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Organ Channels Meridians

Sourced from publicly available material and from College of Complementary Medicine. Bladder meridian is free to preview.
NamePathwayBalancesChannel Meeting pointsAKDivergent ChannelSinew ChannelConnects with6 Channel PartnerPrimary functionsHeavenly StemMeetings withAreas / SymptomsNegative AspectsLuo Connecting ChannelPulse PositionTime of DayOverviewChannel Meeting PointsOfficial RoleSpineIn treatmentBody Psych DataConnectionsRolePrimary FunctionElementZangfu ConnectionsChannel PsychologyBa GuaPositive AspectsCoverSummaryChakraBody PsychologyBrief PsychologyRelated to Spine (Organ)TypeAK MusclesTCM MusclesPoint LocationsRelated EmotionsPoints
Go to Extraordinary Vessels
Important for sleep excess yang conditions heat fury/rage madness apoplexy cerebral congestion contractions facial paralysis excess adrenal conditions inflammation generalised pain stiffness particularly the back painful and red eyes arthritis lumbar pain andropause headache angry eyes eyes that cannot close eyes that can not shed tears easily skin disorders immune system biorythms daytime epilepsy spasms
The vessel begins at the centre of the heel, flows to the lateral malleolus, at Bl62, then to Bl61, Bl59 (xi cleft point), to the posterior border of the fibula, lateral thigh, to GB29, to the posterior axillary fold, winds over the shoulder to SI10, LI15, LI16, ascends the neck to the corner of the mouth, St4, St3, St1, Bl1 (where it meets with Yin Qiao Mai) and flows over the head along the Bladder channel to GB20.
The Yang Qiao Mai puts the yang into dynamic motion. It is responsible for graceful movement of the limbs and the body and together with Yin Qiao Mai allows us to coordinate and move with freedom.
The Yang Qiao Mai puts the yang into dynamic motion.
attract energy of earth to top of the body moving with agility and grace ease and grace important for walking and gates lateral aspect of the leg and torso balance of yin and yang distribution of wei qi (defensive qi) extroverted side how we stand up to the world helps us respond to external stimuli resolves phlegm misting the mind manic behaviour or paranoia constant rebellion very judgemental cannot stop doing
Extraordinary Vessel
symptoms related to cold and heat shivers and fevers alternate poor defensive qi aversion to cold preserves the yang affects all the yang channels strongly affects Gall Bladder strongly affects Bladder hips and shoulders skin conditions such as acne and boils Modern indications include nucleus of cells (DNA) cerebrum cerebellum pineal gland depressive-paranoid personality motor neuron disease cancer in men
The vessel begins at Bl63 ascends lateral malleolus to GB35 (xi cleft point), along GB channel across the hip to the shoulder where it passes through SI10, SJ15, GB21, ascends to the forehead St8, GB13,14,15. It ascends the head to GB16,17,18,19, 20 and then to the back of the neck at Du15,16. There is some argument about whether the vessel goes from the front to the back of the head or from the back to the front of the head. Its trajectory complements the Yin Wei Mai which connects with the Ren Mai.
The Yang Wei Mai attaches and links all the yang of the body. It forms a net for yang, affecting all yang throughout the entire body. In a sense it holds together the yang, ruling and binding it. It connects to the yang channels of the leg and to the DuMai, thus linking to the source of yang. It relates particularly to defensive qi (wei qi).
The Yang Wei Mai attaches and links all the yang of the body.
holding yourself to your nature standing firm following your own path in life may be a lack of will
Extraordinary Vessel
It irrigates and moistens used for arthritis somnolence and insomnia coma epilepsy glandular fever impotence white vaginal discharge frigidity pregnancy complications uncomfortable urination abdominal pain vomiting diarrhoea constipation in women chest feeling big breast abscess oedema weakness in women generalised pains inability to open eyes.
