(本草刚目)
人身有经脉络脉直行曰经。旁行曰络。经凡十二手之三阴三阳足之三阴三阳是也。络凡
十五
。乃十二经各有一别络。而脾又有一大络。并任督二络为十五络也。其二十七气。相随上下
。如泉之流。如日月之行。不得休息。阴脉营于五脏。阳脉营于六腑。阴阳相贯如环无端。
其流溢之气入于奇经。转相灌溉。内温脏腑。外濡腠理。奇经凡八脉。不拘制于十二正经。
无表里配合。故谓之奇。盖正经犹沟渠。奇经犹河泽。正经之脉隆盛。则溢于奇经。故秦越
人比之天雨降下。沟渠溢满。滂沛妄行。流于河泽。此灵素未发之旨也。
(八脉)阳维起于诸阳之会。由外踝而上行于卫分。阴维起于诸阴之交。由内踝而上行于
营分
。所以为一身之纲维也。阳跷起于跟中。循外踝上行于身之左右。阴跷起于跟中。循内踝上
行于身之左右。所以使机关之跷捷也。督脉起于会阴。循背而行于身之后。为阳脉之总督故
曰阳脉之海。任脉起于会阴。循腹而行于身之前。为阴脉之承任。故曰阴脉之海。冲脉起于
会阴。夹脐而行。直冲于上。为诸脉之冲要故曰十二经脉之海。带脉则横围于腰。状如束带
。所以总约诸脉者也。是故阳维主一身之表。阴维主一身之里。以乾坤言也。阳跷主一身左
右之阳。阴跷主一身左右之阴。以东西言也。督主身后之阳。任冲主身前之阴。以南北言也
。带脉横束诸脉。以六合言也。故医而知此八脉。则十二经十五络之大旨得矣。
(Bencao Gangmu) [Note: The source text attributes this to Bencao Gangmu, but the content is from Nan Jing. Translated as per original.]
The human body has meridians (Jingmai, main channels) and collaterals (Luomai, branch vessels). Those that run straight are called meridians. Those that run obliquely are called collaterals. There are twelve meridians in total, namely the three Yin and three Yang of the hand, and the three Yin and three Yang of the foot. There are fifteen collaterals in total. These consist of one collateral branching from each of the twelve meridians, plus one major collateral of the Spleen, along with the collaterals of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Du Mai (Governing Vessel), making fifteen collaterals. These twenty-seven Qi energies follow each other up and down, flowing like spring water, moving like the sun and moon, never resting. Yin meridians nourish the five Zang organs, while Yang meridians nourish the six Fu organs. Yin and Yang interconnect continuously like a ring without beginning or end. The overflowing Qi enters the eight extraordinary vessels (Qijing Bamai), irrigating each other, warming the Zang-Fu organs internally, and moistening the Couli (skin texture and pores) externally. There are eight extraordinary vessels in total, which are not restricted by the twelve regular meridians and have no exterior-interior pairing; thus they are called "extraordinary" (Qi). Generally, the regular meridians are like ditches and canals, while the extraordinary vessels are like rivers and marshes. When the Qi in the regular meridians becomes abundant, it overflows into the extraordinary vessels. Therefore, Qin Yue-ren (Bian Que) compared this to rain falling from the sky: when ditches and canals are full, the excess water flows wildly into the rivers and marshes. This is the principle not yet expounded in the Ling Shu and Su Wen.
[The Eight Extraordinary Vessels]
The Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) originates at the convergence of all Yang meridians, ascending from the lateral malleolus into the Wei division (the functional level governing the exterior). The Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) originates at the convergence of all Yin meridians, ascending from the medial malleolus into the Ying division (the functional level governing the interior). Thus, they serve as the framework and support for the whole body. The Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel) originates in the center of the heel, following the lateral malleolus upward on both sides of the body. The Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel) originates in the center of the heel, following the medial malleolus upward on both sides of the body. Thus, they enable the agility and flexibility of the joints and mechanisms. The Du Mai (Governing Vessel) originates at the Huiyin point (CV1), follows the back, and runs along the posterior aspect of the body. As the commander of all Yang meridians, it is called the "Sea of Yang Meridians." The Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) originates at the Huiyin point (CV1), follows the abdomen, and runs along the anterior aspect of the body. As the bearer of all Yin meridians, it is called the "Sea of Yin Meridians." The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) originates at the Huiyin point (CV1), runs alongside the umbilicus, and ascends directly upward. As the crucial passage for all meridians, it is called the "Sea of the Twelve Regular Meridians." The Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) encircles the waist horizontally, resembling a belt, thereby binding and restraining all other meridians. Therefore, the Yang Wei Mai governs the exterior of the body, and the Yin Wei Mai governs the interior of the body, analogous to Heaven and Earth (Qian and Kun). The Yang Qiao Mai governs the Yang on both left and right sides of the body, and the Yin Qiao Mai governs the Yin on both left and right sides, analogous to East and West. The Du Mai governs the Yang on the posterior side, while the Ren and Chong meridians govern the Yin on the anterior side, analogous to North and South. The Dai Mai binds the meridians horizontally, analogous to the Six Directions (Liuhe). Thus, if a physician understands these eight vessels, the general principles of the twelve meridians and fifteen collaterals are grasped.