脉有奇常∶十二经者，常脉也；奇经则不拘于常，故谓之奇。盖人之气血，常行于十二
经脉，经脉满溢，则流入奇经。奇经有八∶曰任、督、冲、带、阳跷、阴跷、阳维、阴维者是也。
任脉任于前，督脉督于后，冲脉为诸脉之海，带脉犹身之束带，阳跷为足太阳之别，阴跷为
足少阴之别，阳维则维络诸阳，阴维则维络诸阴，阴阳相维，故诸经乃调。此八脉者，譬犹
图设沟渠以备水潦，斯无滥溢之患，人之奇经，亦若是也。今考集素问、难经、甲乙经、圣济
总录，集奇经八脉所发气穴，共成一篇，以备通考云。
虞氏曰∶奇者，奇零之奇，不偶之义，谓此八者，不系正经阴阳，无表里配合，别道奇行，
故曰奇经也。
任脉
任脉者，与冲脉皆起于胞中，循脊里，为经络之海。其浮而外者，循腹上行，会于咽喉，
别而络唇口。血气盛则肌肉热，血独盛则渗灌皮肤，生毫毛。妇人有余于气，不足于血，以
其月事数下，任冲并伤，故脉不营于口唇而髭须不生。是以任脉为病，男子则内结七疝，女子则带下瘕
聚。故难经曰∶任脉起于中极之下，以上毛际，循腹里，上关元，至咽喉，上颐循面入目，属阴脉之海。
凡此任脉之行，从胞中上注目，长四尺五寸，总二十四穴。按气府论曰∶任脉之气所发
者二十八穴。本经原缺一穴，实止二十七穴，内龈交一穴属督脉，承泣二穴属足阳明跷脉，故今止二十四穴。
督脉
督脉者，起于少腹以下骨中央，女子入系廷孔之端，其络循阴器，合篡间，绕篡后，别绕
臀，至少阴与巨阳中络者合少阴，上股内后廉，贯脊属肾，与太阳起目内 ，上额交巅上，入
络脑，还出别下项，循肩膊内，夹脊抵腰中，入循膂络肾；其男子循茎下至篡，与女子等；其
少腹直上者，贯脐中央，上贯心，入喉上颐环唇，上系两目之下中央。此生病，从少腹上冲
心而痛，不得前后为冲疝；其女子不孕。癃痔遗溺嗌干，治在督脉。
督脉之别，名曰长强，挟脊上项，散上头，下当肩胛左右别走太阳，入贯膂，实则脊强，
虚则头重。故难经曰∶督脉者，起于下极之 ，并于脊里，上至风府，入属于脑。上巅循额，
至鼻柱，属阳脉之海也。此为病，令人脊强反折。
督脉从头循脊入 ，长四尺五寸，凡二十八穴。
冲脉
冲脉者，与任脉皆起于胞中，上循背里，为经络之海。其浮于外者，循腹上行，会于咽
喉，别而络唇口。故骨空论曰∶冲脉者，起于气街，并足少阴之经，挟脐上行，至胸中而散。
此为病，令人逆气里急。又难经曰∶并足阳明之经上行。然以穴考之，足阳明之脉挟脐左
右二寸而上行，足少阴挟脐左右五分而上行，按甲乙、铜人等书，所载幽门、通谷、阴都、石
关、商曲、肓俞、中注、四满、气穴、大赫、横骨，凡二十二穴，皆云冲脉足少阴之会，盖以骨空
论为之主也，然则冲脉之并足少阴经也明矣。
按逆顺肥瘦篇曰∶夫冲脉者，五脏六腑之海也，五脏六腑皆禀焉。其上者，出于颃颡，
渗诸阳，灌诸精；其下者，注少阴之大络，出于气街，循阴股内廉，入 中，伏行 骨内，下至
内踝之后属而别；其下者，并于少阴之经，渗三阴；其前者，伏行出跗属下，循跗入大指间，
渗诸络而温肌肉。
又如动输篇及海论所言冲脉之义，俱当详考，见经络类十三、三十二。
带脉
带脉起于季胁，回身一周。其为病也，腰腹纵容，如囊水之伏。
其脉气所发，在季胁下一寸八分，穴名带脉，（在足少阳经。）以其回身一周如带也。又与足
少阳会于维道。此带脉所发，凡四穴。
足少阴当十四椎出属带脉。
阳跷脉
二十八难曰∶阳跷脉者，起于跟中，循外踝上行入风池。
缪刺论曰∶邪客于足阳跷之脉，令人目痛从内 始。
二十九难曰∶阳跷为病，阴缓而阳急。
两足阳跷之脉，本太阳之别，合于太阳，其气上行，气并相还则为濡目，气不营则目不
合。男子数其阳，女子数其阴；当数者为经，不当数者为络也。
跷脉长七尺五寸，所发之穴，生于申脉，以跗阳为 ，本于仆参，与足少阳会于居 ，
又与手阳明会于肩 及巨骨，又与手足太阳阳维会于 俞，又与手足阳明会于地仓、巨 ，
又与任脉足阳明会于承泣，又与手足太阳足阳明阴跷会于睛明，凡二十二穴∶
申脉（足太阳，外踝下。） 跗阳（足太阳，外踝上。） 仆参（足太阳，跟骨上。） 居 （
足少阳，章门下，） 肩 （手阳明，肩端。） 巨骨（手阳明，肩上。） 俞（手太阳，肩胛上。）
地仓（足阳明，口吻旁。） 巨 （足阳明，鼻旁。） 承泣（足阳明，目下。） 睛明（足太阳，目内 。）
阴跷脉
脉度篇曰∶跷脉者，少阴之别，起于然骨之后，上内踝之上，直上循阴股入阴，上循胸
里，入缺盆，上出人迎之前，入 ，属目内 ，合于太阳阳跷而上行。女子以之为经，男子以之为络。
二十八难曰∶阴跷脉者，亦起于跟中，循内踝上行，至咽喉，交贯冲脉。
二十九难曰∶阴跷为病，阳缓而阴急。
两足跷脉各长七尺五寸，而阴跷所生在照海，以交信为 ，阴跷脉病者取此。
然骨（即然谷之次。） 交信（足少阴，内踝上。） 照海（足少阴，内踝下，在然骨后。）
