Ren Mai—CV

The Ren Mai commands and controls all the yin functions of the body.

The Ren Mai commands and controls all the yin functions of the body. Du and Ren Mai develop as the first expression of yin and yang after conception. They originate in the vital region in the lower abdomen, the ‘lower supreme ridgepole’. The supreme ridge pole is the ‘no form’ out of which all things come – the macroscopic Dao. The supreme ridge pole within us is located between the Kidneys, in the lower Dantian. It is our source of life, vitality and ming men (fires of destiny). From this area comes the first division of yin and yang in the form of Du and Ren Mai.

In treatment: It is used to affect yin in the body. It is associated with too much condensation and accumulation and blockage in the circulation of blood and liquids necessary for life. Indications include clotting and lumps particularly in the lower abdomen, vaginal discharge. Ren Mai is particularly important for miscarriage because of the power of the yin to contain and retain. It affects the perenium, pubis, abdomen, thorax, throat, lips. It is used for reproductive functions, menstrual cycle, digestion and respiration, all cases of stagnation of qi causing painful periods, growths in the abdomen, excessive periods, fibroids, ovarian cysts. It connects to the thyroid and affects reproductive hormones and function. It is responsible for regulating the life cycles in men and women and is not active until puberty.

The Chinese characters that comprise Ren Mai represent a human bearing the weight of a bamboo pole with a load hanging at each end. It is symbolic of enduring the burden of being human. This relates especially to pregnancy. It is responsible for nourishing life, bringing blood, liquids and essences to nourishing new life and your life. The Ren Mai commands and controls all the yin functions of the body. Du and Ren Mai develop as the first expression of yin and yang after conception. They originate in the vital region in the lower abdomen, the ‘lower supreme ridgepole’. The supreme ridge pole is the ‘no form’ out of which all things come – the macroscopic Dao. The supreme ridge pole within us is located between the Kidneys, in the lower Dantian. It is our source of life, vitality and ming men (fires of destiny). From this area comes the first division of yin and yang in the form of Du and Ren Mai. The Ren Mai is the ‘sea of yin’ the master of the uterus.

Pathway: Begins in the uterus in females and lower abdomen in males, emerges in the perineum, ascends the midline of abdomen, chest, throat to Ren24, winds around the mouth to connect with Du Mai at Du28 and terminates below the eye at St1. A branch arises in the pelvic cavity enters the spine and moves up the spine to end at the throat. Its Lou point is Ren 15. The Ren Mai connects to the Lu channel from Ren 17. It connects to the Lv, Ki, Sp, Pc, SJ, Yin Wei and Chong Mai.

GV, ST