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The *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) states: "There are eight extraordinary vessels among the pulses." This refers to the fact that these eight vessels are not restricted by the twelve regular meridians. Why is this so? Because there are the Yang Linking Vessel (Yangwei), Yin Linking Vessel (Yinwei), Yang Heel Vessel (Yangqiao), Yin Heel Vessel (Yinqiao), Chong Vessel, Ren Vessel, Du Vessel, and Dai Vessel. These eight vessels are all unrestricted by the regular meridians; hence they are called the Eight Extraordinary Vessels.

The human body has twelve regular meridians and fifteen collaterals, totaling twenty-seven qi pathways that move up and down together. Why are only these eight vessels unrestricted by the regular meridians? It is like how sages dug ditches to facilitate water flow in case of necessity. When heavy rain falls and the ditches overflow, the water flows wildly and uncontrollably, beyond even the sage's ability to plan or contain. Similarly, when the collaterals become full and overflow, the qi of the various meridians can no longer be constrained by their regular paths. Since they are not restricted by the twelve regular meridians, where do they originate and how do they connect? See the following text for details.

The Du Vessel (Governing Vessel) originates from the lower extreme (coccyx), runs parallel within the spinal canal, ascends to the Fengfu (DU16) acupoint, passes through the brain, enters the forehead, descends along the nose, and enters the Yinjiao (GV28) acupoint. It is the "Sea of Yang Meridians" and serves as the general outline.

The Ren Vessel (Conception Vessel) originates below the Zhongji (CV3) acupoint, ascends along the throat, passes through the Chengjiang (CV24) acupoint, and is the "Sea of Yin Meridians," governed by the Ren Vessel.

The Chong Vessel (Penetrating Vessel) emerges from the uterus (Bao Gong), ascends to the chest and stops; it meets at the throat from the abdomen and connects to the lips. In women, it forms the menstrual blood and becomes the Blood Chamber. This vessel runs alongside the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and shares its root with the Ren and Du vessels in the yin aspect; the three vessels arise together but travel separately.

The Yang Qiao Vessel originates from the bottom of the heel, follows the lateral malleolus upward, and enters the Fengchi (GB20) acupoint.

The Yin Qiao Vessel originates from the medial malleolus, ascends along the throat and pharynx, and is originally a branch of the yin and yang vessels.

The Yin Wei Vessel arises where the various yin vessels meet, originating from the Xi-cleft point Zhubin (KI9) of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.

The Yang Wei Vessel arises where the various yang vessels meet, with Jinmen (BL63) of the Taiyang Bladder Meridian being its key point.

The Dai Vessel (Girdle Vessel) encircles the waist and costal region, meeting at the Weidao (GB26) acupoint. The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian describes the Eight Extraordinary Vessels as maintaining and linking the various meridians, which is the normal course of physiology.

Gongsun (SP4) connects to the Chong Vessel and treats diseases of the stomach, heart, and chest; Neiguan (PC6) connects to the Yin Wei Vessel.

Linqi (GB41) belongs to the Gallbladder Meridian and connects to the Dai Vessel; Waiguan (TE5) meets the Yang Wei Vessel.

Houxi (SI3) connects to the Du Vessel and treats neck and head conditions; Shenmai (BL62) connects to the Yang Qiao Vessel, and their collaterals also communicate.

Lieque (LU7) connects to the Lung Meridian, and the Ren Vessel travels through the lung system; Zhaohai (KI6) connects to the Yin Qiao Vessel and treats diaphragm and throat conditions.

In terms of Bagua correspondence: Qian corresponds to Gongsun, Gen corresponds to Neiguan, Xun corresponds to Linqi, Zhen corresponds to Waiguan, Li corresponds to Lieque, Kun corresponds to Zhaohai, Dui corresponds to Houxi, and Kan corresponds to Shenmai.

Tonification and sedation techniques are divided into floating and sinking, while directions are divided into counter-flow and following-flow. Grasping the timing and respiration is not difficult. This is the ancestral secret method of the Divine Needle; myriad diseases are easily resolved, bringing immediate peace.

Gongsun pairs with Neiguan; Lieque resolves issues associated with Zhaohai. Linqi and Waiguan serve as master and guest pairs; Houxi and Shenmai harmonize perfectly. Treating the left side for right-sided disease, and vice versa, one must understand the high and low distinctions. By using intention to penetrate the meridians and employing massage widely, tonification and sedation follow the Ying-Sui principles, distinguishing between counter-flow and following-flow. The "Five Gates and Eight Methods" constitute the true science of acupuncture.