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(The Eight Extraordinary Vessels cannot be mixed into the twenty-seven standard pulse types, so they are appended after the Renying and Qikou pulses. These eight vessels are not restricted by the Twelve Regular Meridians and lack exterior-interior pairing, hence named "Extraordinary." In all examinations, the manifestations of these eight vessels appear in both hands: the one slanting outward from the Cun position on the left hand corresponds to the inner side of the right hand, and the inner side of the left hand corresponds to the outer side of the right hand; deducing in reverse reveals this clearly.)

Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) monitors the exterior of the whole body (primarily observed with the left hand; its pulse slants outward from the Cun position. Observe the right hand in reverse, as follows.)
This vessel originates at the convergence of all Yang meridians, thus linking Yang. Generally, the Wei (Defensive) aspect of the human body is Yang; Yang Wei linking Yang is equivalent to linking Wei. Since Wei governs the exterior, when Yang Wei is affected by pathogenic factors, the disease also resides in the exterior. The Cun position is a Yang area, and the outer side is also a Yang location; therefore, the Yang Wei pulse slanting outward from the Cun does not depart from Yang.

Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) monitors the interior of the whole body (primarily observed with the left hand; its pulse slants inward from the Cun position. Observe the right hand in reverse.)
This vessel originates at the intersection of all Yin meridians, thus linking Yin. Generally, the Ying (Nutritive) aspect of the human body is Yin; Yin Wei linking Yin is equivalent to linking Ying. Since Ying governs the interior, when Yin Wei is affected by pathogenic factors, the disease also resides in the interior. Although the Cun position belongs to Yang, the inner side is actually a Yin location. The Yin Wei pulse slanting inward from the Cun indicates rooting in Yang and returning to Yin.

Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel) monitors the Yang of the left and right sides of the whole body (its pulse beats rhythmically to the left and right from the Cun position. Applies to either hand.)
This vessel is a branch of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, originating in the middle of the heel, ascending along the lateral malleolus to the left and right sides of the body, thereby enabling agile movement of joints. Yang Qiao lies above the muscles, following the path of Yang meridians, penetrating the Six Fu Organs, and governing the exterior functions. Thus, when it becomes diseased, it presents as an exterior disorder with interior harmony.

Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel) monitors the Yin of the left and right sides of the whole body. (Applies to either hand; its pulse beats rhythmically to the left and right from the Chi position.)
This vessel is a branch of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, originating in the middle of the heel, ascending along the medial malleolus to the left and right sides of the body, thereby enabling agile movement of joints. Yin Qiao lies below the muscles, following the path of Yin meridians, penetrating the Five Zang Organs, and governing the interior functions. Thus, when it becomes diseased, it presents as an interior disorder with exterior harmony.

Du Mai (Governing Vessel) monitors the Yang of the posterior body. (Applies to either hand; its pulse is floating in the center of all three positions, moving straight up and down.)
This vessel originates below the kidney in the Baozhong (uterus/bladder region), runs along the back on the posterior side of the body, and serves as the commander of all Yang meridians, hence called the "Sea of Yang Meridians." Therefore, when it becomes diseased, pain often rushes upward from below.

Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) monitors the Yin of the anterior body. (Applies to either hand; its pulse is round and rolling, transverse across the Cun Kou position.)
This vessel originates below the kidney in the Baozhong, runs along the abdomen on the anterior side of the body, and serves as the bearer of all Yin meridians, hence called the "Sea of Yin Meridians." Therefore, when it becomes diseased, pain often rushes upward from below.

Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) monitors the Yin of the anterior body. (Applies to either hand; its pulse arrives firm and solid at the center of the Cun Kou, extending directly to the Guan position.)
This vessel originates below the kidney in the Baozhong, runs alongside the umbilicus, and rushes straight upward. It is the crucial point for all meridians, hence called the "Sea of the Twelve Regular Meridians." Furthermore, as the master of congenital essence and blood, it can irrigate the Yang meridians above and seep into the Yin meridians below, reaching the dorsum of the foot; thus, it is also called the "Sea of Blood." When it becomes diseased, it often manifests as Qi rebellion and internal urgency.

Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) monitors the constraint over all other meridians. (Applies to either hand; its pulse beats to the left and right at the Guan position.)
This vessel originates from the sides of the lower abdomen, below the costal margin, encircles the body once, crosses the waist, and resembles a belt. Thus, it generally constrains all meridians, hence named "Dai" (Belt).

The Chong and Ren meridians run along the abdomen and hypochondrium, beside the umbilicus, flowing into the Qijie (Gas Street), belonging to the Dai Mai, and connecting with the Du Mai. The Chong, Ren, and Du meridians share the same origin but different pathways, branching from one source into three, all connecting with the Dai Mai. Due to the continuous ascent and descent of various meridians, heat pathogens are left in the Dai Mai region. The trapped heat stagnates, causing white discharge to overflow. In men, it flows out with urine; in women, it flows continuously. All are due to Damp-Heat. Therefore, diseases of the Dai Mai are termed "Dai Xia" (Leukorrhea/Down-Flow Disorder).