Qiao Mai.
Accumulation (Xi) point of the Yang Qiao Mai.
ii. Actions
• Removes obstructions from the channel
• Invigorates the Yang Qiao Mai
• Benefits the back.
iii. Indications
Thigh pain, Wind Painful Obstruction Syndrome (Bi Syndrome) of legs,
atrophy of legs, inability to raise leg, feeling of heaviness of the legs,
sciatica, ulcers on legs, redness and swelling of lateral malleolus,
Lower backache with pronounced stiffness.
G.B.-29 JULIAO Squatting Crevice
i. Nature
Point of the Yang Qiao Mai.
ii. Actions
Removes obstructions from the channel.
iii. Indications
Hip pain, pain in the back/side of the leg, pain in the lateral side of the
buttocks, pain radiating to the groin, sciatica.
S.I.-10 NAOSHU Humerus Transporting Point
i. Nature
Meeting point of Small Intestine and Bladder channel
Point of Yang Qiao Mai
Point of Yang Wei Mai
ii. Actions
Removes obstructions from the channel.
iii. Indications
Pain of the shoulder and scapula, pain in the arm, inability to raise the
shoulder.
.
L.I.-15 JIANYU Shoulder Bone
i. Nature
Point of the Yang Qiao Mai.
ii. Actions
• Removes obstructions from the channel
• Expels Wind and Dampness
• Resolves Phlegm and dissipates nodules.
iii. Indications
• Shoulder pain, weakness of shoulder, Painful Obstruction Syndrome (Bi
Syndrome) of the shoulder from Wind and Dampness, inability to raise
(abduct) arm, contraction and numbness of the arm, hemiplegia, paralysis,
sequelae of Wind-stroke, atrophy of arm
• Urticaria from Wind
• Scrofula, goitre.
L.I.-16 JUGU Great Bone
i. Nature
Point of the Yang Qiao Mai.
ii. Actions
• Removes obstructions from the channel
• Dissipates nodules.
iii. Indications
• Pain of the shoulder and upper back, difficulty in raising the arm,
pain of upper arm
• Scrofula, goitre.
ST-9 RENYING Person’s Welcome
i. Nature
Point of the Sea of Qi.
Meeting point of the Stomach and Gall-Bladder
channels.
Window of Heaven point
Point of the Yang Qiao Mai.
ii. Actions
• Regulates the ascending and descending of Qi to
and from head
• Subdues rebellious Qi
• Dissipates nodules.
iii. Indications
• Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, red face, fullness of chest,
shortness of breath, wheezing
• Goitre, scrofula
ST-4 DICANG Earth Granary
i. Nature
Meeting point of Stomach and Large Intestine channels.
Point of Yang Qiao Mai
Point of the Ren Mai
ii. Actions
• Expels Wind
• Removes obstructions from the channel.
iii. Indications
• Deviation of eye and mouth, trigeminal neuralgia, drooling,
numbness of the lips and face, contraction of facial muscles,
movement of eyeball, twitching of eyelids, itchy eyes, blurred
vision, inability to close the eye
• Cheek pain, toothache.
ST-3 JULIAO Great Crevice
i. Nature
Point of Yang Qiao Mai.
ii. Actions
• Expels Wind
• Removes obstructions from the channel
• Relieves swellings.
iii. Indications
• Aversion to cold, excessive lachrymation
• Toothache, epistaxis
• Pain and swelling of the nose and cheek, swelling and pain of lips,
swelling of knee
ST-1 CHENGQI Containing Tears
i. Nature
Point of the Yang Qiao Mai
Point of the Ren Mai
ii. Actions
• Expels Wind
• Brightens the eyes
• Clears Heat
iii. Indications
• Deviation of eye and mouth, inability to speak, tinnitus, deafness
• Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, lachrymation on exposure to wind,
blurred vision, myopia, diminished night vision, itchy eyes, twitching of
eyelids
BL-1 JINGMING Eye Brightness
i. Nature
Point of Yin and Yang Qiao Mai
Meeting point of Bladder, Small Intestine,
Stomach, Gall-Bladder and Triple Burner.
ii. Actions
• Expels Wind, clears Heat
• Stops itching, brightens the eyes.
iii. Indications
• Lachrymation on exposure to wind, aversion to cold fever, headache
• Redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, redness and itching of the inner
corner of the eyes
• Blurred vision, diminished night vision, myopia, Childhood Nutritional
Impairment eye diseases.
G.B.-20 FENGCHI Wind Pool
.
i. Nature
Point of Yin and Yang Qiao Mai
Point of the Yang Wei Mai
Meeting point of the Gall-Bladder and Triple Burner channels.
ii. Actions
• Expels exterior Wind, extinguishes interior Wind, subdues
Liver-Yang, brightens the eyes, benefits the ears
• Clears Heat, nourishes Marrow and clears the Brain.
iii. Indications
• Aversion cold, fever, body aches, occipital stiffness and ache
• Vertigo, Wind-stroke, hemiplegia, lockjaw, deviation of eye and
mouth, epilepsy, headache, dizziness, blurred vision
HERBAL THERAPY FOR YANG QIAO MAI
i. Herbs
Fang Ji Radix
Stephaniae tetrandae
YIN AND YANG QIAO MAI PATHWAYS
There is a remarkable symmetry and complementarity between the pathways of the
Yin and Yang Qiao Mai. The two pathways are totally separate in the body but come
together in the neck, eyes and brain.
Let us compare and contrast the pathways of these two vessels in the body:
“The Bladder channel passes through the occiput and enters the brain: the
main branch reaches the root of the eyes and it is called Eye System [Mu Xi].
In fact, in case of headache and eye ache, one can needle this channel on the
occiput between the two tendons. In the brain, it divides into two vessels that
become the Yin and Yang Qiao Mai. The Yin and Yang Qiao Mai cross over
each other, the Yang entering the Yin and the Yin coming out into the Yang,
crossing over again at the inner corner of the eye. If Yang Qi is excessive, the
eyes cannot close; if Yin Qi is excessive, the eyes cannot open.”
This statement refers to two different types of “crossing”.
In the brain, the Yin and Yang Qiao Mai cross over vertically, i.e. the
Yang Qiao Mai goes inwards to cross the Yin Qiao Mai and the latter
emerges outwards to cross the former. This “crossing” is a crossing
between the superficial and the deep parts of the brain.
The left-right cross-over of the Yin and Yang Qiao Mai bears a
remarkable similarity with the cross-over of the optic nerve branches in
the brain: in fact, at the optic chiasma, the left side of the optic nerve
crosses over and goes to the right eye and vice versa.
VERTICAL CROSSING OF YIN AND YANG QIAO MAI IN BRAIN
This is an important way in which the channel system keeps the balance of Yin
and Yang in the head. This anomaly also explains how the Yang Qiao Mai can
both carry Yang Qi to the eyes (to keep them open in daytime) and carry Yang Qi
away from the eyes so that they may close at night.
TRAJECTORY OF BLADDER, YIN QIAO AND YANG QIAO IN HEAD
Bladder channel
Yang Qiao
Yin Qiao
EYE
Kidney channel
COMBINED YIN AND YANG QIAO MAI PATHOLOGY
There is a symmetry between the Yang and Yin Qiao Mai from various points of
view as follows:
• The Yin Qiao absorbs excesses of Yin Qi; the Yang Qiao absorbs excesses of
Yang Qi
• The Yin Qiao brings Yin Qi to the eyes; the Yang Qiao brings Yang Qi to the eyes
• The Yin and Yang Qiao control the left and right side of the body, the former for
the Yin and the latter for the Yang channels
• Wei Qi flows in the Yin Qiao at night and in the Yang Qiao in the daytime
• The Yin and Yang Qiao control the tension of the leg muscles, the former in the
medial and the latter in the lateral side
• The Yin Qiao branches out of the Kidney channel, the Yang Qiao out of the
Bladder channel
• The Yin and Yang Qiao cross over each other, the Yang entering the Yin and the
Yin coming out into the Yang, crossing at the inner corner of the eye.
