Du Mai Channel – Governor Vessel Flashcards

Vocabulary and location guide for the Du Mai (Governor Vessel) channel including primary pathways, internal branches, and specific point indications from DU-1 to DU-28.

Du Mai (Governor Vessel) Origin and Termination

Begins in the lower abdomen, enters the brain, and terminates at the junction of the upper lip and the gums.

Master Point and Couple Point of Du Mai

Master Point is SI-3; Couple Point is UB-62.

Luo Point of Du Mai

DU-1.

Meeting/Crossing Points of Du Mai

Ren-1, (Ren-24), and UB-12.

DU-1 Primary Pathway Route

Lower Abdomen (\rightarrow) Perineum (DU-1) (\rightarrow) Sacrum (\rightarrow) Nape of Neck (DU-16) (\rightarrow) Brain (\rightarrow) Vertex (DU-20) (\rightarrow) Nose (\rightarrow) Philtrum (DU-26) (\rightarrow) Junction of the Upper Lip & the Gums.

DU Internal Pathway: 1st Branch

Lower Abdomen (\rightarrow) Genitals/Perineum (\rightarrow) Anus (\rightarrow) Lumbar Spine (\rightarrow) KD.

DU Internal Pathway: 2nd Branch

Lower Abdomen (\rightarrow) Genitals (\rightarrow) Umbilicus (\rightarrow) HT (\rightarrow) Throat (\rightarrow) Mouth (\rightarrow) Eyes.

DU Internal Pathway: 3rd Branch

UB-1 (bilateral) (\rightarrow) Vertex (\rightarrow) Brain (\rightarrow) DU-16 (\rightarrow) UB-12 (bilateral) (\rightarrow) KD.

DU-1 Location & Indications

Located between the tip of the Coccyx and the Anus; used for Hemorrhoids, Spirit, and lowering Yin.

DU-2 and DU-3 Vertebrae Levels

DU-2 is at the Sacro-coccygeal Hiatus; DU-3 is at L4.

DU-4 (Gate of Life)

Located at L2; functions to clear Heat, regulate Kidney (KD), and regulate the Du channel.

DU-6 and DU-7 Shared Organs

DU-6 is at T11 (Fortifies SP); DU-7 is at T10 (Benefits Middle Jiao).

DU-9 Indications

Located at T7; fortifies Spleen, regulates Middle Jiao, and treats Jaundice and the Chest.

DU-13 Indication

Located at T1; specifically used for Malaria.

DU-14 (Meeting of 6 Yang Channels)

Located at C7; a Sea of Qi point used for Wind and to tonify Xu (Deficiency).

DU-15

Located $0.5\,cun$ below DU-16 at C1; a Sea of Qi point used for Tongue, Muteness, and Wind.

DU-16 (Sea of Marrow)

Located below the External Occipital Protuberance (EOP); acts as a Ghost and Wind point to calm the Spirit.

DU-20 (100 Meeting)

Located at the Vertex, $5\,cun$ posterior to the anterior hairline and $7\,cun$ superior to the posterior hairline; Sea of Marrow used for Wind, Yang, and Prolapse.

DU-25

Located at the Tip of the Nose; used for Rosacea.

DU-26

Located at the junction of the upper $1/3$ and lower $2/3$ of the Philtrum; a Ghost point used for Consciousness and Acute Lumbar Pain.

DU-28

Located inside the mouth, superior to the Frenulum at the junction of the upper lip and gum.