Atlas of Acupuncture

1 Jing luo(Channel and Network Vessel System)

1.7.4 Pairing and Special

Functions

The eight extraordinary vessels can be paired in several ways

(➞Fig. 1.31):

● The central vessels and the peripheral vessels can be coupled

to form Yin/Yang pairs

● Or a central vessel can be paired with a peripheral vessel.

These pairs support particular regions and are very important

in acupuncture therapy (:Opening points 8.1.8).

b

Yin vessels Yang vessels

a

Centre

dai mai

ren mai

du mai

ren mai

du mai

chong

mai

dai mai

yang qiao mai

yin qiao mai

yin wei mai

yang wei mai

Periphery periphery (Yin–Yang)

Centre periphery (Yin–Yin, Yang–Yang)

Centre centre (Yin–Yang)

Fig. 1.31 Pairing of the extraordinary vessels (b, graphic

overview modified according to Pirog 1996)

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