Overview and structure of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians

The eight extra meridians are the eight important meridians in the meridian system of traditional Chinese medicine that are independent of the twelve main meridians, includingDu meridian, Ren meridian, Chong meridian, Dai meridian, Yinwei meridian, Yangwei meridian, Yinqiao meridian, Yangqiao meridian. Their main function is to regulate qi and blood, connect with the twelve meridians, and play a key role in the accumulation and balance of qi and blood. Among them, the Du Vessel governs the yang energy of the body, the Ren Vessel governs the yin blood of the body, the Chong Vessel is the "sea of ​​blood", which restrains the longitudinal meridians, and the remaining four meridians coordinate the yin and yang and body movements. Its specific functions and clinical significance will be described below.

Du Meridian and Ren Meridian: The General Principle of Yin and Yang

The Du Vein runs in the middle of the back and governs the Yang meridians throughout the body. It is called the "Sea of Yang Veins" and is closely related to the brain and spinal cord. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that its function directly affects a person's mental state and immunity. The Ren meridian runs along the midline of the abdomen and governs fetal and yin blood. It is known as the "sea of ​​yin meridians" and is related to reproductive and endocrine functions. Acupuncture or massage to regulate these two channels is often used to treat spinal disorders, gynecological conditions, and symptoms of yang/yin deficiency. Zhang Jingyue, a physician in the Ming Dynasty, emphasized in "Lei Jing": "The two meridians of Ren and Du are the foundation of yin and yang in the human body."

Chongmai and Daimai: the key to Qi, blood and restraint

Chong meridians originate from the cells and run through the whole body. They can regulate the qi and blood of the twelve meridians, so they are called the "sea of the twelve meridians". Women's irregular menstruation and insufficient qi and blood are often related to this. The belt meridians wrap around the waist and bind other meridians like a belt. If the function is dysfunctional, it may lead to loose waist and abdomen and gynecological leucorrhea. "Difficult Classic" records: "A strong pulse is a disease, and the inverse qi is urgent; a weak pulse is a disease, and the abdomen is full and the waist is dissolving like sitting in water." Modern Chinese medicine commonly uses moxibustion or acupoint application (such as Sanyinjiao and Daimai points) to improve related problems.

Weimai and Qiaomai: Balancing Yin and Yang and Movement

The Yinwei Meridian and Yangwei Meridian maintain the Yin and Yang Meridians respectively, coordinating the balance of internal and external qi and blood; the Yinwei Meridian and Yangwei Meridian govern lower limb movement and sleep. If the Wei pulse is imbalanced, it is easy to have mixed cold and heat or mood swings; abnormal Qiao pulse may lead to insomnia or limb weakness. Li Dongyuan, a famous doctor in the Jin Dynasty, mentioned in "Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach": "The Qi Qiao pulse is a disease, and the eyes cannot be seen." Acupuncture points such as Shen pulse and Zhaohai are commonly used in clinical practice to regulate related symptoms.

Modern application and summary of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians

The theory of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians is widely used in acupuncture, massage and traditional Chinese medicine conditioning, such asTongrentangAngong Niuhuang Pills (for Du Vein Closure Syndrome),GuangyuyuanDingkun Dan (regulates the Ren Chong two meridians), etc. Modern research has also found that stimulating these meridians can improve neuro-endocrine function. Although the eight extraordinary meridians are not directly subordinate to the zang-fu organs, they are the core expression of the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine. Their conditioning must be combined with the individual's constitution to avoid blind operations.

Quote sources:

1. "Huangdi Neijing·Suwen" - laying the theoretical foundation for the eight extraordinary meridians
2. "Difficulties Sutra·Twenty-eight Difficulties" - Detailed description of the pathology of the second pulse of the Opulence Belt
3. Zhang Jingyue's "Lei Jing" - Explanation of the functions of the two meridians of Ren and Du
4. Li Dongyuan's "Spleen and Stomach Theory" - analysis of the relationship between Qiao pulse and sleep
5. Manufacturer product reference: Tongrentang (Angong Niuhuang Pills), Guangyuyuan (Dingkun Dan)