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The meridian system (simplified Chinese: 经络; traditional Chinese: 經絡; pinyin: jīngluò, also called channel network) is a concept in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) about a path through which the life-energy known as “qi” flows.1 The twelve standard meridians, also called principal meridians, are divided into Yin and Yang groups. The Yin meridians of the arm are Lung, Heart, and Pericardium. The Yang meridians of the arm are Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Triple Burner. The Yin Meridians of the leg are Spleen, Kidney, and Liver. The Yang meridians of the leg are Stomach, Bladder, and Gall Bladder.2
The eight extraordinary meridians are of pivotal importance in the study of Qigong, T’ai chi ch’uan and Chinese alchemy.3 These eight extra meridians are different to the standard twelve organ meridians in that they are considered to be storage vessels or reservoirs of energy and are not associated directly with the Zang Fu, i.e. internal organs.
The eight extraordinary vessels are (奇經八脈; qí jīng bā mài):4
Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) – 任脈 [rèn mài], Governing Vessel (Du Mai) – 督脈 [dū mài], Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) – 衝脈 [chōng mài], Girdle Vessel (Dai Mai) – 帶脈 [dài mài], Yin linking vessel (Yin Wei Mai) – 陰維脈 [yīn wéi mài], Yang linking vessel (Yang Wei Mai) – 陽維脈 [yáng wéi mài], Yin Heel Vessel (Yin Qiao Mai) – 陰蹻脈 [yīn qiāo mài], Yang Heel Vessel (Yang Qiao Mai) – 陽蹻脈 [yáng qiāo mài].
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Conception Vessel (CV) is one of the Eight Extra Meridians. Of the eight, Governor Vessel, Conception Vessel and Thoroughfare Vessel all originate in the uterus and emerge from the perineum and are therefore called three meridians sharing the same origin.
CV has a close relation with the six yin meridians (including Taiyin Lung Meridian of the Hand， Shaoyin Heart Meridian of the Hand， Jueyin Pericardium Meridian of the Hand， Taiyin Spleen Meridian of the Foot， Shaoyin Kidney Meridian of the Foot， Jueyin Liver Meridian of the Foot). It regulates the qi of the yin meridians of the whole body, therefore it is called the sea of the yin meridians.5
CONTENTS
ACUPOINTS
FLOWING ROUTES
ACUPOINTS
The Conception Vessel contains 24 acupoints.
CV-1
Location: Between the anus and the root of the scrotum in males and between the anus and the posterior labial commissure in females.
Indications: Vaginitis, retention of urine hemorrhoids, nocturnal emission, enuresis, irregular menstruation, mental disorders.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The branches of the perineal artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the perineal nerve.
CV-2
Location: On the midpoint of the upper border of the symphysis pubis.
Indications: Retention and dribbling of urine, enuresis, nocturnal emission, impotence, morbid leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, hernia.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Great care should be taken to puncture the points from Qugu (CV-2) to Shangwan (CV-13) of this meridian in pregnant women. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The branches of the inferior epigastric artery and the obturator artery.
Innervation: The branch of the iliohypogastric nerve.
CV-3
Location: On the anterior midline, 4 cun below the umbilicus.
Indications: Enuresis, nocturnal emission, impotence, hernia, uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, frequency of urination, retention of urine, pain in the lower abdomen, prolapse of the uterus, vaginitis.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The branches of superficial epigastric artery and vein, and the branches of inferior epigastric artery and vem.
Innervation: The branch of the iliohypogastric nerve.
CV-4
Location: On the anterior midline, 3 cun below the umbilicus.
Indications: Enuresis, nocturnal emission, frequency of urination, retention of urine, hernia, irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, lower abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea, prolapse of the rectum, flaccid type of apoplexy.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. This is one of the important points for tonification. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: See Zhongji (CV-3).
Innervation: The medial branch of the anterior cutaneous branch of the twelfth intercostal nerve.
CV-5
Location: On the anterior midline, 2 cun below the umbilicus.
Indications: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, edema, hernia, anuria, enuresis, amenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, uterine bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: See Zhongji (CV-3).
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the eleventh intercostal nerve.
CV-6
Location: On the anterior midline, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus.
Indications: Abdominal pain, enuresis, nocturnal emission, impotence, hernia, edema, diarrhea, dysentery, uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, constipation, flaccid type of apoplexy, asthma.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. This is one of the important points for tonification. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Shimen (CV-5).
CV-7
Location: On the anterior midline, 1 cun below the umbilicus.
Indications: Abdominal distention, edema, hernia, irregular menstruation,
uterine bleeding, morbid leukorrhea, pruritus vulvae, postpartum hemorrhage, abdominal pain around the umbilicus.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy Vasculature: See Zhongji (CV-3).
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the tenth intercostal nerve.
CV-8
Location: In the centre of the umbilicus.
Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, flaccid type of apoplexy, prolapse of the rectum, unchecked diarrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture is prohibited. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the tenth intercostal nerve.
CV-9
Location: On the anterior midline, 1 cun above the umbilicus.
Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, edema, retention of the urine, diarrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy Vasculature: See Shenque (CV-8).
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the eighth and ninth intercostal nerves.
CV-10
Location: On the anterior midline, 2 cun above the umbilicus.
Indications: Epigastric pain, abdominal pain, borborygmus, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: See Shenque (CV-8).
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the eighth intercostal nerve.
CV-11
Location: On the anterior midline, 3 cun above the umbilicus.