YIN AND YANG QIAO MAI AND THE EYES
The Yin and Yang Qiao Mai play an important role in the ascending and
descending of the Wei Qi to and from the eyes. Citing the above statement
from chapter 21 of the “Ling Shu ”, “The Yin and Yang Qiao Mai cross
over each other, the Yang entering the Yin and the Yin coming out into the
Yang, crossing at the inner corner of the eye”: this ensures the proper
ascending and descending of Yang and Yin to and from the eyes.
When Yang and Yin Qi in the Yang and Yin Qiao Mai are properly balanced
and their movement regulated, Yang Qi reaches the eyes in daytime so that
the eyes stay open and Yin Qi reaches the eyes at night-time so they can
close.
Wei Qi circulates 50 times in 24 hours: 25 times during the day and 25
times during the night. By day it circulates in the Exterior of the body,
and at night it circulates in the Yin organs.
“Wei Qi circulates 50 times during one day and one night, 25 times in the
Yang during the day and 25 times in the Yin during the night, including in
the 5 Zang.”
This flow of Wei Qi from the Interior towards the Exterior opens the
eyes and wakes us up in the morning.
At night, Wei Qi flows into the Yin organs, first to the Kidneys,
then to Heart, Lung, Liver, Spleen (in the order of the Controlling
sequence of the Five Elements).
“When Wei Qi flows into the Yin at night, it enters the Kidneys, then
the Heart, then the Lungs, then the Liver, then the Spleen and back
into the Kidneys”.
KI HE
LU
SP
LIV
DAY NIGHT
Ling Shu , Chapter 80
(describing the pathology of Excess of Yang or of Yin in the eyes)
“If someone cannot sleep, what is that due to? It is due to Wei Qi not
being able to enter the Yin so that is stays in the Yang; as it stays in the
Yang, Yang Qi in in Excess and the Yang Qiao Mai is Full. As this cannot
enter into the Yin, Yin is Empty and the eyes cannot close. If someone
cannot see [because eyes tend to close] what is that due to? It is due to
Wei Qi remaining in the Yin and being unable to flow into the Yang. As it
stays in the Yin, Yin Qi is in Excess and the Yin Qiao Mai Full. As this
cannot enter in the Yang, Yang is Empty and the eyes remain closed.”
The Eye System (Mu Xi) is described in chapter 80 of the “Ling Shu”:
“The Jing and Qi of the 5 Zang and 6 Fu ascend to the eyes to give
vision…They communicate with many channels constituting an Eye
System [Mu Xi] which ascends to the vertex, enters the brain and then
surfaces at the occiput.” The Eye System intersects with the extraordinary
vessels.
THE EYE SYSTEM MU XI
Du Mai: Yintang.
Ren Mai: ST-1 Chengqi.
Yang Qiao Mai: ST-1 Chengqi, BL-1 Jingming, G.B.-20 Fengchi.
Yin Qiao Mai: BL-1 Jingming.
Yang Wei Mai: G.B.-14 Yangbai, G.B.-20 Fengchi, Du-16 Fengfu.
GB-14
Yintang
BL-1
ST-1
Du-16
GB-20
In particular, the Du Mai has four areas of convergence with the Eye System as
follows:
Du-26
THE YIN AND YANG QIAO MAI AND THE BRAIN
As we have seen, both the Yin and Yang Qiao Mai enter the brain. Indeed,
they branch out from the Bladder channel in the brain.
The connection of the Yin and Yang Qiao Mai with the brain has two main
implications, one mental, the other neurological.
The regulation and balancing of Yin and Yang carried out by the Yin and
Yang Qiao Mai has an influence on the mental state: in particular, and
Excess of Yang in the Yang Qiao Mai causes agitation, manic behaviour
and insomnia.
In neurological conditions, both the Yin and Yang Qiao Mai play a role.
In particular, they are both used to extinguish internal Wind in the
treatment of epilepsy: the former when the attacks occur at night, and the
latter when they occur in daytime.
Besides that, the Yang Qiao Mai is used to extinguish internal Wind in
Wind-stroke while the Yin Qiao Mai is used for Atrophy Syndrome which
may correspond to neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
PULSE OF THE YIN AND YANG QIAO MAI
[This pulse indicates that] In this family there has been a death from a
ghost enticement or from Wind. The person suffers from mental
confusion [huang hu] and this misfortune is brought on by the dead
person.”
.. .. Floating-Fine
Fine
Thank you for attending this online course with Giovanni. Giovanni
also has several other online CEU courses available. Make sure you
take this opportunity to visit his websites to see all of the resources
he has to offer.
www.three-treasures.com
www.maciociaonline.com
www.giovanni-maciocia.com
http://twitter.com/#!/@gmaciocia
www.maciociaonline.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/three.treasures
https://www.facebook.com/giovanni.maciocia
http://maciociaonlinespanish.blogspot.com (en Español)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/GIOVANNI-MACIOCIA-MEDICINA-
CHINA/136705379697654?v=wall (en Español)
www.maciocia.com
YIN AND YANG WEI MAI
阴 阳 维 脉
YIN WEI MAI
PATHWAY
“The Yin Wei Mai starts from a point where all the Yin [channels] intersect.”
The area where the Yin Wei Mai starts is considered now to be KI-9
Zhubin. However, the “Elucidation of the Yellow Emperor's Classic of
Internal Medicine” thinks that this point is SP-6 Sanyinjiao (which
means “meeting of the three Yin”).
“The Yin Wei Mai starts at the point where all the Yin [channels] intersect, it
originates from KI-9 Zhubin which is its Accumulation point 5 cun above the
internal malleolus and it goes to the centre of the muscle. It then rises along
the inner side of the leg to the lower-central abdomen [Xiao Fu] where it
connects with the Spleen, Liver, Kidney and Stomach channels at SP-13 Fushe.
It then rises and connects with the Spleen channel at SP-15 Daheng and SP-16
Fuai. It goes up to the hypochondrium where it connects with the Liver
channel at LIV-14 Qimen. It goes up to the chest, diaphragm and throat where
it connects with the Ren Mai at the point Ren-22 Tiantu and Ren-23 Lianquan
then rising to the forehead where it ends. In total 14 points.”
PATHWAY
“When the Yin Wei Mai is diseased, there is heart pain and depression”
Mai Jing
It is interesting to note that the Yin Wei Mai treats such ache in the
heart region not simply for the obvious reason that its opening
point is P-6 Neiguan, but also by virtue of its influencing all the
Yin channels of the leg, i.e. Liver, Spleen and Kidneys.
In fact, the Heart is in the Upper Burner and it relies on the
nourishment of Blood and Yin from the channels and organs
in the Middle and Lower Burner, i.e. Stomach, Spleen, Liver
and Kidneys.
When I use the Yin Wei Mai to nourish the Heart, I always use its
starting point KI-9 Zhubin in addition to its opening and coupled
points (P-6 Neiguan and SP-4 Gongsun).
I personally think that the name of this point Guest House refers to the
Kidney channel (the “host”) receiving the Heart (the “guest”): this
point’s many mental-emotional indications would support this.
Therefore this point and the Yin Wei Mai play an important role in
establishing the communication between Heart and Kidneys.
2. OPEN THE CHEST AND HYPOCHONDRIUM
The Yin Wei Mai has an important action on the chest: it relaxes and “opens”
the chest when there is Qi or Blood stagnation.
The “Golden Mirror of Medicine” lists the following symptoms for the Yin Wei
Mai :
In such a case, I would use the opening and coupled points of the vessel (P-6
Neiguan and SP-4 Gongsun) together with Ren-15 Jiuwei, LU-7 Lieque (on
the side opposite to P-6) and ST-40 Fenglong (on the side opposite to SP-4).
