Atlas of Acupuncture

1.1 Introduction

Channel systems

Each primary channel, together with its pertaining ‘secondary

channels’, forms a complex, multi-layered organisational unit, a

‘system’. These systems comprise the various relationships and

connections among each other as well as with the eight extraordi-

nary vessels (➞1.7, ➞Chapter 5). They support the harmonious

regulation within the body. There are 12 channel systems (hand

taiyin, hand yangming, etc.), each of which includes the following:

● a primary channel(jing zheng) (➞1.2) with an external and

internal pathway, which enters its pertaining zangfu-Organ

● a divergent channel(jing bie) (➞1.3)

● a sinew channel(jing jin) (➞1.4)

● a great luo-connecting vessel(luo mai) (➞1.5).

In turn, the cutaneous zones(pi bu) (➞1.6) wrap around the

whole channel system.

1.1.4 Qi Circulation and the Channel

System

What moves with and within the channels?

The channel system represents the ‘pathway of the Qi’. In

acupuncture many schools of thought work with the True Qi

(zhen qi), which, according to Maciocia (1989), represents the

final stage of a process of Qi refinement and transformation: the

Gathering Qi (zong qi), acted upon by the Original Qi (yuan qi)

as a catalyst, becomes True Qi (zhen qi), which manifests in its

two aspects, the Defensive Qi (wei qi) and the Nutritive Qi (ying

qi). According to Larre and Rochat de la Vallée (1986), the True

Qi is regarded as the sum of all Qi mechanisms and/or forms

of Qiin the body. In other words: if there is a balanced and har-

monious flow in the channels, this can be called True Qi (zhen

qi). It means that which circulates in the ‘here and now’. The

sum total of all forms of Qi in their correct alignment is called

Upright Qi (zheng qi) and forms the counterpart to Evil Qi (xie

qi), for example to pathogenic factors or counterflow Qi.

Forms of Qi

Essence (Qi) (jing qi)

The Essence (Qi) acts within the organism and, according to

some authors, to some extent also in the extraordinary vessels

(➞1.7). It represents the combination of Early Heaven Essence

inherited from the parents, which, according to many schools of

thought, is stored in the Kidneys and has a relationship to the

Life Gate (mingmen), and the Later Heaven Essence of the

Middle Burner. They support and complement each other.

Original Qi (yuan qi)

The Original Qi (yuan qi) is often described as the active form

of Essence (jing), circulating in the channels and spreading to

the whole organism with the help of the Triple Burner. Like a

catalyst, it is the dynamic driving force which wakens and sus-

tains the functional activity of all organs and structures. It has a

pre- and a postnatal component. Therefore its proper functioning

is dependent on the supply of acquired Qi derived from water

and food supplied by the Middle Burner. The Original Qi can be

directly accessed and influenced at the yuan-source points

(➞ 8.1.1) or at the points Ren-17 (danzhong/shanzhong),

Ren-12(zhongwan) and Ren-6(qihai).

Gathering Qi (zong qi)

According to Larre and Rochat de la Vallée (1986), the Gather-

ing Qi (zong qi) is formed in the centre of the thorax when the

essences derived from respiration (Great Qi, da qi) meet with the

food (shui gu, from Grain Qi (gu qi) and water) and are set in

motion through ancestral mechanisms by the first postnatal

breath. Like an ‘engine’, it dictates the rhythm and circulation, it

controls respiration and it regulates the heartbeat. It does not cir-

culate itself, but is like a ‘Sea of Qi’ that ‘collects’ in the centre

of the thorax behind Ren-17(danzhong/shanzhong). This sea

contains the water from all the rivers (e.g. the vessels), resem-

bling an inexhaustible reservoir that does not overflow but redis-

tributes all its water supplies.

Defensive Qi (wei qi)

The wei qiis the body’s Defensive Qi. Thus it defends the body

at the level of the skin, the fascia and the muscles. In relation to

the Nutritive Qi (Ying qi), it is a more slippery and less pure form

of Qi that moves dynamically and quickly through the body like

a guard. Its root lies in the Lower Burner, where it is produced

by the mingmen-Fire (Life Gate fire), so that it has a consider-

able genetic or constitutional component. Essence (jing) and

Original Qi (yuan qi), which are stored in the Lower Burner

(according to many schools in the Kidneys), are involved in the

formation of Defensive Qi (wei qi), therefore also playing a role

in the defence against Exterior pathogens. Additionally, the wei

qiis constantly being replenished with pure essence, formed

from food by the Spleen and Stomach in the Middle Burner. It

is dispersed throughout the body by the Upper Burner. Proper

functioning of the wei qitherefore depends on all three Burners.

Nutritive Qi (ying qi)

The Nutritive Qi (ying qi) is the result of a purification and/or

distillation process of pure, clear origin. Compared to Defensive

Qi (wei qi), it is more Yin in nature. It nourishesthe whole body

and is its ‘building substance’, thus often translated as ‘con-

structive Qi’ or ‘building energy’.

Circulation of Defensive Qi (wei qi) and

Nutritive Qi (ying qi)

Circulation of Defensive Qi (wei qi)

In chapter 43 of the Su Wenthe wei qiis described as flowing

‘outside of the mai’ (the channels and vessels). However, it cir-

culates in part along the channel pathways, moving in the space

between the skin and the muscles – the cou li.

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