Begins in the middle of the heel, goes to Ki2, Ki6, Ki8 (xi cleft point), ascends the medial aspect of the leg, passes through all yin organs, emerges at St19, follows the Stomach channel to St12, the passes through the neck and face to emerge at Bl1 (where it meets the Yang Qiao Mai) and penetrates the brain.
The Yin Qiao Mai puts the yin into dynamic motion. Together with the Yang Qiao Mai it is responsible for graceful movement of the limbs and the body.
The Yin Qiao Mai puts the yin into dynamic motion.
Flow with love and warmth connects to our introverted side allow self reflection how we stand up to ourselves. healthy relationship to our bodies prevent distorted body image connect to sexual identity. grounding & self trust addresses self doubt less scattered
Extraordinary Vessel
large swollen body body that has shrunk adrenals testosterone Stagnant qi in abdomen flatulence abdominal pain anorexia diarrhoea vomiting constipation gastric ulcer nocturnal emissions thirst oedema foul smelling urine angina palpitations heart diseases
Descriptions of the pathway are reasonably vague in the classics. In these texts its pathway was described as linking the sea of qi at the origin (the lower Dantian) to the sea of qi in the chest, with points extending from the navel to the thorax. However, it was emphasised that its influence extends everywhere. The most common modern pathway begins in the Kidneys, flows down to the vital region (uterus in females), emerges at Ren 1, one branch flows up the sacrum and spine to Du4, another branch goes to St30, Ki11- 21, and circles around the mouth. Another branch links Ki11 and St30 and travels down the medial aspect of the leg to the big toe. The Chong Mai is considered to flow deeper than the Ki channel, so that the Ki points are closer to the surface of the skin and the Chong Mai points lay underneath.
Chong Mai links yin and yang together, distributing yang qi, blood, essences through the body. For this reason it is said to be the sea of blood and the sea of the 12 channels. It ensures good rhythm of circulation of qi.
Chong Mai links yin and yang together and distributes qi and blood.
anxiety disorders heal emotionally through terminal illnesses balances love and logic intergenerational trauma habits essence of who we truly are our authenticity
Extraordinary Vessel
Used for abdominal region nourishes gall bladder with jing qi from the Kidneys general pain pain in the limbs headaches circulation in the legs reproductive system tension at the back of the neck hip conditions lumbar pain fullness and looseness of the abdomen with a feeling like you are sitting in cold water muscles numb muscles trembling painful and swollen extremities arthritis chronic diseases tinnitus extremities difficult to hold up.
It connects to all the vessels as they go through the abdominal region. It connects with the vital centre (and ming men or the fires of destiny) and links the Du, Ren and Chong around the vital region. It regulates the animation and movement of the vessels as they move through the abdomen. It also balances the yin and yang in the leg because all six leg channels cross it.
The function of the Dai Mai is to bind and unify the extraordinary vessels. It is the only vessel to cut horizontally through the body. It is the entire cross section of the body at this point.
The Dai Mai binds and unifies the extraordinary vessels.
reservoir of all our traumas physical and emotional trauma holds emotions we can’t deal with self preservation helps with sexual abuse create stability during changes impair growth if out of balance strong role in survival what we don’t like about ourselves
Extraordinary Vessel
Yin Wei connects all of the yin channels holds and controls the yin of the body controls the inside of the body controls heart controls jing controls the blood yin deficiency lack of self nurture used for blood deficiency
The vessel begins at Ki9 (xi cleft point) flows up the medial aspect of the leg to the anterior surface of the trunk at Sp 13, 16 and Lv14. The vessel penetrates the diaphragm, breast, to connect with Ren 22, 23. The Pc channel is said to have a branch that runs from Pc6 (the confluent point) to Pc1 to Ren17 and crosses Yin Wei Mai in the region of Ki23, and then goes to Ren17, and from Ren17 there are connections to Ren 12 and Ren 7.