Since it connects all the Yin channels, the Yin Wei Mai can be used for
deficiency of Blood and/or Yin, especially if accompanied by psychological
symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, mental restlessness, thinking too much,
obsession, loss of will power and lack of self-control.
“Mai Jing ”:
“When the Yin Wei Mai is affected there is sudden collapse, loss of voice”
A disharmony of the Yin Wei Mai causes loss of voice also due to its
intersection with the Ren Mai in the throat.
When I use the Yin Wei Mai to nourish Yin, I would use its opening and
coupled points (P-6 Neiguan and SP-4 Gongsun) together with KI-9 Zhubin and
SP-6 Sanyinjiao.
As the Ren Mai governs all the Yin channels while the Yin Wei Mai
“links” all the Yin channels, it is important to compare and contrast the
function and use of these vessels in the context of Yin deficiency.
The Ren Mai influences and governs all Yin channels in every part of
the body (Upper, Middle and Lower Burner).
The Yin Wei Mai influences all Yin channels except the Lungs (by
contrast, the Ren Mai has a special influence on the Lungs). Also, the
Yin Wei Mai influences primarily the Upper Burner and the chest and it
has a particularly strong influence on the Heart.
ii. Painful Obstruction (Bi) Syndrome
“When the Yin Wei Mai is affected there is sudden collapse, loss of
voice and Painful Obstruction Syndrome with itching”.
Some modern Chinese doctors translate the word yang (itching) as tingling
which would make more sense in the context of Painful Obstruction (Bi)
Syndrome.
The Yin Wei Mai can be used to treat Painful Obstruction (Bi) Syndrome. I
personally use the Yin Wei Mai to treat this condition especially when it
occurs against a background of Blood deficiency in women.
When using the Yin Wei Mai for Painful Obstruction Syndrome, I use its
opening and coupled points (P-6 Neiguan and SP-4 Gongsun) together with
L.I.-11 Quchi (on the opposite side to that of P-6), ST-43 Xiangu (on the
opposite to that of SP-4), Ren-4 Guanyuan, ST-36 Zusanli and SP-6
Sanyinjiao.
4. MENTAL-EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS
Since the Yin Wei Mai nourishes Blood, it has a tonifying action on
the Heart and can be used for such symptoms as chest pain or a
feeling of stuffiness, oppression or tightness of the chest, anxiety,
apprehension, depression or nightmares.
“When the Yin Wei Mai is diseased, there is heart pain and depression.”
“The Yang Wei Mai links all the Yang, the Yin Wei Mai links all the Yin.
When Yin and Yang cannot link with each other, there will be pensiveness,
obsession, loss of will power and lack of self-control.”
The “Zhen Jiu Da Cheng” lists the following symptoms and signs for the
Yin Wei Mai :
- Knot in the chest which feels tight and full on palpation (P-6 Neiguan, P-
7 Daling, Ren-12 Zhongwan, SP-6 Sanyinjiao)
- Sadness and crying (P-6 Neiguan, HE-5 Tongli, S.I.-3 Houxi, HE-7
Shenmen, KI-4 Dazhong)
- Anxiety (P-6 Neiguan, ST-18 Rugen, HE-5 Tongli, BL-15 Xinshu, BL-19
Danshu);
I personally use the Yin Wei Mai very frequently to treat anxiety,
insomnia, sadness and depression occurring against a background of
Blood deficiency and especially in women.
I am particularly drawn to the use of the Yin Wei Mai for these
problems when they are somatized in the chest and heart region areas
with a feeling of oppression or tightness of the chest or heart region.
Therefore, we can see that the three important functions of this vessel in
nourishing Blood, nourishing the Heart and relaxing the chest all come
together in mental-emotional problems.
When using the Yin Wei Mai for emotional problems such anxiety,
insomnia, sadness, worry and depression, I use its opening and coupled
points (P-6 Neiguan and SP-4 Gongsun) together with Ren-15 Jiuwei, Du-
24 Shenting, Ren-4 Guanyuan, KI-9 Zhubin and SP-6 Sanyinjiao
I personally find the Yin Wei Mai excellent to treat post-natal depression
from Liver- and Heart-Blood deficiency. When I use this vessel for this
condition, I would use its opening and coupled points (P-6 Neiguan on the
right and SP-4 Gongsun on the left) together with Ren-4 Guanyuan, Ren-
15 Jiuwei, Du-20 Baihui, ST-36 Zusanli, KI-9 Zhubin and SP-6 Sanyinjiao
(all the leg points bilaterally, use moxa on the needle on ST-36 and SP-6).
5. THE YIN WEI MAI AND THE FEMALE GENITALIA
Mai Jing
“If the pulse of the Yin Wei Mai feels like a string of pearls, there is... genital
pain in women as if there were sores.”
As the Yin Wei Mai influences and links the three Yin channels of the leg, it
naturally has an influence on the genitalia (as the Liver channel, especially,
flows over them).
As the Yin Wei Mai nourishes Yin, it is particularly indicated for problems of
the genitalia occurring against a background of Yin deficiency which may
manifest with soreness, redness and dryness.
That is why the “Mai Jing ” says that there is genital pain “as if” there
were sores: this is because the soreness is due to Yin deficiency rather
than Damp-Heat (which would cause actual sores).
When using the Yin Wei Mai for problems of the genitalia in women I
would use its opening and coupled points (P-6 Neiguan on the right
and SP-4 Gongsun on the left) together with Ren-2 Qugu, SP-6
Sanyinjiao and LIV-5 Ligou.
6. HEADACHES
Mai Jing
“When the Yin Wei Mai is affected there epilepsy with a cry like a goat.”
As the Yin Wei Mai links all the Yin, it was used in the treatment of
epilepsy from internal Wind occurring against a background of Yin
deficiency.
I personally do not use the Yin Wei Mai for epilepsy, for which
problem I would tend to use more either the Yin or Yang Qiao Mai .
8. COMPARISON AND DIFFERENTIATION OF YIN WEI MAI, REN MAI
AND YIN QIAO MAI
As the Yin Wei Mai , the Ren Mai and the Yin Qiao Mai are all related to
the Yin channels, it is useful to compare and contrast them. We have already
discussed the differences between the Yin Wei Mai and the Ren Mai in
relation to nourishing Yin.
In terms of areas influenced, the Yin Wei Mai influences primarily the chest
and Upper Burner; the Ren Mai all Burners; the Yin Qiao Mai primarily the
Lower Burner.
In terms of organs, the Yin Wei Mai affects all Yin organs except the Lungs
and especially the Heart; the Ren Mai all Yin organs and especially the
Lungs; the Yin Qiao Mai primarily the leg Yin channels (Liver, Spleen,
Kidney).
In terms of effect on Yin, the Yin Wei Mai “links” the Yin channels but it
also nourishes Blood especially of the Heart; the Ren Mai is the best to
nourish Yin; the Yin Qiao Mai does not nourish Yin, on the contrary, it
absorbs Excess of Yin (although it can “direct” Yin to the eyes).
In terms of Full-Empty, the Yin Wei Mai is better for Empty conditions; the
Ren Mai for both Full and Empty conditions; the Yin Qiao Mai for Full
conditions.
In terms of pulse, the pulse of the Yin Wei Mai is Choppy or Fine; that of
the Ren Mai is Weak on the Kidney positions; that of the Yin Qiao Mai is
Full and Wiry on both Rear positions.
COMPARISON AND DIFFERENTIATION OF YIN WEI MAI, REN MAI
AND YIN QIAO MAI
The pulse reflecting a pathology of the Yin Wei Mai pulsates like a chord
from the Rear-lateral to the Front-medial side of the pulse .
“When the pulse of the Yin Wei Mai is Deep, Big and full there is chest
pain, hypochondrial fullness and pain in the heart region.”
