Library

(The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) is named so because it originates from the Qichong point. Lou Quanshan stated: The Penetrating Vessel also runs along the anterior aspect of the body, flanking the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). Zhang Shixian argued that the description of it rushing straight upward is incorrect.)

The *Suwen* (Basic Questions) states: The Penetrating Vessel originates at the Qicheng (Qichong) point (which is the Qichong acupoint, located two cun lateral to the midline in the pubic region), and runs parallel with the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It ascends flanking the navel, dispersing within the chest. When diseased, it manifests as rebellious Qi and internal urgency (Rebellious Qi refers to Qi failing to ascend; internal urgency refers to abdominal distension and pain).

The *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot) states: The Penetrating Vessel is the Sea of the Five Zang and Six Fu Organs; all five zang and six fu organs receive nourishment from it. Its ascending branch emerges at the nasopharynx (Hangsang), permeates the Yang meridians, and irrigates the essence; its descending branch joins the large collateral of the Foot-Shaoyin, originating below the kidney, emerging at the Qicheng, following the medial aspect of the thigh, obliquely entering the popliteal fossa, running deep along the medial aspect of the tibia (tibia, i.e., the shinbone), descending to the posterior aspect of the lower leg above the ankle where it branches, and obliquely entering the ankle; another descending branch runs parallel with the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian, permeating the Three Yin meridians; its anterior branch runs deep, emerges on the dorsum of the foot, descends between the great toe and the second toe, permeating the various collaterals to nourish the foot and lower leg. This is the normal pulsation of this vessel. Therefore, if the collateral branches become obstructed, there will be no pulse felt on the dorsum of the foot; without pulsation, Jue syndrome (reversal cold) occurs, leading to coldness. (Zhang Shixian said: The *Neijing* records that the Penetrating Vessel runs parallel with the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, whereas the *Nanjing* records it running parallel with the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. Why are they different? Essentially, the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian is the site of origin for the Qi associated with the Penetrating Vessel; the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian is the pathway through which it travels. One description refers to its pathway, the other to its origin, hence the difference. The *Lingshu* states: The Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) both originate in the Baozhong (uterus/central cavity), ascend along the interior of the spine, serving as the Sea of the Collaterals. The portion that floats outward follows the right side of the abdomen upward, meets at the throat, and branches to connect with the lips and mouth. When blood and Qi are abundant, they fill the skin and warm the flesh; when blood is particularly abundant, it permeates the skin and generates hair.)

(The Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) is named so because it encircles the body like a belt.)

The *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) states: The Girdle Vessel originates at the hypochondrium (Ji Xie) and encircles the body once (The hypochondrium refers to the Zhangmen acupoint, also known as Ji Xie, located nine cun lateral to the umbilicus, directly at the end of the hypochondrium, and is the Front-Mu point of the Spleen. Thus, Jiegu considered it governed by the Taiyin, while Dongyuan regarded it as an affiliated meridian of the Spleen). When diseased, it manifests as abdominal fullness and a sensation of the loins being loose and weak, as if sitting in water.

Liu Hejian stated: In women, leukorrhea arises from excessive damp-heat in the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), causing fluids to surge and overflow, dripping down from the Girdle Vessel.