睛明（足太阳，目内 。）
阳维脉
阳维维于阳，其脉起于诸阳之会，与阴维皆维络于身，若阳不能维于阳，则溶溶不能自收持。
其脉气所发，别于金门，以阳交为 ，与手足太阳及跷脉会于 俞，与手足少阳会于
天，又会于肩井，其在头也与足少阳会于阳白，上于本神及临泣，上至正营，循于脑空，
下至风池，其与督脉会，则在风府及哑门，此阳维脉气所发，凡二十四穴。
难经曰∶阳维为病苦寒热。
金门（足太阳，外踝下。） 阳交（足少阳，外踝上。） 俞（手太阳，肩后。） 天 （手少
阳，缺盆上。） 肩井（足少阳，肩上。） 阳白（足少阳，眉上。） 本神（足少阳，眉上。） 临泣
（足少阳，眉上。） 正营（足少阳，目窗上。） 脑空（足少阳，枕骨下。） 风池（足少阳，颞
后。） 风府（督脉，后发际。） 哑门（督脉，风府后。）
阴维脉
阴维维于阴，其脉起于诸阴之交，若阴不能维于阴，则怅然失志。
其脉气所发者，阴维之 ，名曰筑宾，与足太阴会于腹哀、大横，又与足太阴厥阴会于
府舍、期门，与任脉会于天突、廉泉，此阴维脉气所发，凡十二穴。
难经曰∶阴维为病苦心痛。
筑宾（足少阴，内踝上。） 腹哀（足太阴，乳下。） 大横（足太阴，腹哀下。） 府舍（
足太阴，少腹下。） 期门（足厥阴，乳下。） 天突（任脉，喉下。） 廉泉（任脉，舌本下。）
奇经八脉歌
正经经外是奇经，八脉分司各有名。后督前任皆在内，冲由毛际肾同行。阳跷跟外膀
胱别，阴起跟前随少阴。阳维只络诸阳脉，何谓阴维为络阴。带脉围腰如束带，不由常度曰奇经。
脏腑募俞穴
（募，音暮，举痛论作膜，盖以肉间膜系，为脏气结聚之所，故曰募。俞，音庶，扁鹊传作输，犹
委输之输，言脏气之所输也。募皆在腹，俞皆在背，故难经曰募在阴，俞在阳也。）
中府（肺募，在本经。） 巨阙（心包募，在任脉。） 章门（脾募，在足厥阴。） 期门（肝募，
在本经。） 中脘（胃募，在任脉。） 天枢（大肠募，在足阳明。） 关元（小肠募，在任脉。） 日
月（胆募，在本经。） 京门（肾募，在足少阳。） 中极（膀胱募，在任脉。） 石门（三焦募，在任脉。）
肺俞（三椎下。） 心俞（五椎下。） 肝俞（九椎下。） 脾俞（十一椎下。） 肾俞（十四椎下。）
厥阴俞（四椎下，心包也。） 大肠俞（十六椎下。） 小肠俞（十八椎下。） 胆俞（十椎下。） 膀胱俞
（十九椎下。） 三焦俞（十三椎下。） 胃俞（十二椎下。）
八会穴
中脘（任脉穴，太仓也，六腑取禀于胃，故曰腑会。） 章门（足厥阴穴，脾募也，五脏皆禀于脾，故
曰脏会。） 阳陵泉（足少阳之筋结于此，肝主筋，胆为之合，故曰筋会。） 悬钟（足少阳穴，诸髓皆属
于骨，故曰髓会，人能健步，以髓会绝骨也。） 膈俞（足太阳穴，谷气由膈达于上焦，化精微为血之处，
故曰血会。） 大椎（督脉穴，肩脊之骨会于此，故曰骨会，肩能任重，以骨会大椎也。） 太渊（手太阴穴，
平旦脉会于此，故曰寸口者，脉之大会。） 膻中（任脉穴，此三焦宗气所居，是为上气海，故曰气会。）
九门
飞门（唇也。） 户门（齿也。） 吸门（会厌也。） 贲门（胃之上口。） 幽门（太仓下口。）
阑门（小肠下口。） 魄门（肛门也。） 命门（精血之门，居前阴中。添加入。） 气门（溲溺之门，居前
阴中，由气化而出，故曰气门。添加入。）
同名穴
头临泣（足少阳。） 足临泣（足少阳。） 腹通谷（足少阴。） 足通谷（足太阳。） 手三里（手阳
明。） 足三里（足阳明。） 头窍阴（足少阳。） 足窍阴（足少阳。） 背阳关（督脉。） 足阳关（足少阳。）
脉有奇常之分：十二经脉是常脉；奇经则不受常规限制，所以称为“奇”。大概人的气血，通常运行于十二经脉之中，当经脉充满溢出时，就会流入奇经。奇经共有八条：即任脉、督脉、冲脉、带脉、阳跷脉、阴跷脉、阳维脉、阴维脉。任脉行于身前，督脉行于身后，冲脉为诸脉之海，带脉如同身上的束带，阳跷脉是足太阳膀胱经的别支，阴跷脉是足少阴肾经的别支，阳维脉维系联络诸阳经，阴维脉维系联络诸阴经，阴阳相互维系，所以各经才能调和。这八条奇经，好比地图中设置沟渠以储备洪水，从而没有泛滥成灾的祸患，人体的奇经也是如此。如今考证汇集《素问》、《难经》、《甲乙经》、《圣济总录》，收集奇经八脉所发出的气穴，共编成一篇，以备全面考查。
虞氏说：“奇”，是零余、不成双的意思，指这八条经脉，不隶属于正经的阴阳体系，没有表里配合关系，走的是特殊的道路，所以叫作奇经。
**任脉**
任脉，与冲脉都起于胞宫（子宫），沿着脊柱内部上行，作为经络之海。其浮显于体表的分支，沿着腹部上行，交会于咽喉，分支联络口唇。血气旺盛则肌肉发热，若血单独旺盛，则渗入灌溉皮肤，生长毫毛。女子在气方面有余，在血方面不足，因为月经频繁下行，导致任脉和冲脉同时受损，所以脉气不能滋养口唇，胡须就不生长。因此，任脉发生病变，男子会出现腹内结聚的七种疝气，女子会出现白带异常和瘕聚（腹部包块）。所以《难经》说：“任脉起于中极穴之下，向上经过阴毛际，沿着腹部内侧上行，经过关元穴，到达咽喉，上至颐部，循面进入目内眦，属于阴脉之海。”