“When the pulse of the Yin Wei Mai feels like a string of pearls, in men,
there is hypochondrial fullness and backache; in women, pain in the
genitals as if there were sores.”
CLASSICAL INDICATIONS FOR THE YIN WEI MAI
- Nan Jing: heart pain and depression, pensiveness, obsession, loss of will
power and lack of self-control.
i. Herbs
Some herbs affect both the Yang and Yin Wei Mai . These include:
ii. Formulae
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang Angelica Four Rebellious Decoction (for the Liver)
PATHWAY
“The Yang Wei Mai starts at the point where the Yang channels
intersect.”
When I use the Yang Wei Mai to expel exterior Wind I use its opening and
coupled points (T.B.-5 Waiguan and G.B.-41 Zulinqi) together with L.I.-4
Hegu, G.B.-20 Fengchi and BL-12 Fengmen.
Li Shi Zhen:
“When there is sweating, aversion to cold, fever and the pulse is Floating on
the Front and Weak on the Rear position, it indicates a disease of the Yang
Wei Mai .”
Some doctors say that all the Yang channels are linked by the Yang Wei
Mai at G.B.-20 Fengchi. They say that this point's action of expelling
external Wind is due to its relation with the Yang Wei Mai, not the Gall-
Bladder. On the other hand, its action of extinguishing internal Wind is,
on the contrary, due to its relation with the Gall-Bladder.
The Yang Wei Mai is used for intermittent fevers and alternation of chills
and fever.
“When the Yang Wei Mai is diseased there is [alternation of feeling of] heat
and [feeling of] cold and irritability.”
Alternation of feeling cold and feeling hot are symptoms of affection of
the Shao Yang stage in the 6-Stage patterns of penetration of exterior
pathogenic factor.
Please note that in such a pattern there may or may not be an actual fever:
the significant thing is that the patient has a subjective feeling of heat.
When I use the Yang Wei Mai for the Shao Yang Pattern, I use its
opening and coupled points (T.B.-5 Waiguan and G.B.-41 Zulinqi)
together with L.I.-11 Quchi and Du-13 Taodao.
Feeling cold
Tai Yang
Shao Yang
Yang Ming
Feeling hot
2. HEADACHE
The “Golden Mirror of Medicine” lists the following symptoms for the Yang
Wei Mai : “Wind headache, ache in the head, neck and around eyebrows.” I
frequently used the Yang Wei Mai for chronic headaches but only when
they occur along the Gall-Bladder channel.
I use the Yang Wei Mai for chronic headaches in this area irrespective of
the pattern involved which may be, for example, Liver-Yang rising or Liver-
Fire.
As the Yang Wei Mai links all the Yang channels (especially in the neck and
head area), it is particularly useful for headaches which involve not only the
Gall-Bladder channel but also other Yang channels on the neck and head.
For example, the headache may start on the neck along the Small Intestine
channel and then radiate to the Gall-Bladder channel on the side of the skull
and on the temple, to then radiate to the Stomach channel on the forehead.
When I use the Yang Wei Mai for such headaches I use its
opening and coupled points (T.B.-5 Waiguan and G.B.-41
Zulinqi) together with L.I.-4 Hegu, G.B.-20 Fengchi and LIV-3
Taichong.
The Yang Wei Mai exerts its influence on the sides of the
body and is used for such symptoms as hypochondrial pain,
pain in the lateral aspect of the leg (such as sciatica along the
Gall-Bladder channel) and pain in the lateral side of the neck.
Su Wen, chapter 41
“The Yang Wei Mai causes backache with sudden swelling. Needle the
point on the dividing muscle of the calf on the Bladder channel 1 foot above
the ground.”
The Yang Wei Mai is used in the treatment of backache especially when
the pain involves more than one channel: this is because the Yang Wei Mai
links all the Yang channels and it affects many of the channels that run over
the back (especially Gall-Bladder and Bladder). In particular, the Yang Wei
Mai is effective when the lumbar pain is unilateral and affecting the lateral
side of the body.
As can be observed, these are the same criteria given for the use of the
Yang Qiao Mai in backache so we should explore the differences
between these two vessels in the treatment of backache.
They basically affect the same area, i.e. the lateral side of the body and
they are both used when the pain is unilateral. However, the Yang Wei
Mai is used when the Gall-Bladder channel is primarily affected, while
the Yang Qiao Mai is used when the Bladder channel is primarily
affected.
Another important difference is in the pulse: I use the Yang Qiao Mai
when the pulse is Full and Wiry while the Yang Wei Mai when the pulse
is Floating.
5. PAINFUL OBSTRUCTION (BI) SYNDROME
“When the pulse runs obliquely from the Shao Yin to the Greater Yang, it
indicates a pathology of the Yang Wei Mai [consisting in] Painful
Obstruction [Bi] Syndrome of the muscles.”
The Yang Wei Mai can therefore be used to treat Painful Obstruction
Syndrome especially when it affects the lateral side of the limbs.
6. EAR PROBLEMS
The Yang Wei Mai affects the ears and can be used for ear problems due to
the rising of Liver-Fire, such as tinnitus and deafness.
“When the Yang Wei Mai is affected there is epilepsy with a cry like a
goat.”
As the Yang Wei Mai links all the Yang channels, it was used for
epilepsy from internal Wind deriving from Excess of Yang, i.e. Fire. I
personally do not use the Yang Wei Mai for epilepsy, for which
condition I would tend to use more the Yang Qiao Mai .
8. COMPARISON OF YANG WEI MAI, YANG QIAO MAI AND
DU MAI
Therefore, the Yang Wei Mai does not tonify Yang in the way that the
Du Mai can do, nor does it absorb Excesses of Yang as the Yang Qiao
Mai does.
The pulse of the Yang Wei Mai pulsates like a chord from the Rear-medial to
the Front-lateral side of the pulse.
“When the pulse of the Yang Wei Mai is Floating, there is dizziness on getting
up: this is due to Excess of Yang. There is also breathlessness with raised
shoulders and shivering as if exposed to cold.”
Lateral Central Medial
外 中 内
ST P SP Dai Mai
MIDDLE 中
“When the Yang Wei Mai is diseased there is [alternation of feeling of] heat and
[feeling of] cold and irritability.”
Su Wen, chapter 41
“The Yang Wei Mai causes backache with sudden swelling. Needle the point
on the dividing muscle of the calf on the Bladder channel 1 foot above the
ground.”
Mai Jing
“When there is sweating, aversion to cold, fever and the pulse is Floating
on the Front and Weak on the Rear position, it indicates a disease of the
Yang Wei Mai.”
“Swelling and pain of the limbs, cold knees, paralysis or limbs, Wind
headache, bone and muscles problems of the back and loins, ache in the
head, neck and around eyebrows, hot limbs, numbness of limbs, night-
sweating, red and swollen eyes, spontaneous sweating during and invasion
of Wind-Cold, feeling of heat superficially.”
Mai Jing:
“When the pulse of Yang Wei Mai is Floating, there is epilepsy with a cry
like a goat, sudden blurred vision on getting up suddenly, a condition of
Fullness of Yang, breathing by lifting the shoulders and shivering as if
exposed to cold.”
Mai Jing:
“When the pulse runs obliquely from the Shao Yin to the Tai Yang, it
indicates a pathology of the Yang Wei Mai [consisting in] Painful
Obstruction [Bi] Syndrome of the muscles.”
Some modern Chinese doctors translate the word yang (itching) as tingling
which would make more sense in the context of Painful Obstruction (Bi)
Syndrome.
