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The twelve regular meridians are the primary meridians. There are additionally eight extraordinary vessels, known as the Eight Extraordinary Vessels (Qi Jing Ba Mai). A comprehensive discussion is not provided here; instead, only these four vessels are discussed in detail: The Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) and Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel), which run along the Taiyang Meridian on the back of the body. Since the Taiyang Meridian governs the back, these two are also governed by it. The Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) and Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel) run along the anterior aspect of the body, attaching to the Taiyin Meridian. Since the Taiyin Meridian governs the anterior abdomen, these two are also governed by it. These four vessels have distinct therapeutic indications and cannot be fully encompassed within the twelve regular meridians; therefore, they are detailed separately. Western medicine's diagrams of blood vessels show intricate branching, which can be considered detailed. However, their discussion of collateral vessels does not return to the main meridians, and their discussion of meridians does not return to the Zang-Fu organs. This is like having an army of thousands without a general, resulting in a lack of command and control. As for the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, Chinese medicine has long neglected deep study of them, so it is no wonder that Western medicine is unaware of them.

The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) originates inside the lower abdomen, within the Bao Zhong (Uterus/Metropolis). It ascends bilaterally alongside the umbilicus, runs parallel to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, disperses upon reaching the chest, and ascends to flank the pharynx. The Bao Zhong is called Qi Hai (Sea of Qi), which is the root of respiration. Human exhalation rises from the Qi Hai, passes through the thoracic diaphragm into the lung tubes, and exits via the larynx. Its path entirely follows the ascent of the Chong Mai. Thus, the *Nei Jing* states that "Chong is the Qi Street," referring to this. Any condition involving rebellious Qi is attributed to the Chong Mai; therefore, Zhang Zhongjing had methods to descend rebellious Qi. The Bao Zhong is also named Xue Hai (Sea of Blood). The fluids from dietary intake processed in the stomach are transformed into blood by the Heart, descend into the Bao Zhong, and are guided downward by the Chong Mai. Thus, the *Nei Jing* states: "When a girl reaches fourteen years old (two sevens), Tian Gui arrives, the Tai Chong Mai becomes abundant, and menstruation occurs at the proper time." In summary, the Bao Zhong is the intersection of innate Kidney Qi and acquired Stomach blood. The Chong Mai originates in the Bao Zhong, guiding innate Kidney Qi upward to intersect with Stomach Qi, and guiding acquired Yin blood downward into the Bao Zhong to intersect with Kidney Qi. By guiding Qi upward and Blood downward, connecting to the Kidneys and attaching to the Yangming, the functions of the Chong Mai become clear.

[Diagram of Chong Mai]

The Chong Mai is the thoroughfare for the exit of Qi. Qi is generated in the Dan Tian (Elixir Field), and its exit point is three cun below the umbilicus, five fen lateral to the midline, known as the Qi Jie acupoint. This is the pathway where Qi exits, hence the name Qi Jie. Modern physicians, due to the *Ling Shu* stating that there are Qi Streets in the chest, abdomen, head, and feet, fail to identify the specific location of the Qi Jie acupoint. However, the *Nei Jing* clearly states "originates at Qi Jie, ascending alongside the umbilicus," explicitly indicating that the Qi Jie acupoint is below the umbilicus. Changing "Qi Jie" to "Qi Xue" today greatly deviates from the classic intent. From Qi Jie to the side of the umbilicus lies the Huang Shu acupoint. "Huang" refers to membrane; the membranes of the Dan Tian converge at the umbilicus, hence the name Huang Shu. Ascending further to the chest, it disperses at the Tong Gu acupoint. Presumably, because membranes reach the chest, they disperse to form the pleura (lung coat), completely enveloping the lungs; thus, the Chong Mai also disperses here. The pleura converges at the pharynx, so the Chong Mai flanks the pharynx and terminates. Generally, Qi emerges from the Dan Tian, travels alongside the umbilicus, reaches the chest, moves through the pleura, and converges at the pharynx, from where Qi is expelled. The pathway of Qi movement within the membranes is named the Chong Mai. The Chong Mai governs Qi, differing from the Ren Mai which governs Blood. Thus, it is evident that the twelve regular meridians and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels each have distinct governance; they are all pathways for the circulation of Qi and Blood among the Zang-Fu organs, with dispersion and convergence, and cannot be merely identified as blood vessels.

The Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) originates inside the lower abdomen, below the Bao Shi (Uterus), emerges at the Hui Yin region, ascends past the pubic hair line, follows the center of the umbilicus, reaches the Tan Zhong, ascends to the throat, circles the lips, and finally terminates at the Cheng Jiang acupoint below the lower lip, intersecting with the Du Mai.

