5 The Eight Extraordinary Vessels (qi jing ba mai) with PointsLocation
On the posterior midline, below the spinous process of the 2nd
lumbar vertebra (L2).How to find
For orientation in the lumbar region (➞3.4.3), first, locate the
Tuffier’s line by placing both hands directly superior and lateral
to the two highest points on the iliac crest, joining the thumbs on
the midline. The line will generally intersect with the spinous
process of L4. (Note: Orientation on the lumbar region depends
on the patient’s position; for more detail on differential orienta-
tion ➞3.4). From there, count up to the spinous process of L2
and locate Du-4on the midline, below the spinous process.
Located on the same level are a point of ➞Ex-B-2/BL-23/
BL-52(0.5/1.5/3 cun lateral to the midline).Needling
0.5–1 cun vertically to slightly obliquely in an inferior direction,
with the patient’s back straight or flexed. The spinal cord gener-
ally ends between the 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebrae; still, there is
hardly any mention in the literature of spinal punctures with
deep needling and/or insertions in a superior direction.Actions/Indications
● Tonifies Kidney Yang (especially with moxibustion), warms
the mingmen, strengthens the Kidneys, regulates the du mai,
benefits the lumbar region
● Pacifies Wind in the du maiSpecial features
Major point for tonifying Yang, especially Kidney YangDu-4 Gate of Life MINGMEN
BL-23BL-22
Level of theiliac crests BL-24Spinous process L1
Spinous process L2
Spinous process L3
Spinous process L4BL-52MScSpinous process L3Spinous process L2Spinous process L1Spinous process L3Spinous process L2Spinous process L1Ex-B-2
(parts)Du-4
Level of the
iliac crests
Spinous
process L4
(dependent on
patient position)Spinous process L2
Spinous process L3
Spinous
process L4Level of L4Level of the iliac crests20232564Ex-B-6^3524911
12
1
2
3
4
5
Ex-B-8Ex-B-4Ex-B-5 Ex-B-5
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