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Beyond the regular meridians are the extraordinary meridians, eight in number, each governing specific areas with their own names. The Ren Meridian (Conception Vessel) is located anteriorly, while the Du Meridian (Governing Vessel) belongs to the posterior aspect. The Chong Meridian (Penetrating Vessel) originates at Huiyin (CV1), traveling alongside the Kidney Meridian; the Yang Qiao Meridian (Yang Heel Vessel) branches off laterally following the Bladder Meridian, and the Yin Qiao Meridian (Yin Heel Vessel) originates anteriorly, following the Kidney Meridian. The Yang Wei Meridian (Yang Linking Vessel) links and connects all Yang meridians, while the Yin Wei Meridian (Yin Linking Vessel) links and connects all Yin meridians. The Dai Meridian (Girdle Vessel) encircles the waist like a sash; because it does not follow the standard pathways, it is termed an "extraordinary" meridian.

There is a distinction between "extraordinary" (Qi) and "regular" (Chang) pulses. The twelve regular meridians constitute the "regular pulses." The extraordinary meridians are not constrained by these regularities, hence they are called "extraordinary." There are eight extraordinary meridians: Ren, Du, Chong, Dai, Yang Qiao, Yin Qiao, Yang Wei, and Yin Wei.

The Ren Meridian originates at Huiyin (CV1), follows the abdomen, and travels along the anterior aspect of the body. As the receiver of Yin pulses, it is referred to as the "Sea of Yin Meridians." The Du Meridian originates at Huiyin (CV1), follows the back, and travels along the posterior aspect of the body. As the commander of Yang pulses, it is referred to as the "Sea of Yang Meridians." The Chong Meridian originates at Huiyin (CV1), runs alongside the umbilicus, and ascends directly upward. As the crucial hub for all vessels, it is referred to as the "Sea of the Twelve Regular Meridians." The Dai Meridian horizontally encircles the waist, resembling a belt, thereby summarizing and constraining all meridians. The Yang Qiao Meridian originates in the heel, ascends along the lateral malleolus to the left and right sides of the body, facilitating the agility of joints. The Yin Qiao Meridian originates in the heel, ascends along the medial malleolus to the left and right sides of the body, also facilitating joint agility. The Yang Wei Meridian originates at the convergence of various Yang meridians, ascends from the lateral malleolus, and travels within the Wei (Defensive) level; the Yin Wei Meridian originates at the intersection of various Yin meridians, ascends from the medial malleolus, and travels within the Ying (Nutritive) level, serving as the framework and linkage for the entire body.

Therefore, the Ren and Chong meridians govern the Yin of the anterior body, while the Du Meridian governs the Yang of the posterior body; this is discussed in terms of North and South directions. The Dai Meridian horizontally binds the various meridians, discussed in terms of the Six Directions (Liu He). The Yang Qiao Meridian governs the Yang on both sides of the body, and the Yin Qiao Meridian governs the Yin on both sides of the body; this is discussed in terms of East and West directions. The Yang Wei Meridian governs the exterior of the whole body, and the Yin Wei Meridian governs the interior of the whole body; this is discussed in terms of Qian (Heaven) and Kun (Earth). Thus, if a physician understands the eight extraordinary meridians, they can grasp the main principles of the twelve regular meridians and fifteen collaterals. If an immortal understands the eight extraordinary meridians, they can attain the profound mysteries of the ascent and descent of Long and Hu (Dragon and Tiger), and the subtle apertures of Xuan Pin (Mysterious Female).

[Image: Diagram of Acupoints on the Ren Meridian (24 acupoints)]