Indications: Stomachache, vomiting, abdominal distention, borborygmus, edema, anorexia.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The branches of the superior and inferior epigastric arteries.
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the eighth intercostal nerve.
CV-12
Location: On the anterior midline, 4 cun above the umbilicus.
Indications: Stomachache, abdominal distention, borborygmus, nausea, vomiting, acid regurgitation, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, indigestion, insomnia.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The superior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the seventh intercostal nerve.
CV-13
Location: On the anterior midline, 5 cun above the umbilicus.
Indications: Stomachache, abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, epilepsy, insomma.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Zhongwan (CV-12).
CV-14
Location: On the anterior midline of the abdomen, 6 cun above the umbilicus.
Indications: Pain in the cardiac region and the chest, nausea, acid regurgitation, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, mental disorders, epilepsy, palpitation.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.8 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Zhongwan (CV-12).
CV-15
Location: On the anterior midline, 1 cun below the xiphosternal synchondrosis. Locate the point in supine position with the arms uplifted.
Indications: Pain in the cardiac region and the chest, nausea, mental disorders, epilepsy.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely downward 0.4-0.6 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Zhongwan (CV-12).
CV-16
Location: On the anterior midline, at the level with the 5th intercostal space, on the xiphosternal synchondrosis.
Indications: Distension and fullness in the chest and intercostal region, hiccup, nausea, anorexia.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The anterior perforating branches of the internal mammary artery and vein.
Innervation: The medial branch of the anterior cutaneous branch of the sixth intercostal nerve.
CV-17
Location: On the anterior midline, at the level with the 4th intercostal space, midway between the nipples.
Indications: Asthma, pain in the chest, fullness in the chest, palpitation, insufficient lactation, hiccup, difficulty in swallowing.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: See Zhongting (CV-16).
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the fourth intercostal nerve.
CV-18
Location: On the anterior midline, at the level with the 3rd intercostal space.
Indications: pain in the chest, cough, asthma, vomiting.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: See Zhongting (CV-16).
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the third intercostal nerve.
CV-19
Location: On the anterior midline, at the level with the 2nd intercostal space.
Indications: Pain in the chest, asthma, cough.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: See Zhongting (CV-16).
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the second intercostal nerve.
CV-20
Location: On the anterior midline, at the midpoint of the sternal angle, at the level with the 1st intercostal space.
Indications: Pain and fullness in the chest and intercostal region, asthma, cough.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: See Zhongting (CV-16).
Innervation: The anterior cutaneous branch of the first intercostal nerve.
CV-21
Location: On the anterior midline, in the centre of the sternal manubrium, 1 cun below Tiantu (CV-22).
Indications: Pain in the chest, cough, asthma.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: See Zhongting (CV-16).
Innervation: The anterior branch of the supraclavicular nerve and the anterior cutaneous branch of the first intercostal nerve.
CV-22
Location: In the centre of the suprasternal fossa.
Indications: Asthma, cough, sore throat, dry throat, hiccup, sudden hoarseness of the voice, difficulty in swallowing, goiter.
Acupuncture Method: First puncture perpendicularly 0.2 inch and then insert the needle tip downward along the posterior aspect of the sternum 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: Superficially, the jugular arch and the branch of the inferior thyroid artery; deeper, the trachea; inferiorly, at the posterior aspect of the sternum, the inominate vein at aortic arch.
Innervation: The anterior branch of the supraclavicular nerve.
CV-23
Location: Above the Adam’s apple, in the depression of the upper border of the hyoid bone.
Indications: Swel1ing and pain of the subglossal region, salivation with glossoplegia, aphasia with stiffness of tongue by apoplexy, sudden hoarseness of the voice, difficulty in swal1owing.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.5-1.0 inch toward the tongue root. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The anterior jugular vein.
Innervation: The branch of the cutaneous cervical nerve, the hypoglossal nerve, and the branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
CV-24
Location: In the depression in the centre of the mentolabial groove.
Indications: Facial puffiness, swel1ing of the gums, toothache, salivation, mental disorders, deviation of the eyes and mouth.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely upward 0.2-0.3 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Vasculature: The branches of the inferior labial artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the facial nerve.6
FLOWING ROUTES
It starts from the inside of the lower abdomen and comes out from the perineum. It goes anteriorly to the pubic region and ascends along the interior side of the abdomen, passes through Guanyuan (CV-4) and reaches the throat. Ascending further, it curves around the lips, passes through the cheek and enters the infraorbital region Chengqi (ST-1).7
Footnotes
- What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine – sciencebasedmedicine.org – 2012, https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/what-is-traditional-chinese-medicine/
- Advanced Pressure Point Fighting of Ryukyu Kempo – A Dillman Karate International Book – 1994, https://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Pressure-Point-Fighting-Ryukyu/dp/0963199633/
- T’ai Chi Ch’uan and Meditation – Library of Congress – 1991, https://www.amazon.com/TAi-Chi-ChUan-Meditation-Liu/dp/080520993X
- The foundations of chinese medicine: a comprehensive text for acupuncturists and herbalists – Black Dog & Elsevier Churchill Livingstone – 2005, https://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Chinese-Medicine-Comprehensive-Acupuncturists/dp/0443074895
- Conception Vessel Meridian – tcmwiki.com – 2017, https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/conception-vessel
- Acupuncture points of the CV meridian – cnacupuncture.com – 2017, http://www.cnacupuncture.com/points-of-ren-channel.html
- Conception Vessel Meridian – tcmwiki.com – 2017, https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/conception-vessel