The Yin Wei Mai attaches and links all the yin of the body. It forms a net for yin, affecting all yin throughout the entire body. In a sense it holds together the yin, ruling and binding it. It connects to the yin channels of the leg and to the Ren Mai, thus linking to the source of yin. It relates particularly to digestive qi (ying qi).
The Yin Wei Mai attaches and links all the yin of the body.
holding yourself to your nature Standing firm not being overly influenced by outside to tie and hold fast maintain order harmony of yin and yang attached to this life links all the yin of the body digestive qi
Extraordinary Vessel
LI20, Bl1, GB3, GB4, GB5, GB6, Gv14, Gv24, Gv26, Gv28, Cv12, Cv13, Cv24, GB14, GB21.
Separates from the primary channel in middle of the thigh, ascends the abdomen, stomach, and disperses in the spleen, ascends to the heart, throat, mouth, nose, and unites with the main channel at the eye.
Originates at the middle three toes, binds on the dorsum of the foot ascends the lateral aspect of the leg, binds at the knee where it connects with the GB sinew channel, binds and the hip joint, passes through the ribs and into the spine. A branch binds at the knee, binds above the genitals, binds at St12, ascends the neck, jaw, mouth, to bind at the nose, joins Bl sinew channel and forms a muscular net around the eye (lower net) [Bl channel forms the upper net]. A branch separates at the jaw and binds in front of the ear.
Rotting and ripening of food Controls descending First stage of digestion of fluids Appetite and vomiting Stomach pain Atrophy of lower limb Treats disorders of eyes face cheeks forehead nose lips gums teeth ear throat Regulates function of the intestines Disorders of all three parts of the body particularly Sp Lu Ht chest uterus and Bl Tonifying qi blood yin and yang Breast conditions Disturbance of the spirit especially mania and depression Frontal lobe
Breasts quadriceps abdominals appetite bad breath
ingratiating needy stubborn compliant needy avarice
Begins at St40, connects with the Spleen channel on the medial aspect of the lower leg, ascends the leg and body to the neck and head where it meets with the qi of the other yang channels, a branch travels internally to terminate at the throat.
7am to 9am
Begins at LI20, ascends the inside corner of eye to Bl1, descends to St1, upper gum, curves to meet Gv28 and Gv26, circles the lips and meets Cv24, runs laterally to the mandible ascends to via St7 and GB3 to within the hairline intersecting GB4, GB5, GB6, meets Gv24. Another branch separates at St5, descends throat to supraclavicular fossa at St12, crosses around the back to Gv14, descends the diaphragm, intersects Cv13 and Cv12, enters the stomach and spleen. Another branch descends from St12, 4 bin lateral to the midline, to St18, then 2 bin lateral to St30. Another branch begins in the pyloric valve, descends within the abdomen and meets the channel at St30. From St30 the channel descends via the thigh to the lateral aspect of the knee, foot and second toe. Another branch separates on the foot at St42 and travels to Sp1.
The official of the stomach role is to nourish us in the process of life. It is responsible for digestion and assimilation; this is not only of food but also of thoughts. Interestingly the stomach and kidney channels long parallel to each other on the torso this is so the acquired qi gathered by stomach can compliment the innate qi of the kidneys. The stomach official integrates life experiences. Stomach along with the spleen plays a key role in digestion and assimilation of not only food but also thoughts.
Helps the Spleen, Carries Qi and blood to the organs; Controls all intestines; Appetite, bad breath, mouth ulcers are associated with the Stomach; Has lots of good points for Qi; Anterior tibialis, abdominals, quadriceps, breasts, frontal lobe
meeting needs inside integrating myself into the wider world altruism reciprocity adaptability
NeedsExcess thinkingtrying to meet my needstrying to meet other’s needsprotectiveChurningAssimilation
Meridian
LI14, Gv14, Bl41, Bl11, St12, Cv17, Cv13, Cv12, GB1, Gb11, SJ20, SJ22, Bl1
Separates at the shoulder, enters the armpit, crosses the heart and descends to the abdomen to the small intestine.