The Du Mai (Governing Vessel) is located on the back, commanding all Yang meridians, hence named "Du" (Governor). The Ren Mai is located on the abdomen, commanding all Yin meridians, hence named "Ren" (Conception). Yin and Yang interpenetrate; thus, the Ren and Du vessels must intersect. Inferiorly, they intersect between the anterior and posterior orifices; superiorly, they intersect above and below the lips. Using the theory of Pre-Heaven and Post-Heaven: The Du Mai is in the spine, belongs to the Kidneys, and relates to Pre-Heaven; the Ren Mai is in the abdomen, belongs to the Stomach, and relates to Post-Heaven. Pre-Heaven governs Qi and descends to intersect in the Bao Zhong; Post-Heaven governs Blood and descends to intersect in the Bao Zhong. This all depends on these two vessels. Using the theory of Water and Fire: The Du Mai relates to Qi and Water; the Ren Mai relates to Blood and Fire. Therefore, the Ren Mai also pertains to the Heart. The Heart and Kidneys intersect, achieving the balance of Water and Fire, all occurring here. Thus, the Ren Mai is the Sea of Yin Vessels.

[Diagram of Ren Mai]

The Ren Mai originates in the Bao Zhong, descends to the space between the two yins, named Hui Yin Acupoint, signifying its meeting with the Du Mai at the space between the two yins. Ascending to the area of pubic hair in the lower abdomen, it is named Zhong Ji Acupoint. Further up to three cun below the umbilicus is Guan Yuan Acupoint, the place where Primordial Yang and Primordial Yin intersect and lock. Ascending from the umbilicus to two cun six fen above Jiu Wei is Tan Zhong Acupoint. Tan Zhong is where the Pericardium generates blood and circulates up and down with the Ren Mai; thus, the acupoints of the Ren Mai bear the name of the Pericardium, confirming that the Ren Mai conducts blood for the Pericardium. Ascending three cun two fen from Tan Zhong to the depression is Zi Gong Acupoint. Zi Gong refers to the Heart. The Heart corresponds to the Nine Purple Li Trigram of the Luo Shu, hence named Zi Gong. The Ren Mai here internally connects with the Heart, hence named after the Heart's position, confirming that the Ren Mai is the master vessel conducting blood for the Heart. Ascending further to below the lip is Cheng Jiang Acupoint, where it intersects with the Du Mai, marking the end of the Ren Mai. Its branch runs along the face to below the eyes. Carefully observing the intersection and termination of the Ren and Du Mai reveals that the Du Mai governs Yang and Qi, while the Ren Mai governs Yin and Blood. They interconnect and are the chief directors of bodily formation.

The Du Mai originates in the Kidneys, descends to the Bao Shi, then runs downward, links to the genitalia, follows the space between the two yins, reaches the sacrum, penetrates the spine, passes through Yao Shu, ascends to the back of the head, intersects at the vertex, enters at Xi Hui, goes up the nasal column, and finally terminates at Ren Zhong, intersecting with the Ren Mai.

The Du Mai originates in the Kidneys and descends to the Bao Shi. The Gui Water (Yin Water) generated by Heavenly One in the Kidneys enters the Bao Zhong, entirely guided downward by the Du Mai. When Kidney Qi reaches the Bao Zhong, the Ren Mai responds, causing the blood of the Heart and Stomach to converge in the Bao Zhong. This is the intersection of Ren and Du, and the mutual assistance of Heart and Kidney. This is the realm of Kan-Li water-fire coition described by Daoists. The Du Mai links the genitalia, follows the space between the two yins, and meets the Ren Mai inferiorly. It penetrates the spine to the crown and meets the Ren Mai superiorly at Ren Zhong. Careful examination of its pathway shows it goes from the nasal column to the brain, penetrates the spine, reaches the Kidneys, and enters the Bao Zhong. Observing this route, we know the Du Mai governs Yang and generation. Kidney Qi: Qi is born from Heavenly Yang, inhaled through the nose, reaches the base of the brain and lung tubes, follows the dorsal spine downward into the Kidneys, and from the Kidneys into the Bao Zhong. Thus, inhalation fills the Bao Zhong. Inhaled air indeed travels from the nose, through the brain, and down the spine. Therefore, holding the nose while opening the mouth allows exhalation but not inhalation. Because inhalation enters via the spine, it cannot enter directly from the nose/brain. Exhalation comes out via the diaphragm, so opening the mouth allows exhalation. Inhalation enters via the spine, governed by the Du Mai. Knowing what the Du Mai governs reveals the generation and transformation of Qi. Further detailing Tian Gui, it is a branch of the Bladder.