以上所述任脉的走向，从胞宫上行至目内眦，全长四尺五寸，总共二十四穴。按《气府论》记载：“任脉之气所发出的穴位有二十八个。”本经原本缺一个穴，实际只有二十七个，其中龈交一穴属于督脉，承泣两穴属于足阳明胃经（注：原文此处可能有误或特指跷脉关联，依原文保留逻辑），所以现在只算二十四穴。
**督脉**
督脉，起于小腹以下骨中央，女子向内系连廷孔（尿道口）的末端，其络脉沿着生殖器走行，会合于篡间（肛门周围），环绕篡后，另外绕行臀部，至少阴经与巨阳经（足太阳膀胱经）的中络处汇合，沿大腿内侧后缘上行，贯穿脊柱，归属于肾，与足太阳膀胱经一起起于目内眦，上额部交会于巅顶，入络脑，复出分别下行项部，沿着肩膊内侧，夹脊抵腰中，入内沿着膂肉联络肾；男子则沿着阴茎下行至篡间，与女子相同；其直上从小腹者，贯穿脐中央，向上贯穿心，入喉上至颐部环绕嘴唇，向上系连两眼下方的中央。此脉发生的疾病，是从少腹向上冲撞心脏而疼痛，大小便不通畅称为冲疝；女子则不孕。癃闭、痔疮、遗尿、咽干，治疗都在督脉。
督脉的别络，名叫长强，夹脊上行至项部，散在于头部，下方正当肩胛左右分别走向太阳经，入内贯穿膂肉，实证则脊背强直，虚证则头重。所以《难经》说：“督脉，起于下极之俞，并行于脊柱内部，上至风府，入属于脑。上至巅顶循额，至鼻柱，属于阳脉之海。”此脉发病，使人脊背强直反折。
督脉从头循行至脊入骶，全长四尺五寸，共二十八穴。
**冲脉**
冲脉，与任脉都起于胞宫，向上沿着脊柱内部行走，作为经络之海。其浮显于体表的分支，沿着腹部上行，会于咽喉，分支联络口唇。所以《骨空论》说：“冲脉，起于气街，并足少阴肾经而行，挟脐上行，至胸中而散。”此脉发病，使人气逆胸中拘急。又《难经》说：“并足阳明胃经上行。”然而通过穴位考证，足阳明胃经挟脐左右二寸而上行，足少阴肾经挟脐左右五分而上行，按《甲乙经》、《铜人腧穴针灸图经》等书记载，幽门、通谷、阴都、石关、商曲、肓俞、中注、四满、气穴、大赫、横骨，共二十二穴，都说这是冲脉与足少阴肾经的交会穴，大概是以《骨空论》为主旨，那么冲脉并足少阴经而行是明确的了。
按《逆顺肥瘦篇》说：“夫冲脉，是五脏六腑之海，五脏六腑都禀受于此。其上行的部分，出于颃颡（鼻咽部），渗灌诸阳经，灌注精气；其下行的部分，注入少阴经的大络，出于气街，沿着阴股内侧下行，入腘中，伏行于髀骨内，下至内踝之后分支；其下行的部分，并足少阴经而行，渗灌三阴经；其前行的部分，伏行出于跗下，沿着足背进入大趾间，渗灌诸络脉而温养肌肉。”
又如《动输篇》及《海论》所言冲脉的意义，都应当详细考证，见经络类十三、三十二。
**带脉**
带脉起于季胁，环绕身体一周。它发生的疾病，是腰腹松弛纵容，像囊中积水一样下垂。
其脉气所发出的穴位，在季胁下一寸八分，穴名带脉（在足少阳胆经），因为它环绕身体一周如带子一样。又与足少阳胆经会合于维道穴。此带脉所发，共四个穴位。
足少阴肾经当第十四椎处出而属带脉。
**阳跷脉**
《二十八难》说：“阳跷脉，起于脚跟中部，沿着外踝上行进入风池穴。”
《缪刺论》说：“邪气客居足阳跷脉，使人眼睛疼痛从内眦开始。”
《二十九难》说：“阳跷脉发病，阴侧缓而阳侧急。”
两足阳跷脉，本是足太阳膀胱经的别支，合于太阳经，其气上行，气并相还则濡润眼睛，气不能营守则眼睛不合。男子数其阳跷，女子数其阴跷；应当数的为经，不应当数的为络。
跷脉长七尺五寸，所发的穴位，生于申脉，以跗阳为郄穴，本于仆参，与足少阳胆经会合于居髎穴，又与手阳明大肠经会合于肩髃穴及巨骨穴，又与手足太阳经及阳维脉会合于天髎穴，又与手足阳明经会合于地仓穴、巨髎穴，又与任脉、足阳明胃经会合于承泣穴，又与手足太阳经、足阳明胃经、阴跷脉会合于睛明穴，共二十二穴：
申脉（足太阳膀胱经，外踝下。） 跗阳（足太阳膀胱经，外踝上。） 仆参（足太阳膀胱经，跟骨上。） 居髎（足少阳胆经，章门下，） 肩髃（手阳明大肠经，肩端。） 巨骨（手阳明大肠经，肩上。） 天髎（手太阳小肠经，肩胛上。） 地仓（足阳明胃经，口吻旁。） 巨髎（足阳明胃经，鼻旁。） 承泣（足阳明胃经，目下。） 睛明（足太阳膀胱经，目内眦。）
**阴跷脉**
《脉度篇》说：“跷脉，是足少阴肾经的别支，起于然骨之后，上至内踝之上，直上沿着阴股进入阴部，上循胸里，入缺盆，上出人迎穴之前，入耳中，属目内眦，合于太阳经和阳跷脉而上行。女子以此脉为经，男子以此脉为络。”
《二十八难》说：“阴跷脉，也起于脚跟中部，沿着内踝上行，至咽喉，交贯冲脉。”
《二十九难》说：“阴跷脉发病，阳侧缓而阴侧急。”
