Pathways of Extraordinary Channels

Vocabulary flashcards covering the six extraordinary channels (Chong Mai, Dai Mai, Yang Qiao Mai, Yin Qiao Mai, Yang Wei Mai, Yin Wei Mai) as described in Zhiyi Qian’s acupuncture notes.

Chong Mai / Penetrating Vessel

Originates in the lower abdomen (uterus in women); emerges at the perineum; has multiple branches: one ascends the spine and connects with the Kidney channel at KI-11 and ascends through to Yōumén KI-21; a second branch ascends the throat, curves around the lips, and terminates below the eye; a fourth branch descends the medial leg to the foot; a fifth branch separates at the heel and terminates at the big toe.

Dai Mai / Girdling Vessel

Originates in the region of Zhāngmén LV-13; circles just below the hypochondriac region; runs obliquely downward through GB-26, GB-27 and GB-28, encircling the waist like a belt.

Yang Qiao Mai / Yang Motility Vessel

Originates at the lateral side of the heel at BL-62; ascends along the lateral malleolus and the posterior border of the fibula, up the thigh to GB-29 and the postero-lateral costal region to the posterior axillary fold; zig-zags over the top of the shoulder; ascends the neck to the corner of the mouth, along the cheek and nose to the inner canthus where it communicates with the Yin Motility vessel and the Bladder at BL-1; continues to the forehead, curves across the parietal region, and descends to meet GB-20 and enter the brain at the occiput between two tendons.

Yin Qiao Mai / Yin Motility Vessel

Originates below the medial malleolus at Ki-6; ascends along the medial malleolus and the postero-medial surface of the lower leg and thigh to the external genitalia; ascends the abdomen and chest to the supraclavicular fossa; ascends through the throat and emerges anterior to Renying ST-9; ascends beside the mouth and nose to the inner canthus where it meets the Yang Motility vessel and Bladder at BL-1; then ascends with them to enter the brain.

Yang Wei Mai / Yang Linking Vessel

Originates near the heel at BL-63; ascends along the lateral malleolus and the Gall Bladder channel to pass through the hip region; ascends along the postero-lateral costal region (posterior to the Yang Motility vessel) to the posterior axillary fold (Nāoshū SI-10); crosses the top of the shoulder (Tiānliáo SJ-15 and Jiānjǐng GB-21) and ascends along the neck and jaw, then passes anterior to the ear as far as the forehead (GB-13); crosses the parietal region through GB channel to GB-20, then connects with the Governing vessel at Fēngfǔ DU-16 and Yǎmén DU-15.

Yin Wei Mai / Yin Linking Vessel

Originates at the medial side of the leg at Zhúbīn KI-9 (at the junction of the leg yin channels); ascends along the medial aspect of the leg and thigh to the lower abdomen; ascends the ribs to Qímén LV-14; ascends to the throat to meet the Conception vessel at Tiāntú RN-22 and Liánquán RN-23.