Originates at the little finger, binds at wrist, medial condyle of humerus, armpit, mastoid process, enters ear and ascends around the ear, binds at the mandible, outer edge of eye and corner of head near St8.
Clears heat swelling pain and fever along channel pathways pain arm armpit mouth teeth tongue nose cheek eyes ears Transforms phlegm and clears heat from heartBreast disorders.
Scapula
tyrant flatterer misunderstood misunderstand unheard
Begins at SI7, connects the Heart channel, ascends shoulder to connect with LI15.
1pm to 3pm
Begins at little finger, ascends elbow and upper arm, through LI14, to posterior shoulder joint at SI10, zigzags the scapula, crosses to Gv14, intersects Bl41, Bl11, moves to the front of the body at St12, connects with the heart, intersects Cv17, passes through diaphragm and stomach, intersects Cv13, Cv12, and enters the Small Intestine. A branch ascends from St12 to the neck, cheek, and outer corner of the eye, meets with GB1, then to the ear, meeting GB11, SJ20, SJ22 and enters the ear at SI19. Another branch separates at the cheek ascends to SI18, along the nose to Bl1. Another branch descends to St39, the lower He-Sea point of the SI.
The Body Guard of Small intestine is all about transformation. It empowers transformation to take place on all levels and in all aspects of life. If we need to transform physically, psychologically or spiritually the official of the small intestine will be involved. Being the Yang aspect of the heart it helps to communicate the heart message to the world and is heavily involved in listening and intuition. When an individual needs to transform (change) any aspect of their life or express the heart desire with the world the Small Intestine official will be involved. It will assist indifferent forms of communication especially listening.
Small intestine is important for communication with self and others and understanding self and others. No points on the SI channel are indicated for the digestive system. Its points have limited action on the SI fu. SI fu is closely associated with the SI channel’s lower He-Sea point, St39, and its Front Mu and Back Shu points.
understanding of others understood by others discernment communication insight
ExpressionExpressing the heartbeing understoodOpennessIntuitive understandingchurning
Meridian
These are from VHS Manual St7, St8, St9, St12, SI12, SI19, Bl1, Bl11, Bl31, Bl32, Bl33, Bl34, Pc1, SJ15, SJ17, SJ20, SJ22, Lv13, Gv1, Gv14, Gv20.
Separates at thigh, enters the pubic region, connects with GB and Lv, crosses the heart and throat, emerges at lower jaw, disperses in the face, connects with the eye and rejoins main channel at outer edge of eye.
Originates at 4th toe, binds at lateral malleolus, lateral aspect of knee, thigh, sacrum, at St12, at the side of the nose and at the outer edge of the eye.
Disorders of the eyes and earsHeadachesDisorders of the liverPhlegm and smooth flow of fluidsDisorders of the spirit and Ethereal Soul (Hun)judgement decisiveness courageDisorders of the sinews and marrowParietal lobesPsycho-emotional and brain
Piriformis pelvis lateral body parietals tinnitus clenched teeth headaches
trapped stuck unjust unfair rigid resentment indecisive flaccid
Separates at GB37 connects with the Liver channel and disperses over the dorsum of the foot.
11pm to 1am
Begins at the outer corner of the eye, one branch weaves back and forth on the head, from the top of the ear to the mastoid back to the frontal eminences (GB14), connecting with SJ22 above the ear, SJ20 behind the ear, St8 just inside the hairline, ascends closer to the midline over the top of the head, to the occiput before curving behind the ear to the top of the shoulder (through SJ15), meets the spine at Gv14, passes laterally to Bl11 and SI12, then anteriorly to St12 (near the clavicle. It continues in front of the armpit, lateral ribcage, to the hip. The second branch emerges behind the ear, enters the ear at SJ17, emerges at the front of the ear, passes through SI19, St7 to the edge of the eye, descends to the jaw near St5, rises to Bl1, descends to the neck near St6, intersects St9 to rejoin the main channel in supraclavicular fossa, descends to chest to Pc1, crosses diaphragm, connects with the Liver zang and Gall Bladder fu, continues inside of the ribs to genitals, enters deeply to emerge at sacrum where it meets the Bladder channel and meets with the Gv at Gv1, emerges at the buttock at Gb30. Another branch descends from the supraclavicular fossa to the armpit, intersects Lv13, descends to the hip to GB30, and continues to knee and lateral side of the fourth toe. Another branch separates at GB41 to cross to the liver channel at the big toe.