两足跷脉各长七尺五寸，而阴跷脉生于照海穴，以交信穴为郄穴，阴跷脉病者取此穴。
然骨（即然谷穴的次级部位/近旁。） 交信（足少阴肾经，内踝上。） 照海（足少阴肾经，内踝下，在然骨后。） 睛明（足太阳膀胱经，目内眦。）
**阳维脉**
阳维脉维系诸阳经，其脉起于诸阳经的交会处，与阴维脉都维系联络于全身，如果阳维脉不能维系阳经，则身体溶溶然不能自我收持控制。
其脉气所发出的穴位，别出于金门穴，以阳交穴为郄穴，与手足太阳经及跷脉会合于天髎穴，与手足少阳经会合于天牖穴，又会合于肩井穴，其在头部与足少阳胆经会合于阳白穴，上至本神穴及临泣穴，上至正营穴，循行于脑空穴，下至风池穴，其与督脉会合，则在风府穴及哑门穴，此阳维脉气所发，共二十四个穴位。
《难经》说：“阳维脉发病，苦于寒热往来。”
金门（足太阳膀胱经，外踝下。） 阳交（足少阳胆经，外踝上。） 天髎（手太阳小肠经，肩后。） 天牖（手少阳三焦经，缺盆上。） 肩井（足少阳胆经，肩上。） 阳白（足少阳胆经，眉上。） 本神（足少阳胆经，眉上。） 临泣（足少阳胆经，眉上。） 正营（足少阳胆经，目窗上。） 脑空（足少阳胆经，枕骨下。） 风池（足少阳胆经，颞后。） 风府（督脉，后发际。） 哑门（督脉，风府后。）
**阴维脉**
阴维脉维系诸阴经，其脉起于诸阴经的交会处，如果阴维脉不能维系阴经，则怅然失志。
其脉气所发出的穴位，阴维脉的郄穴，名叫筑宾，与足太阴脾经会合于腹哀穴、大横穴，又与足太阴脾经、足厥阴肝经会合于府舍穴、期门穴，与任脉会合于天突穴、廉泉穴，此阴维脉气所发，共十二个穴位。
《难经》说：“阴维脉发病，苦于心痛。”
筑宾（足少阴肾经，内踝上。） 腹哀（足太阴脾经，乳下。） 大横（足太阴脾经，腹哀下。） 府舍（足太阴脾经，少腹下。） 期门（足厥阴肝经，乳下。） 天突（任脉，喉下。） 廉泉（任脉，舌本下。）
**奇经八脉歌**
正经经外是奇经，八脉分司各有名。后督前任皆在内，冲由毛际肾同行。阳跷跟外膀胱别，阴起跟前随少阴。阳维只络诸阳脉，何谓阴维为络阴。带脉围腰如束带，不由常度曰奇经。
**脏腑募俞穴**
（募，音暮，《举痛论》写作膜，大概是因为肉间的膜系，是脏气结聚的地方，所以叫募。俞，音庶，《扁鹊传》写作输，犹如委输之输，言脏气之所输送。募穴都在腹部，俞穴都在背部，所以《难经》说募在阴，俞在阳。）
中府（肺之募穴，在本经。） 巨阙（心包之募穴，在任脉。） 章门（脾之募穴，在足厥阴肝经。） 期门（肝之募穴，在本经。） 中脘（胃之募穴，在任脉。） 天枢（大肠之募穴，在足阳明胃经。） 关元（小肠之募穴，在任脉。） 日月（胆之募穴，在本经。） 京门（肾之募穴，在足少阳胆经。） 中极（膀胱之募穴，在任脉。） 石门（三焦之募穴，在任脉。）
肺俞（第三椎下。） 心俞（第五椎下。） 肝俞（第九椎下。） 脾俞（第十一椎下。） 肾俞（第十四椎下。） 厥阴俞（第四椎下，心包也。） 大肠俞（第十六椎下。） 小肠俞（第十八椎下。） 胆俞（第十椎下。） 膀胱俞（第十九椎下。） 三焦俞（第十三椎下。） 胃俞（第十二椎下。）
**八会穴**
中脘（任脉穴，太仓也，六腑禀受于胃，所以叫腑会。） 章门（足厥阴肝经穴，脾之募穴，五脏皆禀受于脾，所以叫脏会。） 阳陵泉（足少阳胆经之筋结于此，肝主筋，胆为之合，所以叫筋会。） 悬钟（足少阳胆经穴，诸髓皆属于骨，所以叫髓会，人能健步，依靠髓会绝骨穴。） 膈俞（足太阳膀胱经穴，谷气由膈达于上焦，化精微为血之处，所以叫血会。） 大椎（督脉穴，肩脊之骨会于此，所以叫骨会，肩能任重，依靠骨会大椎穴。） 太渊（手太阴肺经穴，平旦脉会于此，所以叫寸口者，脉之大会。） 膻中（任脉穴，此三焦宗气所居，是为上气海，所以叫气会。）
**九门**
飞门（唇也。） 户门（齿也。） 吸门（会厌也。） 贲门（胃之上口。） 幽门（太仓下口。） 阑门（小肠下口。） 魄门（肛门也。） 命门（精血之门，居前阴中。添加入。） 气门（溲溺之门，居前阴中，由气化而出，所以叫气门。添加入。）
**同名穴**
头临泣（足少阳胆经。） 足临泣（足少阳胆经。） 腹通谷（足少阴肾经。） 足通谷（足太阳膀胱经。） 手三里（手阳明大肠经。） 足三里（足阳明胃经。） 头窍阴（足少阳胆经。） 足窍阴（足少阳胆经。） 背阳关（督脉。） 足阳关（足少阳胆经。）
(This section's various principles are roughly the same as those in Hua Bolin's *Explanation of the Fourteen Meridians*.)
