Gui Ban nourishes the Directing Vessel and is particularly used in women, in combination with
Lu Jiao or Lu Jiao Jiao, to strengthen both Governing and Directing Vessels. With acupuncture
in women, this is achieved by using the opening and secondary points of both the Governing and
Directing Vessels. Thus, in a woman, one would needle S.I.-3 Houxi on the right, BL-62
Shenmai on the left, LU-7 Lieque on the left and KI-6 Zhaohai on the right in this order.
Li Shi Zhen indicates the following herbs for the Governing Vessel:
Rou Gui Cortex Cinnamomi cassiae
Gui Zhi Ramulus Cinnamomi cassiae
Fu Zi Radix Aconiti carmichaeli praeparata
Du Huo Radix Angelicae pubescentis
Qiang Huo Radix et Rhizoma Notopterygii
Fang Feng Radix Ledebouriellae sesloidis
Jing Jie Herba seu Flos Schizonepetae tenuifoliae
Xi Xin Herba Asari cum radice
Gao Ben Rhizoma et Radix Ligustici Sinensis
Cang Er Zi Fructus Xanthii 4(144)The first three herbs tonify the Original Qi, from which the Governing Vessel originates, and
strengthen the Fire of the Gate of Vitality. Du Huo strengthens the back and expels Wind-Damp
from the lower back. All the other herbs affect the Governing Vessel in its upper part along the
nose. In fact all these herbs expel Wind from the nose and restore the dispersing of Lung-Qi.
Deficiency of Lung and Kidney's Defensive-Qi Systems and the Governing Vessel
Clinical Manifestations
Pale complexion, weak back, propensity to catching colds, Pale tongue, Weak-Deep pulse.
Treatment Principle
Tonify the Lung and Kidney's Defensive-Qi systems and strengthen the Governing Vessel.
Acupuncture
General Prescription
Du-4 Mingmen, Ren-4 Guanyuan with moxa, BL-23 Shenshu, KI-3 Taixi, BL-13 Feishu, Du-12
Shenzhu, Du-24 Shenting, Du-23 Shangxing, G.B.-20 Fengchi, Du-14 Dazhui with moxa, S.I.-3
Houxi and BL-62 Shenmai (in women combined with LU-7 Lieque and KI-6 Zhaohai).
Reinforcing method, except on the head points which should be needled with even method.