The Gall Bladder official plays a key role in empowering discernment and perspective, so we can see both sides of the story. It also helps to direct the growth of the Liver's official plan. Psychologically when people tend to have a limited view or can only see one side of the story the gall bladder official can be beneficial, it helps us to have external vision and have a better perspective. It will also assist us with decision­ making.
The Gall Bladder fu stores and excretes bile and rules courage, decision making and judgement. Gall Bladder and Liver are entrusted with Ministerial fire – decision making
free flexible choice discernment
DecisionsDifficult to make decisionstrying to live up to expectationscourageStructure to aspiration
Meridian
None listed
Separates from the primary channel on the arm below the level of the armpit, 3 bin inferior to GB22, enters the chest and communicates with the three parts of the body, and a branch ascends across the throat and emerges behind the ear to converge with the SJ channel.
Originates at the tip of the middle finger and runs together with the lung sinew channel to bind at the medial side of the elbow, binds near the armpit and disperses over the anterior and posterior aspects of ribs
protect the heart traditionally seen as the primary channel for treating the heart treats disorders of the spirit treats disorders of the chest lateral costal region and arm pit treats febrile diseases
Diaphragm heart
guarded vulnerable isolated alone unsafe betrayed hurt pained
Begins at Pc6 and moves up the arm to the pericardium and heart
7pm to 9pm
Begins in centre of chest, connects with the pericardium, descends through the diaphragm to the abdomen, passing through the upper, middle and lower parts of the body. One branch runs from inside the chest to emerge in the costal region near Pc1, arches over the armpit down the middle part of the arm to the middle finger. Another branch arises from palm at Pc8 and follows the middle finger aspect of the ring finger to its tip.
The nine points of the Pericardium correspond with the nine points of the heart. The key role of the heart protector is to protect the heart. It plays an important role in discernment, using both internal and external cues to work out if our heart is safe. The heart protector plays a key role in intimacy allowing a loving embrace of another, influences circulation and involved in sexuality. The channel may show when safety is a concern especially if the safety of our heart is at risk. May show due to sexuality or intimacy issues or when there are blood circulation problems.
Pericardium is an important channel for memory and brain function. Working on Pc can help mend a broken heart
intimacy openness warm protected
Intimate RelationshipsOpening or Closing off the heartintimacyBetrayalHeartbreakIntimacy
Meridian
SI12, Bl11, Gv14, GB21, St12, Cv17, Cv12, GB11, GB6, GB5, GB4, GB14, SI18, SI19, GB3, GB1,Bl1, Pc1, Gv20, GB20.
Separates at the head, branches to the vertex, descends to disperse in the chest and cross through the three jiao.
Originates at ring finger, binds to the wrist, elbow, joins with the SI sinew channel at the neck. A branch separates at the mandible and links with the root of the tongue. Another branch ascends in front of the ear to join outside of eye, crosses the temple and binds at corner of the forehead.
Reduces fever Benefits the ears Clears heat from the eyes neck throat tongue Calms the heart and spirit calms heart pain calms emotions Headaches Harmonising the three jiao Harmonising especially vomiting and constipation
Intercellular fluid triceps heat conditions affecting eyes and ears
overly attached apathetic towards others poor boundaries inappropriate behaviour flirtatious
Begins at SJ5, up the arm and over the shoulder converging on the Pc channel in the chest.