Pulses have distinctions of "ordinary" (Chang) and "extraordinary" (Qi): The twelve regular meridians are ordinary pulses; the extraordinary meridians are not bound by these norms, hence they are called "extraordinary." Generally, human Qi and Blood normally circulate within the twelve regular meridians. When the meridians are full and overflow, the flow enters the extraordinary meridians. There are eight extraordinary meridians: namely, the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), Du Mai (Governing Vessel), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel), Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel), Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel), Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel), and Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel). The Ren Mai governs the anterior aspect, the Du Mai governs the posterior aspect, the Chong Mai is the sea of all pulses, the Dai Mai acts like a girdle around the body, the Yang Qiao Mai is a branch of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, the Yin Qiao Mai is a branch of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, the Yang Wei Mai links and connects all Yang meridians, and the Yin Wei Mai links and connects all Yin meridians. Through the mutual linking of Yin and Yang, the various meridians are thus harmonized. These eight meridians are like ditches set up on a map to store floodwaters, thereby preventing overflowing disasters; similarly, the human extraordinary meridians function in this way. Herein, we examine and compile data from the *Suwen*, *Nanjing*, *Jia Yi Jing*, and *Shengji Zonglu*, collecting the Qi-acupoints issued by the eight extraordinary meridians into one chapter for comprehensive reference.
Yu Shi stated: "Qi" means odd or surplus, implying incompleteness or lack of pairing. It refers to these eight meridians, which do not belong to the regular Yin-Yang system, have no interior-exterior pairing, follow unique pathways, and are therefore called extraordinary meridians.
**Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)**
The Ren Mai, along with the Chong Mai, originates in the Bao Zhong (uterus/womb), travels along the interior of the spine, and serves as the sea of the meridians. Its branches that surface externally travel upward along the abdomen, meet at the throat, and branch off to connect with the lips and mouth. When Blood and Qi are abundant, the muscles become warm; if Blood alone is excessive, it seeps into and irrigates the skin, promoting hair growth. Women tend to have an excess of Qi but a deficiency of Blood because menstruation occurs frequently, injuring both the Ren and Chong meridians. Consequently, pulse Qi cannot nourish the lips, and facial hair does not grow. Therefore, when the Ren Mai is diseased, men develop seven types of abdominal hernias (Qi Ju), and women develop leukorrhea and masses (Zha Ju). Thus, the *Nanjing* states: "The Ren Mai originates below the Zhongji point, ascends above the pubic hair line, follows the interior of the abdomen, passes through Guanyuan, reaches the throat, goes up to the chin, follows the face into the inner canthus, and belongs to the Sea of Yin Pulses."
Regarding the course of the Ren Mai described above, from the womb ascending to the inner canthus, it is four chi five cun long, totaling twenty-four acupoints. According to the *Qifu Lun*: "There are twenty-eight points where the Qi of the Ren Mai issues." This text originally lacked one point, actually containing only twenty-seven; among them, Yinjiao belongs to the Du Mai, and Chengqi (two points) belong to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian (note: text mentions Qiao meridian association logic), so currently there are only twenty-four points.
**Du Mai (Governing Vessel)**
The Du Mai originates from the central bone below the lower abdomen. In women, it enters and connects to the end of the Ting Kong (urethral opening); its collaterals follow the genitalia, converge at the Cui Jian (perineum), circle behind the anus, separately wind around the buttocks, merge with the Shaoyin and Juyang (Foot-Taiyang) middle collaterals, ascend along the posterior medial aspect of the thigh, penetrate the spine, and attach to the Kidneys. It joins the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian starting from the inner canthus, crosses the forehead to meet at the vertex, enters to network the brain, emerges again to descend separately down the neck, follows the medial aspect of the shoulder blades,夹 (flanks) the spine to reach the waist center, enters along the paraspinal muscles to network the Kidneys. In men, it follows the penis down to the perineum, identical to women. The portion rising straight from the lower abdomen penetrates the center of the umbilicus, ascends through the heart, enters the throat, goes up to the chin, circles the lips, and ascends to tie the center below the two eyes. Diseases arising from this vessel involve Qi rushing up from the lower abdomen to strike the heart causing pain, accompanied by inability to pass stool or urine, termed Chong Hernia; in women, it causes infertility. Conditions such as strangury, hemorrhoids, enuresis, and dryness of the pharynx are treated via the Du Mai.
The collateral of the Du Mai is named Changqiang. It flanks the spine to the neck, scatters over the head, and below the shoulder blades, separates to run to the Taiyang meridian, entering to pierce the paraspinal muscles. Excess manifests as spinal rigidity; deficiency manifests as heavy head. Thus, the *Nanjing* states: "The Du Mai originates from the Xiaji Shu, runs parallel within the spine, ascends to the Fengfu point, and attaches to the brain. It goes up to the vertex, follows the forehead, to the nasal bridge, and belongs to the Sea of Yang Pulses." Disease of this vessel causes spinal rigidity and opisthotonos.
The Du Mai runs from the head along the spine into the sacrum, is four chi five cun long, and has twenty-eight acupoints.
**Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)**
The Chong Mai, along with the Ren Mai, originates in the Bao Zhong, ascends along the interior of the back, and serves as the sea of the meridians. Its branches that surface externally travel upward along the abdomen, meet at the throat, and branch off to connect with the lips and mouth. Thus, the *Gukong Lun* states: "The Chong Mai originates at the Qichuan point, runs alongside the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, ascends flanking the umbilicus, and disperses in the chest." Disease of this vessel causes rebellious Qi and internal urgency. Furthermore, the *Nanjing* states: "It runs alongside the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian upward." However, based on acupoint verification, the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian ascends two cun lateral to the umbilicus, while the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian ascends five fen lateral to the umbilicus. According to the *Jia Yi Jing* and *Tongren* texts, the points Youmen, Tonggu, Yindu, Shiguan, Shangqu, Huangshu, Zhongzhu, Siman, Qixue, Dahe, and Henggu—twenty-two points in total—are all described as intersections of the Chong Mai and Foot-Shaoyin. This suggests reliance primarily on the *Gukong Lun*, confirming that the Chong Mai runs alongside the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian.
According to the *Nishun Feishou Pian*: "The Chong Mai is the sea of the Zang and Fu organs; all Zang and Fu organs receive from it. Its ascending part emerges from the Hangsang (nasopharynx), seeps into the Yang meridians, and irrigates the essences; its descending part pours into the large collateral of the Shaoyin, emerges at the Qichuan point, follows the medial aspect of the thigh, enters the popliteal fossa, runs deep within the femur, descends to behind the medial malleolus where it branches; its lower part runs alongside the Shaoyin Meridian, seeping into the Three Yin meridians; its anterior part runs deep emerging below the foot, follows the dorsum into the space between the big toe, seeps into the various collaterals to warm the muscles."
For further meaning regarding the Chong Mai as discussed in the *Dongshu Pian* and *Hailun*, see Meridians Category 13 and 32.
**Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel)**
The Dai Mai originates from the hypochondrium and encircles the body once. Its disease manifests as laxity and sagging of the waist and abdomen, resembling water trapped in a bag.
