Atlas of Acupuncture

1 Jing luo(Channel and Network Vessel System)

1.6 Cutaneous Regions (pi bu)

Characteristics

The cutaneous regions form the most superficial aspect or outer

cover of the primary channel system (pi
skin). According to

Ramakers (course material, 2003), they can be compared to a

‘big bag that holds everything together’ and – besides the extra-

ordinary vessels – they represent the oldest tissue in the body,

which developed from the ectoderm. The cutaneous zones are not

channels per se, but rather areas of skin connected to and cover-

ing the network of superficial channels and vessels. They are

named after the six great channels (liu jing➞1.2.3) (Fig. 1.28).

zones can serve as a diagnostic tool for skin disorders or pain,

specifically for chronic pain. Treatment techniques include

superficial needling, plum blossom needling, cupping, massage,

and gua sha(Chinese scraping technique). The author had good

results in the treatment of chronic pain with the somatopic

wrist/ankle acupuncture developed by Dr Zhang Xin Shu

(➞JCM, No. 37,11/1991, ➞Focks and Hillenbrand 2003). The

strictly subcutaneous needling used in this technique influences,

of course, the cutaneous zones.

1.7 The Eight Extraordinary

Vessels (qi jing ba mai)

Synonyms: Extraordinary meridians, Wondrous meridians

Meaning of qi jing ba mai:

Qi: extraordinary, strange, not paired, miraculous, wonderful

Jing: channels, meridians

Ba: eight (first differentiation)

Mai: vessels

The eight extraordinary vessels are not channels such as the jing

mai, but they are – as the name implies – extraordinary. While

they are often mentioned together with the primary channels

(jing mai➞Fig. 1.3), they still play a special role.

1.7.1 Theories about the Origin of the

Extraordinary Vessels

The eight extraordinary vessels are often considered to be the

deepest and most original structures of the body and channel

system, developing very early on during the embryonic phase.

They are considered to ‘cover all of human activity’ (Larre et al

1986). They also initiate all secondary functions and always

remain operative. Therefore, their pathologies manifest with

complex symptoms and include pre- and postnatal Essence

problems. The Nanjing(Unschuld’s translation, 1986) is the first

to describe the extraordinary vessels as a complete system. Ear-

lier records only mention them individually in the context of

their respective functions.

Origins of the extraordinary vessels

In order for the manifestations of life to develop, the body

requires structures that keep the rhythm of the Qi and its related

processes in harmony and balance. The Nanjingintroduces the

concept of an energetic centre in the human body, the ‘moving

Qi between the Kidneys’, which is often seen as connected with

the mingmenand qihai dantianand is subject to the influences

of the cosmic as well as of the prenatal and postnatal Qi.

taiyang

shaoyang

yangming

taiyin

jueyin

shaoyin

Functions

The cutaneous zones circulate Blood and Qi, especially Defen-

sive Qi (wei qi), to the surface of the body and regulate the skin

and pores, thus strengthening the body’s defences. Proper func-

tioning depends on the Lung Qi, which governs the skin, and the

Defensive Qi (wei qi) (➞1.1.4). Pathogenic factors can enter

and exit the body through the cutaneous zones.

Clinical importance

Disorders of the primary channels and their pertaining zangfu-

Organs may be reflected on the outside of the body by the cuta-

neous zones, for example pathological skin sensations, lesions

or discolorations may occur. A bluish-greenish discoloration

may indicate pain or obstructions, a reddish colour Heat and a

pale-whitish colour deficiency or Cold. Therefore, the cutaneous

Fig. 1.28 Cutaneous zones (anterior and posterior aspect)

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