9pm to 11pm
Begins in ring finger, travels to elbow and shoulder, intersects SI12, crosses the back to Bl11 and Gv14, ascends to highest point on shoulder where it intersects GB21, descends to St12, disperses between the breasts at Cv17, connects with Pc and descends to abdomen via Cv12. A branch separates at Cv17 ascends to the supraclavicular fossa, rises along the neck, behind the ear, to GB11, to the temples intersects GB4, GB5, GB6 and GB14, winds down the cheek, intersects SI18, ascends to below the eye. Another branch separates behind the ear and enters the ear, emerges in front of the ear and intersects SI19 and GB3, terminates at SJ23, Wei Mai with GB1. Zangfu Connections: Upper, middle and lower jiao (SJ), Pc
The San Jiao official plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis by promoting communication with all aspects of the being. It promotes communication with our environment and plays a role in regulating social relationships. This channel may show when there are homeostatic concerns on any level or if the individual has difficulties with interacting with his/her environment. Social connections and intimacy will also be strongly related to this official. As it also plays a role in the defensive functions of our defensive Qi health concerns may also be a reason for this official to show.
Penetrates and harmonises all three jiao; Represents the interstitial fluids of the body – hence has a role with fluid problems; Fever (fire); Ears, eyes; Connects with GB (6 channel theory: shao yang channel), which means that SJ can be used for generalised stress and stagnation, particularly SJ6
social interaction propriety external connection balance
Letting people closeExternal intimate connectionEmotionally hot / coldBoundaries
Meridian
Sp6, Gv1, Cv3, Cv4, Cv7, Cv17
Separates at knee, intersects Bl divergent channel at thigh, connects with kidneys, crosses the Dai Mai near L2, ascends to the root of the tongue and emerges at the nape of the neck where it connects with the Bl channel
Little toe, inferior medial malleolus, ascends leg, medial condyle of tibia, medial thigh to genitals, a branch travels internally to the spinal vertebra where it ascends the inner aspect of the spine to the nape of the neck where it binds to the occiput
Stores essence dominates reproduction growth and development produces marrow filling the brain dominating bones assisting in production of blood dominates water controls the reception of qi opens into the ears dominates the anus and urethra
Lumbar pain weak knees urinary problems
afraid frozen hopeless
Begins at Ki4, encircles heel (posterior), connects with Bl channel; travels from Ki4 to the just below the pericardium where it spreads into the last 4 lumber vertebra
5pm to 7pm
Begins beneath the little toe, crosses to Ki1, runs up the medial aspect of the leg, intersects the Spleen channel at Sp6, continues to the medial aspect of the popliteal fossa, runs to the tip of the coccyx where it intersects Gv1, threads its way through the spine enters the kidney from L2, one branch ascends through the liver and diaphragm, enters the lung and ascends to the throat to terminate at the root of the tongue, another branch separates in the lung, joins with the heart and disperses in the chest to link with Pc and Cv17, another branch emerges from the kidney to connect with the bladder, intersects CV at CV3, CV4 and CV7, as it moves up the anterior surface of the torso to end at Ki27.
One of the main functions of the Kidney official is to empower conception, help with the birth and development of one's being. It empowers us to flow through life with purpose turning fear into wisdom. Related to our constitutional Qi and traveling through the 3 Jiao's it plays a key role in vitality. The kidney channel may show for many reasons any difficulties with conceiving; development delays fatigue or dominating fear patterns may be related to kidneys.
The Kidney channel is the most yin of the channels and connects us to our original nature.  In harmony it is the source of our wisdom and intuition. It also contains our will, our capacity to unrelentingly unfold our true nature in life. Persistence is the outcome of strong Kidney energy. The root of original yin and yang, houses the will, foundation of CV and Chong Mai.
wisdom to treat myself well wisdom overcoming fear will driven
Fearsafetywithdrawalinternal controldrivenstillnesswisdom
Meridian