Its Qi issues at a point one cun eight fen below the hypochondrium, named DaMai (located on the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian), because it encircles the body like a belt. It also intersects with the Foot-Shaoyang at Weidao. There are four points issued by the Dai Mai.
The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian exits at the level of the 14th thoracic vertebra to attach to the Dai Mai.
**Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel)**
The *28th Nanjing* states: "The Yang Qiao Mai originates in the center of the heel, follows the lateral malleolus upward, and enters the Fengchi point."
The *Miuci Lun* states: "When pathogenic factors lodge in the Foot-Yang Qiao Mai, it causes eye pain starting from the inner canthus."
The *29th Nanjing* states: "Disease of the Yang Qiao presents with slackness on the Yin side and tension on the Yang side."
The bilateral Yang Qiao meridians are originally branches of the Foot-Taiyang, merging with the Taiyang. Their Qi ascends; when Qi merges and returns, it moistens the eyes. If Qi fails to nourish, the eyes remain open/unable to close. For men, count the Yang Qiao; for women, count the Yin Qiao. The ones counted are considered Jing (regular channels), and those not counted are Luo (collaterals).
The Qiao meridians are seven chi five cun long. The issued points originate at Shenmai, with Fuyang as the Xi-Cleft point, rooted at Pucan. They intersect with the Foot-Shaoyang at Juliao, with the Hand-Yangming at Jianyu and Jugu, with the Hand/Foot-Taiyang and Yang Wei at Tianliao, with the Hand/Foot-Yangming at Dicang and Juliao, with the Ren and Foot-Yangming at Chengqi, and with the Hand/Foot-Taiyang, Foot-Yangming, and Yin Qiao at Jingming. Total: twenty-two points.
Shenmai (Foot-Taiyang, below lateral malleolus.) Fuyang (Foot-Taiyang, above lateral malleolus.) Pucan (Foot-Taiyang, on calcaneus.) Juliao (Foot-Shaoyang, below Zhangmen.) Jianyu (Hand-Yangming, at shoulder tip.) Jugu (Hand-Yangming, on shoulder.) Tianliao (Hand-Taiyang, above scapula.) Dicang (Foot-Yangming, beside corner of mouth.) Juliao (Foot-Yangming, beside nose.) Chengqi (Foot-Yangming, below eye.) Jingming (Foot-Taiyang, at inner canthus.)
**Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel)**
The *Maidu Pian* states: "The Qiao meridians are branches of the Foot-Shaoyin, originating behind Ran Gu, ascending above the medial malleolus, going straight up along the medial thigh into the yin region, ascending through the chest interior, entering the Quepen, ascending anterior to the Yingchu point, entering the ear, attaching to the inner canthus, and merging with the Taiyang and Yang Qiao to ascend. For women, this is the Jing channel; for men, it is the Luo collateral."
The *28th Nanjing* states: "The Yin Qiao Mai also originates in the center of the heel, follows the medial malleolus upward, reaches the throat, and intersects with the Chong Mai."
The *29th Nanjing* states: "Disease of the Yin Qiao presents with slackness on the Yang side and tension on the Yin side."
Both feet' Qiao meridians are seven chi five cun long. The Yin Qiao originates at Zhaohai, with Jiaoxin as the Xi-Cleft point. For Yin Qiao diseases, select this point.
Rangu (Next to Rangu.) Jiaoxin (Foot-Shaoyin, above medial malleolus.) Zhaohai (Foot-Shaoyin, below medial malleolus, behind Rangu.) Jingming (Foot-Taiyang, at inner canthus.)
**Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel)**
The Yang Wei links the Yang meridians. Its vessel originates at the intersection of all Yang meridians. Along with the Yin Wei, it links and connects the body. If the Yang Wei cannot link the Yang, the body becomes flaccid and unable to control itself.
Its Qi issues from Jinmen, with Yangjiao as the Xi-Cleft point. It meets the Hand/Foot-Taiyang and Qiao meridians at Tianliao, meets the Hand/Foot-Shaoyang at Tianyou, and also meets at Jianjing. In the head, it meets the Foot-Shaoyang at Yangbai, ascends to Boshen and Linqi, ascends to Zhengying, follows Naokong, descends to Fengchi. It meets the Du Mai at Fengfu and Yamend. These are the points issued by the Yang Wei Qi, totaling twenty-four points.
The *Nanjing* states: "Disease of the Yang Wei suffers from alternating chills and fever."
Jinmen (Foot-Taiyang, below lateral malleolus.) Yangjiao (Foot-Shaoyang, above lateral malleolus.) Tianliao (Hand-Taiyang, behind shoulder.) Tianyou (Hand-Sanjiao, above quepen.) Jianjing (Foot-Shaoyang, on shoulder.) Yangbai (Foot-Shaoyang, above eyebrow.) Boshen (Foot-Shaoyang, above eyebrow.) Linqi (Foot-Shaoyang, above eyebrow.) Zhengying (Foot-Shaoyang, above Muchu.) Naokong (Foot-Shaoyang, below occipital bone.) Fengchi (Foot-Shaoyang, posterior temporal.) Fengfu (Du Mai, posterior hairline.) Yamend (Du Mai, behind Fengfu.)
**Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)**
The Yin Wei links the Yin meridians. Its vessel originates at the intersection of all Yin meridians. If the Yin Wei cannot link the Yin, the person feels despondent and loses will.