The “Gatherings from Eminent Acupuncturists” (Zhen Jiu Ju Ying, 1529) lists
the following symptoms and signs for the Yang Wei Mai (using T.B.-5
Waiguan and G.B.-41 Zulinqi):
i. Herbs
Herbs that affect this vessel are those that harmonize Ying and Wei Qi, i.e.:
ii. Formulae
iv. Comments: Like all Accumulation points, BL-63 is used in acute cases to
stop pain. Judging from the indications, this effect of this Accumulation point is
limited to channel problems and, surprisingly, this point does not have any
urinary indications.
i. Nature:
Meeting point of the three Yang channels of the leg.
Accumulation (Xi) point of the Yang Wei Mai .
iv. Comments
G.B.-35 is mostly used in acute pain along the Gall-Bladder channel with
stiffness and cramp of the leg muscles. As the Accumulation (Xi) point of
the Yang Wei Mai , it affects the Yang channels of the leg and can be used
as a distal point in pathologies of this vessel.
G.B.-29 JULIAO Squatting Crevice
iii. Indication: Hip pain, pain in the back/side of the leg, pain in
the lateral side of the buttocks, pain radiating to the groin,
sciatica.
iii. Indications: Goitre, scrofula, pain in the arm and shoulder, inability
to raise the arm.
iv. Comments:
T.B.-13 is not an important point energetically but it is important as a local
point for pain in the upper arm and shoulder, and one that should always be
tested for tenderness.
T.B.-15 TIANLIAO Heavenly Crevice
i. Nature: Point of the Yang Wei Mai .
Meeting point of Triple Burner and Gall-Bladder channels.
iii. Indications: Pain of the shoulder and arm, stiffness and pain of the
neck, pain in the clavicle. Feeling of oppression of the chest, feeling of
heat of the chest, feeling of heat, febrile disease.
iv. Comments: T.B.-15 is an important local point for pain in the shoulder
and should always be tested for tenderness. It is nearly always tender in
cases of pain and stiffness of the shoulders and it gives very good results
when needled with moxa.
This point is very frequently tender and I always check this point for tenderness
when I treat problems of the scapula, shoulder and neck. Its tenderness is partially
due to its being a point of the Yang Wei Mai and therefore a concentration point
of the Qi of many Yang channels.
G.B.-21 JIANJING Shoulder Well
iii. Indications: Stiffness and pain of the neck and top of shoulders, Breast
pain, breast abscess, breast milk not flowing, Difficult or prolonged labour,
retention of placenta, Cough, breathlessness, red face.
iv. Comments: G.B.-21 has three main functions. Firstly, it is used as a local
point for the treatment of Painful Obstruction Syndrome (Bi Syndrome) of the
shoulders and neck. It relaxes the sinews and relieves stiffness, and is nearly
always tender on pressure.
This point is very frequently tender and I always check this point for tenderness
when I treat problems of the scapula, shoulder and neck. Its tenderness is partially
due to its being a point of the Yang Wei Mai and of the Yang Qiao Mai and it is
therefore a concentration point of the Qi of many Yang channels.
G.B.-20 FENGCHI Wind Pool
iii. Indications: Aversion cold, fever, body aches, occipital stiffness and
ache, Vertigo, Wind-stroke, hemiplegia, lockjaw, deviation of eye and
mouth, epilepsy, Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, Blurred vision,
diminished night vision, redness and pain of the eyes, redness and pain of
the outer canthus, excessive lachrymation, Tinnitus, deafness, blocked ears.
iv. Comments: it eliminates both interior and exterior Wind. It is very much
used to eliminate exterior Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, particularly if the
headache and stiff neck that are normally caused by exterior Wind are very
pronounced. With LU-7 Lieque expels Wind-Cold, and with L.I.-4 Hegu
and T.B.-5 Waiguan expels Wind-Heat.
Extinguishes interior Wind and is used for such symptoms as dizziness and
vertigo. It is the point of choice to use for dizziness and vertigo from
internal Wind or from rising of Liver-Yang or Liver-Fire. In these cases, it
is needled with reducing method.
Some doctors say it expels exterior Wind because it is a point of the Yang
Wei Mai, while it extinguishes interior Wind because it is a Gall-Bladder
channel point.
It also has an effect on the ears, and can be used for tinnitus and deafness
deriving from the rising of Liver-Yang.
Used with reinforcing method, it tonifies Marrow and nourishes the brain, so
that it can be used for deficiency of the Sea of Marrow, with such symptoms
as poor memory, dizziness and vertigo. Its action on the Brain and Marrow is
also due to its being a point of the Eye System.
iii. Indications: Headache, dizziness, Blurred vision, redness, swelling and pain
of the eyes, tinnitus deafness, nose ache, nasal congestion, nosebleed, Manic-
depression, fright, palpitations.
iv. Comments: G.B.-19 is another local point for headaches from Liver-Yang
rising. Compared to other Gall-Bladder points on the skull, G.B.-19 has a
stronger Heat-clearing action.
Benefits the sense orifices (like other Gall-Bladder points on the skull). Its
name implies that at this point, the Gall-Bladder channel is in communication
with the brain.
In the context of the Yang Wei Mai , this is a useful local point for headaches
caused by a pathology of this vessel.
G.B.-18 CHENGLING Spirit Receiver
i. Nature: Point of the Yang Wei Mai .
iv. Comments: deep effect on mental problems such as obsessive thoughts and
dementia. Like nearly all Gall-Bladder points on the head, it subdues Liver-
Yang and is used as a local point for headaches from Liver-Yang rising.
In the context of the Yang Wei Mai , this is a useful local point for headaches
caused by a pathology of this vessel.
G.B.-17 ZHENGYING Top Convergence
According to the “An Enquiry into Chinese Acupuncture”, G.B.-17 can be used for
schizophrenia and hysteria.
In the context of the Yang Wei Mai , this is a useful local point for headaches
caused by a pathology of this vessel.
G.B.-16 MUCHUANG Window of the Eye
iii. Indications: Blurred vision, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes,
Aversion to cold, fever, no sweating, Headache, Epilepsy
iv. Comments: This point is used mostly as a local point for headaches from
Liver-Yang rising. In the context of the Yang Wei Mai , its can be used as a
local point in conjunction with T.B.-5 and G.B.-41.
In the context of the Yang Wei Mai , this is a useful local point for headaches
caused by a pathology of this vessel.
G.B.-15 TOULINQI Falling Tears
i. Nature: Point of the Yang Wei Mai , Meeting point of Gall-
Bladder and Bladder channels.
iv. Comments: G.B.-15 has a deep effect on the emotional life and is
particularly indicated to balance the moods when the person oscillates between
periods of low spirits and periods of elation. In my experience, this point is
effective to stop obsessive thoughts and pensiveness.
G.B.-15 is used as a local point for headaches from Liver-Yang rising and it has
a special effect on the eyes.
In the context of the Yang Wei Mai , this is a useful local point for headaches
caused by a pathology of this vessel.
G.B.-14 YANGBAI Yang White
i. Nature: Point of the Yang Wei Mai , Meeting point of the Gall-
Bladder, Triple Burner, Stomach and Large Intestine channels.
iv. Comments: eliminates Wind from the face, especially in facial paralysis. The
choice of local points is made according to the area of paralysis, and this is
determined by asking the patient to move certain facial muscles.
An important local point for unilateral frontal headaches on the Gall-Bladder channel
deriving from Liver-Yang rising.
Used as a local point for eye problems related to the Gall-Bladder and Liver channels.
In the context of the Yang Wei Mai , this is a useful local point for headaches caused
by a pathology of this vessel.
G.B.-13 BENSHEN Mind Root
iv. Comments: G.B.-13 is an important point for mental and emotional problems.
It is very much used for schizophrenia combined with HE-5 Tongli and G.B.-38
Yangfu. It is also used for persistent and unreasonable feelings of jealousy and
suspicion.
Has a powerful effect in calming the Mind and relieving anxiety deriving from
constant worry and fixed thoughts. Best when combined with Du-24 Shenting.