[Diagram of Du Mai]

The Du Mai originates in the Bao Zhong, emerges at Hui Yin Acupoint, reaches the end of the coccyx, named Chang Qiang Acupoint. Ascending to the 21st vertebra is Yao Shu Acupoint, where the lumbar and kidney fascia connect. Ascending further to the 14th vertebra, centered over the Kidneys, is Ming Men Acupoint, where the Kidney system penetrates the spine. It is the master acupoint of the Du Mai. Since the Ren Mai is governed by Heart Blood and the Du Mai by Kidney Qi, Ming Men is the master acupoint of the Du Mai. Ascending further to the 3rd vertebra is Shen Zhu Acupoint. Lung and Kidney intersect, serving as the master of primordial Qi for the whole body, hence named Zhu (Pillar). Ascending further to Da Zhui, one cun into the hairline depression, is Feng Fu Acupoint. Two cun five fen above the hairline is Nao Hu Acupoint, which corresponds to the midline suture of the occipital lobe in Western medicine. At the vertex is Bai Hui Acupoint, where it intersects with the Liver Meridian. Forward at the fontanelle is Xi Hui Acupoint, signifying that Spirit shines upward onto the Marrow to generate perception, a place where Spirit and Marrow meet. Further up to the forehead hairline is Shen Ting Acupoint, also implying Spirit emerging upward. Descending to the tip of the nose, ending at the gum intersection Yin Jiao Acupoint. Human inhalation of Heavenly Yang enters the nose, follows the spine down to the Kidney system, and enters the Dan Tian, all governed by the Du Mai. It transforms Qi into Essence, the origin of life, commanding all Zang-Fu organs, hence named Du.

The Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) originates at the 14th vertebra near the Kidneys, belongs to the Dai Mai, encircles the body once, and hangs forward to the Bao Zhong.

The Dai Mai binds all meridians, preventing erratic flow, much like a person tying a belt, hence the name. Investigating its origin, it penetrates the Kidneys and ties to the Dai Mai, belonging to the Kidneys. For women, binding the uterus relies entirely on the Dai Mai, because its root connects to Ming Men. Encircling the waist and penetrating the umbilicus, situated in the middle of the body, it also belongs to the Spleen. Therefore, Spleen disease causes leukorrhea in women; because it belongs to the Spleen and hangs down to the Bao Zhong, it flows down with the Dai Mai.

[Diagram of Dai Mai]

The Dai Mai is posterior at the 14th vertebra, centered over the Kidneys, and anterior at the umbilicus, encircling the waist once. One acupoint of the Dai Mai is at the costal margin, in the Shaoyang region. Recent diagrams show three acupoints for the Dai Mai: Dai Mai Acupoint is on the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, one cun eight fen below the costal margin. Three cun lower is Wu Shu Acupoint. Lower still is Wei Dao Acupoint. It seems the Dai Mai winds around three times, having upper, middle, and lower acupoints. However, the *Nan Jing* states: "The Dai Mai originates at the costal margin and encircles the body once," with no mention of three windings. Also, the *Ling Shu* states: "The Foot-Shaoyin Meridian branches to the Taiyang, reaches the 14th vertebra, and belongs to the Dai Mai." Later scholars mistakenly considered the Dai Mai a branch of the Kidney meridian, which is incorrect. "Belonging to the Dai Mai" means being bound by the Dai Mai, not that the Dai Mai is the Kidney's meridian. Considering its acupoints are in the Shaoyang boundary, some think it is a Shaoyang meridian, which is also incorrect. The Liver and Gallbladder can cause Dai Mai diseases, but the Dai Mai is ultimately not the Liver/Gallbladder meridian. The Dai Mai manages the front and back binding: anteriorly binding the Ren Mai and passing through the umbilicus (Heart/Small Intestine connection); posteriorly binding the Du Mai and passing through the Kidney system. Only the Spleen governs the Middle Jiao, harmonizing Water and Fire. The Dai Mai is exactly in the middle of the waist and abdomen, so it should belong to the Spleen meridian. Its acupoints are in the hypochondrium because it is neither in the Ren position nor the Du position, confirming its role in binding front and back. Some doubt the Dai Mai connects to the Spleen, not knowing that membranes and oil in the abdomen are products of the Spleen. Treating Dai Mai diseases with Kidney Yang focuses on the Spleen; Gynecology attributes female leukorrhea to the Spleen, which is well-founded.

In summary, regarding these four vessels: The Du Mai is on the back, commands all Yang, and belongs to Pre-Heaven. The Ren Mai is on the abdomen, commands all Yin, and belongs to Post-Heaven. The Chong Mai attaches to Yangming and connects to the Bao Gong (Uterus), interacting with Pre-Heaven Kidney via Post-Heaven. The Dai Mai originates from the Kidneys and circulates through the Spleen position, interacting with Post-Heaven Spleen via Pre-Heaven. The four interact mutually and require detailed investigation.