The Xi-Cleft point of the Yin Wei Qi is named Zubin. It meets the Foot-Taiyin at Fu'ai and Dahan. It also meets the Foot-Taiyin and Foot-Jueyin at Fushé and Qimen. It meets the Ren Mai at Tiantu and Lianquan. These are the points issued by the Yin Wei Qi, totaling twelve points.
The *Nanjing* states: "Disease of the Yin Wei suffers from heart pain."
Zubin (Foot-Shaoyin, above medial malleolus.) Fu'ai (Foot-Taiyin, below breast.) Dahan (Foot-Taiyin, below Fu'ai.) Fushé (Foot-Taiyin, below lower abdomen.) Qimen (Foot-Jueyin, below breast.) Tiantu (Ren Mai, below larynx.) Lianquan (Ren Mai, below tongue root.)
**Song of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians**
Outside the regular meridians lie the extraordinary ones, eight vessels each with its name. Posterior Du and anterior Ren are internal, Chong starts at pubic hair traveling with Kidney. Yang Qiao branches from Bladder outside the heel, Yin starts near genitals following Kidney. Yang Wei only links all Yang vessels, why does Yin Wei link Yin? Dai Mai encircles the waist like a belt, deviating from norms is called extraordinary.
**Mu and Shu Points of Zang and Fu**
(Mu, pronounced mu, written as 'membrane' in *Jutong Lun*, referring to intermuscular membranes where Zang Qi gathers, hence Mu. Shu, pronounced shu, written as 'transport' in Bian Que's biography, meaning transport of Zang Qi. Mu points are all on the abdomen, Shu points are all on the back, hence *Nanjing* says Mu is Yin, Shu is Yang.)
Zhongfu (Lung Mu, on its own meridian.) Juque (Pericardium Mu, on Ren Mai.) Zhangmen (Spleen Mu, on Foot-Jueyin.) Qimen (Liver Mu, on its own meridian.) Zhongwan (Stomach Mu, on Ren Mai.) Tianshu (Large Intestine Mu, on Foot-Yangming.) Guanyuan (Small Intestine Mu, on Ren Mai.) Riyue (Gallbladder Mu, on its own meridian.) Jingmen (Kidney Mu, on Foot-Shaoyang.) Zhongji (Bladder Mu, on Ren Mai.) Shimen (Sanjiao Mu, on Ren Mai.)
Feishu (Below 3rd thoracic vertebra.) Xinshu (Below 5th thoracic vertebra.) Ganshu (Below 9th thoracic vertebra.) Pishu (Below 11th thoracic vertebra.) Shenshu (Below 14th thoracic vertebra.) Jueyinsu (Below 4th thoracic vertebra, Pericardium.) Dachangshu (Below 16th thoracic vertebra.) Xiaochangshu (Below 18th thoracic vertebra.) Danshu (Below 10th thoracic vertebra.) Pangguangshu (Below 19th thoracic vertebra.) Sanjiaoshu (Below 13th thoracic vertebra.) Weishu (Below 12th thoracic vertebra.)
**Eight Hui-Coupling Points**
Zhongwan (Ren Mai point, Tai Cang. Six Fu organs derive from the Stomach, hence Hui of Fu.) Zhangmen (Foot-Jueyin point, Spleen Mu. All Zang organs derive from the Spleen, hence Hui of Zang.) Yanglingquan (Where the sinews of Foot-Shaoyang knot. Liver governs sinews, Gallbladder is its He-Sea, hence Hui of Sinews.) Xuanzhong (Foot-Shaoyang point. All marrow belongs to bone, hence Hui of Marrow. Human ability to walk firmly relies on the Hui of Marrow, Juegu.) Ge Shu (Foot-Taiyang point. Grain Qi reaches the upper Jiao via the diaphragm, transforming essence into blood, hence Hui of Blood.) Dazhui (Du Mai point. Shoulder and spinal bones meet here, hence Hui of Bone. Shoulders bear weight due to Hui of Bone, Dazhui.) Taiyuan (Hand-Taiyin point. Pulse converges here at dawn, hence Cun Kou is the Great Convergence of Pulses.) Danzhong (Ren Mai point. Residence of Zong Qi of the Sanjiao, known as Upper Sea of Qi, hence Hui of Qi.)
**Nine Gates**
Fei Men (Lips.) Hu Men (Teeth.) Xi Men (Epiglottis.) Ben Men (Upper opening of Stomach.) You Men (Lower opening of Tai Cang.) Lan Men (Lower opening of Small Intestine.) Po Men (Anus.) Ming Men (Gate of Essence and Blood, located in anterior yin. Added.) Qi Men (Gate of Urination, located in anterior yin, exiting via Qi transformation, hence Qi Gate. Added.)
**Points with Same Names**
Tou Lin Qi (Foot-Shaoyang.) Zu Lin Qi (Foot-Shaoyang.) Fu Tong Gu (Foot-Shaoyin.) Zu Tong Gu (Foot-Taiyang.) Shou San Li (Hand-Yangming.) Zu San Li (Foot-Yangming.) Tou Qiao Yin (Foot-Shaoyang.) Zu Qiao Yin (Foot-Shaoyang.) Bei Yang Guan (Du Mai.) Zu Yang Guan (Foot-Shaoyang.)