Its deep mental and emotional effect is also due to its action of “gathering” Jing
to the head. Kidney-Jing is the root of our Pre-Heaven Qi and is the foundation
for our mental and emotional life. A strong Jing is the fundamental prerequisite
for a clear Mind (Shen) and a balanced emotional life.
This is the meaning of this point's name “Root of the Mind”, i.e. this point
gathers Jing which is the root of the Mind (Shen). The Kidney-Jing is the
source of Marrow which fills up the Brain (called Sea of Marrow): G.B.-13 is a
point where Jing and Marrow “gather”.
Nourishes Jing (with other points), attracts Jing towards the head with the
effect of calming the Mind and strengthening clarity of mind, memory and will
power.
Tongue
KIDNEY
DIVERGENT
CHANNEL
BLADDER
DU MAI MUSCLE REN MAI
CHANNEL
EXTERNAL INTERNAL
MALLEOLUS MALLEOLUS
YANG WEI MAI YIN WEI MAI
Yang Wei Mai meets Du Mai at Du-16
Yin Wei Mai meets Ren Mai at Ren-23
.
Hence both Yin and
Du-16
Root of tongue Yang Wei have “loss of
Meets Du Mai voice”
. Ren-23
Meets Ren Mai
KI DIVERGENT
BL MUSCLE CH YIN WEI MAI
YANG WEI MAI
YIN AND YANG WEI MAI COMBINED PATHOLOGY
There is a great deal of symmetry between the Yin and Yang Wei Mai as follows:
1. The Yang Wei Mai links all the Yang channels; the Yin Wei Mai all the Yin
channels
2. The Yang Wei Mai starts on the outer aspect of the lower leg “where the three
Yang channels meet”; the Yin Wei Mai starts on the inner aspect of the lower leg
“where the three Yin channels meet”
3. The Yang Wei Mai controls the Exterior of the body; the Yin Wei Mai controls
the Interior of the body
4. The Yang Wei Mai controls the Wei Qi; the Yin Wei Mai controls the Ying Qi.
The Yin and Yang Wei Mai link all the Yin and Yang channels respectively.
“Linking” implies a function of balancing, equalizing the flow of Qi among the
Yin and Yang channels respectively.
Mai Jing:
“The Yang and the Yin Wei Mai link and connect all parts of the body; they collect
the overflowing Qi which can no longer circulate in and irrigate the channels.”
Although there is considerable symmetry between the Yin and Yang Wei Mai ,
they do not come together in the top part of the body in the same way as the two
Yin and Yang Qiao Mai do. In fact, the Yin and Yang Wei Mai remain quite
separate throughout their pathways because one flows with the Yang channels and
controls the Exterior, while the other flows with the Yin channels and controls the
Interior.
According to the indications reported in the classics, the Yin and Yang Wei Mai
have three areas of common pathology, i.e.:
Loss of voice
1. PATHWAYS
The pathways of the Yin and Yang Wei Mai are separate and in many ways
opposite to one another but with a certain symmetry between them.
The Yang Wei Mai starts on the outer aspect of the lower leg “where the Yang
channels intersect”; the Yin Wei Mai starts on the inner aspect of the lower leg
“where the Yin channels intersect”.
The Yang Wei Mai flows up the lateral aspect of the body, neck and head mostly
along the Gall-Bladder channel. The Yin Wei Mai flows up the front of the body,
to the throat area.
2. FUNCTIONS
The Yin and Yang Wei Mai link all the Yin and Yang channels respectively.
“Linking” the channels should be distinguished from “governing” the channels
(as the Governing and Ren Mai do for the Yang and Yin channels respectively)
and from “absorbing” Qi from the Yin and Yang channels (as the Yin and Yang
Qiao Mai do respectively).
Therefore, the Yin and Yang Wei Mai do not tonify Yin and Yang in the way
that the Governing and Ren Mai can do, nor do they absorb Excesses of Yin
and Yang as the Yin and Yang Qiao Mai do.
“Linking” of Yin and Yang implies, amongst others, facilitating the communication
among Yin and among Yang channels respectively to remove obstructions. For
example, one of the main pathologies of the Yin Wei Mai is chest pain from
stagnation in this area; one of the main pathologies of the Yang Wei Mai is expelling
Wind from the Yang channels in the neck and head and also treating headaches.
“Linking” of Yin and Yang implies, amongst others, facilitating the communication
among Yin and among Yang channels respectively to remove obstructions. For
example, one of the main pathologies of the Yin Wei Mai is chest pain from
stagnation in this area; one of the main pathologies of the Yang Wei Mai is expelling
Wind from the Yang channels in the neck and head and also treating headaches.
When the Yin and Yang Wei Mai are balanced and communicate with each other,
Wei Qi and Ying Qi are properly harmonized: in such a case, the space between the
skin and muscles is properly regulated and in the right state of consolidation, i.e. not
too “open” (Excess of Yin) or too “tight, closed” (Excess of Yang). This ensures
that the patient has a good resistance against invasion of exterior pathogenic factors.
When the Yang Wei Mai is in a weak state, the space between the skin and muscles
is too open and therefore vulnerable to invasions of exterior pathogenic factors.
When the Yang Wei Mai is in a Full state, the space between the skin and muscles
is too tight and, when there is an invasion of a pathogenic factor, the patient will
have a high fever.
Wei Qi circulates in the space between skin and muscles but it also relies on the
nourishment from Ying Qi: therefore, Ying Qi too, plays a role in the defence from
exterior pathogenic factors. When Wei and Ying Qi are not harmonized, or more
specifically, when Ying Qi is deficient in relation to Wei Qi, the space between the
skin and muscles is not properly regulated and there is spontaneous sweating.
Citing Zhang Jie Gu, Li Shi Zhen says:
“Wei Qi is Yang and is on the Exterior, when the Yang Wei Mai is invaded by
pathogenic factors the disease is on the Exterior and there is alternation of feeling
of cold and feeling of heat with irritability. Ying Qi is Yin and is in the Interior,
when the Yin Wei Mai is attacked by pathogenic factors the disease is in the Interior
and there is heart pain with depression when Yin and Yang are mutually linked, the
Ying and Wei Qi are harmonized.
When Ying and Wei Qi are not harmonized there is pensiveness, obsession, loss of
will power and lack of self-control. When there is spontaneous sweating it indicates
that the Ying and Wei Qi are not harmonized in which case use Gui Zhi Tang
Ramulus Cinnamomi Decoction.”
“The Yang Wei Mai links all the Yang, the Yin Wei Mai links all the Yin.
When Yin and Yang cannot link with each other, there will be
pensiveness, obsession, loss of will power and lack of self-control.”
“Wei Qi is Yang and is on the Exterior, when the Yang Wei Mai is
invaded by pathogenic factors the disease is on the Exterior and there
is...irritability. Ying Qi is Yin and is in the Interior, when the Yin Wei
Mai is attacked by pathogenic factors the disease is in the Interior and
there is heart pain with depression.
When Yin and Yang are mutually linked, the Ying and Wei Qi are
harmonized. When Ying and Wei Qi are not harmonized there is
pensiveness, obsession, loss of will power and lack of self-control.”
Therefore, when the Yin and Yang Wei Mai are not harmonized with each
other, the person feels sorry, thinks too much, is depressed, may have
obsessive thoughts, loss of will-power and lack of self-control.
In cases of depression, I use the opening and coupled points of the Yin Wei
Mai (P-6 Neiguan and SP-4 Gongsun) together with Ren-15 Jiuwei, Du-20
Baihui, ST-36 Zusanli and KI-9 Zhubin.
In cases of anxiety, I use P-6 Neiguan and SP-4 Gongsun together with Ren-
15 Jiuwei, Du-24 Shenting, L.I.-4 Hegu (on the side opposite to that of P-6),
LIV-3 Taichong (on the side opposite to that of SP-4) and KI-9 Zhubin.
