5 The Eight Extraordinary Vessels (qi jing ba mai) with PointsMeeting Points of other channels with the
ren maivessels with their own specific points – all other extraordinary
vessels can only be accessed through points on the primary
channels. For this reason the ren maiand the du maitogether
with the primary channels are often categorised as 14 channels.
However, from the point of view of channel energetics this is not
correct, since the extraordinarily vessels occupy a special posi-
tion, both evolutionary as well as functionally (➞1.7).
The pathway of the ren mai, like that of the du mai, is limited to
the torso and the head. While it does not course along the extrem-
ities and does not have any points on the limbs (neither general
points nor specific points such as the five shu-transporting points,
yuan-source point, etc.) it does have an opening point (or Master
point) (➞8.1.8). The ren maiis also referred to as the Sea of Yin
and governs the Yin in the whole body. Along its pathway are
located the anterior aspects of the energy centres (or chakras
according to Yogi tradition). Daoist tradition describes three
energy centres, the three cinnabar fields (dantian) on the anterior
aspect of the body, which play an important role in Qigongprac-
tice as centres where the Qi pools and originates. While all three
centres are located on the pathway of the ren mai, they do not cor-
respond to specific points but rather to certain areas.
The ren mairuns along the Yin side of the body. It contains not
only several Front-mu points acting directly on the zangfu-
Organs, but also multiple meeting points with other channels.
This clearly denotes the outstanding importance of the ren mai.Specific points according to their function
● Yuan-Source point (➞8.1.1): –
● Luo-Connecting point (➞8.1.2.): Ren-15(jiuwei) ■■
● Xi-Cleft point (➞8.1.3): –
● Associated Back-shupoint (➞8.1.4): –
● Associated Front-mupoint (➞8.1.5): –
● Five shu-transporting points (➞8.1.6): –
● Hui-meeting point (➞8.1.7)- of the Qi:Ren-17(danzhong) ■■
- of the fu-Organs: Ren-12(zhongwan) ■■
● Pertaining opening point (➞8.1.8): LU-7(lieque)
● Pertaining coupled point (➞8.1.8): KID-6(zhaohai)
● Lower he-Sea point (➞8.1.9): –
● Jiaohui-meeting points (➞8.1.10): - with the chong maiand the du mai: Ren-1(huiyin)
- with the LIV channel: Ren-2(qugu) ■■
- with the SP, LIV, KID channels: Ren-3(zhongji) ■■,
Ren-4(guanyuan) ■■ - with the chong maiand the KID channel*: Ren-7(yinjiao)
- with the SP and ST* channels: Ren-10(xiawan)
- with the S.I., T.B.* and ST channels: Ren-12(zhongwan) ■■
- with the ST and S.I. channels: Ren-13(shangwan)
- with the SP, KID, S.I. and T.B. channels: Ren-17
(danzhong) ■■ - with the yin wei mai: Ren-22(tiantu) ■■, Ren-23(lianquan)
Du-28Du-28(yinjiao): On the inside of the upper lip, at the junction
of the frenulum and the upper gumST-1
(below the pupil)Orbital
marginST-1(chengqi): With the eyes looking straight ahead, directly
below the centre of the pupil, between the eyeball and the
infraorbital ridgeDu-1AnusDu-1(changqiang): On the midline, midway between the tip of
the coccyx and the anusConnections with other channels and organ
systems
● Du mai, chong mai, Kidney and Stomach primary channels
● Uterus, KidneyClinical importance (➞1.7.2, 1.7.3)
● Sea of the Yin Qi, regulates and circulates the Yin Qi (including
the Blood, Essence (jing) and body fluids) in order to nourish
and moisten the body
● Connects all Yin channels, especially those of the lower
abdomen
● Controls the anterior thoracic region and the abdomen
● Close relationship to the functions of the abdominal organs,
particularly the Kidney, Bladder, Uterus and Lung
● Regulates reproduction
● Stores the Essence Qi (jing qi) overflowing from the Yin
channels
● Absorbs excess from the Yin channels, especially stagnant Qi
and BloodNotes about the ren mai
Both the ren maiand du maihave a unique position among the
eight extraordinary vessels. They are the only two extraordinary * Mentioned by only some authorsCh05a-F10028.qxd 2/22/08 9:43 PM Page 468