5. YANG AND YIN WEI MAI INFLUENCE HEAD AND ABDOMEN
Wei Qi is Yang and controls the Exterior, the Yang Wei Mai unites the
three Yang channels at the level of the head, when pathogenic factors enter
this vessel there is alternation of hot and cold feeling and headache. This
explains the use of T.B.-5 Waiguan both for invasions of Wind and for
headache.
Ying Qi is Yin and controls the Interior, the Yin Wei Mai unites the three
Yin channels at the level of the chest; dysfunction or invasion of
pathogenic factors cause chest pain.
YIN AND YANG WEI MAI COMBINED PATHOLOGY
The Yang and Yin Wei Mai link all the Yang and Yin channels and when they are
overfull one cannot turn the waist.
b) Yang and Yin Wei Mai influence head and abdomen respectively
Wei Qi is Yang and controls the Exterior, the Yang Wei Mai unites the three Yang
channels at the level of the head, when pathogenic factors enter this vessel there is
alternation of hot and cold feeling and headache. This explains the use of T.B.-5
Waiguan both for invasions of Wind and for headache.
Ying Qi is Yin and controls the Interior, the Yin Wei Mai unites the three Yin
channels at the level of the abdomen; dysfunction or invasion of pathogenic factors
cause abdominal and chest pain.
When Yin and Yang link up, Ying and Wei Qi are harmonized: when these are not
harmonized the person feels sorry, thinks too much, is depressed, may have obsessive
thoughts, loss of will-power and lack of self-control.
Citing Zhang Jie Gu, Li Shi Zhen says:
“Wei Qi is Yang and is on the Exterior, when the Yang Wei Mai is invaded by
pathogenic factors the disease is on the Exterior and there is alternation of
feeling of cold and feeling of heat with irritability. Ying Qi is Yin and is in the
Interior, when the Yin Wei Mai is attacked by pathogenic factors the disease is
in the Interior and there is heart pain with depression.
When Yin and Yang are mutually linked, the Ying and Wei Qi are harmonized.
When Ying and Wei Qi are not harmonized there is pensiveness, obsession,
loss of will power and lack of self-control. When there is spontaneous
sweating it indicates that the Ying and Wei Qi are not harmonized in which
case use Gui Zhi Tang Ramulus Cinnamomi Decoction.”
In sweating from Wei Qi not being harmonized with the Ying Qi use Du-16
Fengfu and G.B.-20 Fengchi. Needle these two needles first to release the
Exterior (sweating, headache, Floating pulse). This approach can also be
used for "chronic Wind" in the muscles of Tai Yang and Shao Yang areas
causing muscle ache and stiffness.
d) Disharmony of Yin and Yang Wei affects the Shen and causes depression
Li Shi Zhen:
“When the Yin and Yang Wei Vessels are out of harmony and not linking
with each other, the person becomes depressed and mentally disturbed (shi
zhi 失 志 ) and loses control of his body”
“When a person is depressed he becomes anxious and the [Yin] Wei Mai
becomes slack and the person cannot control his body; the anxiety causes
him mental disturbance and bewilderment [huang hu 恍 惚 )”.
Loss of voice may results from a pathology of the Yin or Yang Wei Mai
because the former goes to Ren-23 and the latter goes to Du-16 but they
communicate through the Du and Ren Mai.
DAI MAI
带 脉
It is closely related to the Liver and Gall Bladder and it connects with
the Kidney divergent channel at BL-23 Shenshu. Because of this, the
Dai Mai "guides and supports" the Qi of the uterus and the Jing.
Because the Dai Mai connects with LIV-13 (Spleen) and BL-23
(Kidneys), it connects the Post-Heaven with the Pre-Heaven Qi (in a
similar way as the Chong Mai).
Thus, the Dai Mai vessel interrelates with and restrains the Liver's smooth
flow of Qi (through LIV-13), and harmonizes the ascending and
descending of Spleen and Kidneys.
Hence it influences:
All these functions rely on the Dai Mai being "relaxed and stretched".
PATHWAY
Nan Jing
Li Shi Zhen
“The Kidney Divergent channel goes behind the knee and it connects
with the Bladder channel. It then goes up to the kidneys area level with
the 14th vertebra where it exits into the Dai Mai.”
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
“Headache, swelling from occiput to chin, red and swollen eyes with
dizziness.”
For such conditions, I use the opening and coupled points of the
Dai Mai (G.B.-41 Zulinqi and T.B.-5 Waiguan).
b) The Dai Mai treats pathological conditions of the lower abdomen,
characterized by a feeling of distension and/or fullness. Often chosen
when both Middle positions of the pulse are Full and Wiry. Moxa on
LIV-13 Zhangmen is often used.
For such conditions, I use the opening and coupled points of the
Dai Mai (G.B.-41 Zulinqi and T.B.-5 Waiguan) together with
LIV-13 Zhangmen.
2) RESOLVE DAMPNESS IN THE LOWER BURNER
The Dai Mai is like a belt encircling the leg channels in the abdomen and
back: the tension of this belt regulates the circulation of Qi to and from
the legs. Dampness may arise from a dysfunction of the Dai Mai.
This may happen in Full conditions (when the belt is too “tight”) and
there is stagnation in the leg channels leading to Dampness.
To treat the genitals with the Dai Mai I would use the opening and
coupled points of the Dai Mai (G.B.-41 Zulinqi and T.B.-5
Waiguan) together with G.B.-26 Daimai, Ren-3 Zhongji, ST-28
Shuidao, SP-9 Yinlingquan, Ren-5 Shimen, LIV-5 Ligou.
3) REGULATE CIRCULATION OF QI IN THE LEGS
The Dai Mai encircles the leg channels and it affects their circulation.
Disorders of this channel can therefore impair the circulation of Qi in the
leg channels, resulting in such symptoms as:
purple feet
The Dai Mai affects the circulation of Qi in all leg channels, but the Stomach
channel is the most important one for Qi circulation in the legs and it is the
one that most needs to be treated in multiple sclerosis.
Atrophy Syndrome and the influence of the Dai Mai and Stomach channel
in this disease are discussed in chapter 44 of the “Su Wen”. This chapter
makes some important statements with regard to the relationship between
the Ancestral Muscle (Zong Jin), the Stomach channel, the Chong Mai, the
Du Mai and the Dai Mai.
Su Wen, chapter 44
"The Chong Mai is the Sea of the 12 channels and it moistens the
valleys. This vessel meets the Yang Ming [Stomach channel] at the Zong
Jin [Ancestral Muscle]. Yin and Yang meet at ST-30 Qichong which is
connected with the Zong Jin. The Stomach channel can control the
Chong Mai and the Zong Jin. All these belong to the Dai Mai: this
vessel goes horizontally around the Du Mai, so when Yang Ming is
empty, the Zong Jin become weak, the Dai Mai fails to tighten them, the
legs become weak and there may be paralysis. We have to treat the
Stomach channel."
Therefore, the Ancestral Muscle and the point ST-30 Qichong are strategic
intersections of the Chong Mai, the Du Mai and the Dai Mai.
Dai Mai
Chong Mai
1. The Chong Mai emerges from the point ST-30 and controls the Ancestral Muscle,
not only the rectus abdominis but also the erector spinae through its spinal branch.
2. The Du Mai flows in between the Ancestral Muscle of the back (erector spinae) and
is encircled by the Dai Mai.
3. The Dai Mai encircles the Du Mai in the back and the Chong Mai and Stomach
channel in the front.
Su Wen
"The Chong Mai is the Sea of the 12 channels, it irrigates the rivers and
valleys [i.e. channels and muscles] and it meets with the Yang Ming at
the Ancestral Muscle, Yin and Yang channels meet here and converge at
ST-30 Qichong which is on the Yang Ming. The Dai Mai and Du Mai
also converge at this point. Thus when the Yang Ming is deficient the
Ancestral Muscle is weakened, the Dai Mai does not fasten and Atrophy
Syndrome results."
"The Yang Ming is the Sea of the 5 Yin and 6 Yang organs, it irrigates the
Ancestral Muscle which runs to the pubic bone and up the spine in the
back."
To sum up, reinforcing the Dai Mai and the point ST-30 Qichong will
promote the circulation of Qi in the Stomach channel downwards to the
legs and upwards to the sinews and ligaments alongside the spine.
In order to treat this type of abdominal pain, I use the opening and coupled
points of the Dai Mai (G.B.-41 and T.B.-5) together with G.B.-26 Daimai
and BL-23 Shenshu.
"Pulse Classic"
To Ming Men
To thighs
Thus, to summarize:
-paralysis of legs
-Backache
-Abdominal pain and distension
-Cold scrotum
-Irregular periods
-Dysmenorrhoea
-Leukorrhoea
-Paralysis from accident
It is interesting to note that the Dai Mai is in the middle of the body
and its pathology is reflected in the top (headaches), middle
(abdominal pain and leukorrhoea) and lower (cold-purple feet) part of
the body.
Because of the gynaecological sphere of the Dai Mai, some authors say
that the Dai Mai, in Empty conditions, is energetically part of the Ren
Mai, and, in Full conditions, is energetically part of the Chong Mai.
5) THE DAI MAI IN GYNAECOLOGY
In gynaecology, the Dai Mai is closely related to the Ren and Chong
Mai; indeed, some authors say that the Dai Mai Deficiency pathology
is secondary to a Deficiency of the Ren Mai, while its Excess
pathology is secondary to an Excess in the Chong Mai
DAI MAI
Empty Full
The Dai Mai's pathology can be classified as Full or Empty: the Dai Mai is
like a belt encircling the waist:
The Full pathology of the Dai Mai consists in it “not being harmonized”, due to this vessel
being too "tight". The main symptoms are as follows:
To treat a Full pathology of the Dai Mai with Dampness use the opening and
coupled points of the Dai Mai (G.B.-41 and T.B.-5 Waiguan) together with
G.B.-26 Daimai, Ren-3 Zhongji, ST-28 Shuidao and SP-9 Yinlingquan.
b) Empty
The Empty pathology of the Dai Mai is due to Qi deficiency and to this vessel being
too slack. It is related to Kidney and Liver deficiency, the Dai Mai not restraining the
Jing, Spleen-Qi sinking, and the Dai Mai not propping-up the Post-Heaven Qi, so that
Ren, Du and Chong Mai become deficient and sinking.
When the Dai Mai is slack, Qi cannot rise, the organs sag, hernias and prolapses
develop, Atrophy Syndrome (Wei Syndrome) develops and miscarriages and
prolapses may occur.
The foetus depends on the Kidneys and the Ren Mai, but also on the Dai Mai. If
the Dai Mai is slack, Qi cannot rise, the foetus is not stabilized, and the mother
may miscarry.
The Empty condition of the Dai Mai is due to long-term deficiency and sinking of Qi,
Post- and Pre-Natal Qi deficiency, clear Qi descending (rather than ascending), and the
Dai Mai being too slack. The treatment principle is to tonify Pre- and Post-Heaven Qi,
raise the clear Qi, consolidate the Dai Mai.
To treat an Empty condition of the Dai Mai, use the opening and coupled
points of the Dai Mai (G.B.-41 and T.B.-5 Waiguan) together with G.B.-
26 Daimai, Ren-6 Qihai, Du-20 Baihui, BL-20 Pishu and BL-23 Shenshu.
7) THE DAI MAI AND THE HIPS
The Dai Mai flows through the waist and influences the hip. It can
therefore be used for hip pain, particularly when there is a condition
of Dampness in the Lower Burner and the pulse is Wiry on both
Middle positions.
The pulse of the Dai Mai is shaped like a pellet (Wiry) on both Middle
positions.
“If the Middle positions of left and right are Wiry, it indicates [a pathology
of] the Dai Mai.”
LU
SI
SP Wiry
GB
KI
BL
CLASSICAL INDICATIONS
a) PATHOLOGY
Su Wen, chapter 63
Chapter 44
“When Yang Ming is empty, the Ancestral Muscle becomes slack as the
Dai Mai fails to tighten it, the legs [muscles] become weak and
atrophied and there may be paralysis.”
Pulse Classic (Mai Jing, AD 280)
“When the Dai Mai is diseased there is a feeling of fullness in the
abdomen, a feeling of heaviness of the back and a feeling as if
sitting in water.”
“If the pulse is Wiry on both left and right side, it indicates a Dai Mai
pathology with backache and abdominal pain radiating to the leg.”
Numbness of hands and feet (Small Swelling and pain of dorsum of foot (Stomach)
Intestine, Triple Burner)
Swelling and pain of throat (Triple Burner) Toothache (Stomach, Large Intestine)
Tremor of fingers (Liver, Pericardium) Muscle spasm and bone pain (Liver, Stomach)
Swelling and pain of eyes (Liver, Heart) Leg and knees swollen and painful (Stomach, Liver)
Lack of control of four limbs (Gall-Bladder) Wind swelling of head (Bladder)
Pain in cheeks and chin: (Large Intestine) Diarrhoea from invasion of Wind-Cold (Shang
Han) (Bladder)
a) Herbs
Herbs that affect the Dai Mai include those that infuse to the Lower
Burner, consolidate and have an astringing property. Some of the herbs
(such as Sheng Ma Rhizoma Cimicifugae) have an ascending
movement and may be used to treat pathological conditions of the Dai
Mai characterized by the "belt" being too slack and Qi sinking. The
astringing quality of some of these herbs would treat persistent vaginal
discharges which are a major symptom of this vessel.
Long Gu Os Draconis
b) FORMULAE
In case of a Dai Mai disharmony with a prolapsed uterus, one can use Liang
Shou Tang Two Receiving Decoction. This is because tonifying the Du and
Ren Mai to correct a prolapse is not enough, as one must also tonify the
"umbilical area" by tightening the Dai Mai.
For the same purpose one can also use Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Tonifying the
Centre and Benefiting Qi Decoction plus Ba Ji Tian Radix Morindae
officinalis, Du Zhong Cortex Eucommiae ulmoidis, Gou Ji Rhizoma Cibotii
barometz, Xu Duan Radix Dipsaci asperi and Wu Wei Zi Fructus
Schisandrae chinensis to tonify the extraordinary vessels, consolidate the Dai
Mai and raise clear Qi.
The foetus depends on the Kidneys and the Ren Mai, but also on the Dai Mai.
If the Dai Mai is slack, Qi cannot rise, the foetus is not stabilized, and the
mother may miscarry. In such a case, one should tonify the Dai Mai with
Shou Tai Wan Foetus Longevity Pill.
If there is a Dai Mai disharmony with Dampness infusing down to the genital
system one can use Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang Glycyrrhiza-Zingiberis-Poria-
Atractylodes Decoction which warms the Spleen, resolves Dampness, opens
the Dai Mai and strengthens the back.
For backache radiating to the abdomen some doctors use pungent herbs to
scatter and sweet ones to moderate urgency such as Yan Hu Suo Rhizoma
Corydalis yanhusuo, Dang Gui Radix Angelicae sinensis, Sang Ji Sheng
Ramulus Sangjisheng, Gou Qi Zi Fructus Lycii chinensis and Xiao Hui
Xiang Fructus Foeniculi vulgaris. Dang Gui enters both the Chong and
Dai Mai.
Dang Gui Shao Yao San Angelica-Paeonia Powder treats the Dai Mai, for
such symptoms as abdominal pain, irregular periods, oedema and
leucorrhoea. It contains a high proportion of Bai Shao, which treats
abdominal pain from the Dai Mai disorder, and Chuan Xiong, which moves
Qi of the Chong Mai.