治疗络脉的实证、可用三棱针点刺络脉的“结处”(即特别突出外显的紫黑点)放血，使黑色的血液流出，如血转变为红颜色时而止，如出不止可用酒精棉球按压针孔其血即止，体弱者当少量出血隔两日再放，以防出血量多而发昏，可用三至五次酌情放血处治为宜。
对治疗络脉的虚证。应该用药物补血活络治疗较好。如用经络疗法当采用温灸法，或采用传热疗法及药物温熨法为宜。凡是在腰部和手足四肢之处患有“风寒湿痹”的疼痛，或因“跌打损伤”的疼痛，若经久治不愈应检察四肢处络脉“有无阻塞现象”。
附：络脉病例
现介绍一例“络脉瘀阻”的典型病例：贫道有一位师兄姓陈，男，54岁，住山东泰山碧霞祠。1987年6月下旬因跌倒摔伤了右臀部，数天后病情逐日加重发生右臀、右腿及坐骨神经疼痛。到泰安市中、西医院用西药、电疗、中药、针炙、按摩、牵拉理疗等医治，历经七月有余．皆无疗效，并且日趋严重行动困难，两腋难离双拐。
1988年2月7日赴泰安初诊，院方同意贫道在该医院给陈师兄治疗，并提供患者所需要的药品，及入院以来的病历给与参考。
患者症状：上半身温和易出汗，右下肢寒冷胀痛，并牵连腹股沟冲门穴处亦痛。诊察阴阳四处的脉象多比较和平，唯独右人迎的“尺脉沉而有力”。患者的饮食及大小便均正常，即可证明脏腑无病。从外观检察发现患者之右腿的“委中穴”部与“丰隆穴”处均有紫黑色的“络脉”显露。关于察络脉的虚实症状经云：“实者必见，虚者必下”。可证明是“络脉充实瘀塞”。即用三棱针点刺“紫黑点络脉”放血治疗，当针眼血出自行停止时，采用中指与大姆指扣成环状而努力用中指弹针眼三至五下，血即能再行流出。在四天内经过四次放出紫黑色血液，后见血转变红色之时即停止放血治疗。经放血疗后复察患者的“右人迎动脉”，却变相为“寸浮尺弱”，其患者的各处疼痛大减，行动时能不需要左侧腋下的拐杖。后改用针刺疗法，取右侧的环跳、足三里、昆仑、解溪等穴以导引足三阳的经气下达，并结合用中药辅助治疗。处方：知母、苡仁各18克，黄柏、赤芍、伸筋草各15克，当归、蓁艽、炮山甲各12克，地龙、红花、桃仁各9克，以活血行瘀清上焦之热，每天服一剂分三次服。针药并施经过七天治疗，患者能不用拐杖行走，在两个星期的调治下病愈，于2月20日出院。
体会：人体的络脉若瘀阻太甚、犹如在流水的沟渠中筑上了“一坝”，而阻挡了其血液循环运行的通道。故前人总结经验有“痛者不通”之说。如络脉内血瘀不甚，用活血行瘀的药品能开通瘀塞。若是络脉内血液瘀阻太甚，必当先开通“络脉的闭塞”，然后调理其阴阳经脉，才能收到良好效果。
此病例经过二百多天的各种医疗方法都不能生效，贫道仅在短期十数天内给予治疗而愈，可见“络脉壅塞”的实证，采用“络脉放血治疗”疗效显著。因此，对长期患有疼痛病的患者，应当检察病人的“给脉”有无阻塞现象。
五、简叙奇经八脉
奇经八脉：即任脉、督脉、冲脉、带脉、阴跷脉、阳跷脉、阴维脉、阳维脉。当贫道进入“股息功态”之时，感到自身前、后中线的任、督两脉都在运动，并感觉到任脉与督脉”，各呈现两条经脉线合并成一起运行。以前，我认为任脉与督脉均只有“单独一条经脉”，谁知却是“两条经脉相合并”的。因为前人传承下来的“奇经八脉图”对于冲脉、带脉、阴跷、阳跷、明维、阳维等六脉，在人体都有两条经脉而分于左右两侧，但对于“任、督二脉”在人体中城，却是独一无二的经脉。后考察任脉“起于中极之下”，督脉“起于少腹以下骨中央”，任、督两脉循行之后皆终止于“两目之下”。据此，便充分证明“任、督二脉”确实是两条经脉相并而为一的，亦呈现左、右各自不同的升、降运动。
任脉属阴、却与足三阴经的运动相反；督脉属阳、却与足三阳经的运动相反。正当左侧足三阳经的经气反运上升的同时，其左侧的“督脉”则运行下降；当左侧足三阳经的经气正运下降的同时，其左侧的“督脉”则运行上升。其右侧之足三阳经和右侧“督脉”的升、降运动亦如上运行。正当右侧足三阴经的经气正运上升的同时，其右侧的“任脉”则运动下降；当右侧足三阴经的经气反运下降的同时，则右侧的“任脉”则运行上升。其左侧之足三阴经和左侧“任脉”的升、降运动亦如上运动。由于任、督二脉与足三阴经和足三阳经的阴、阳运动不同，全是“排斥性反作用”的运动机能。
关于冲脉、带脉、阳跷脉、阴跷脉、阳维脉、阴维脉等六脉，因受左右侧“十二经脉”明显的升、降运动所混淆，难以体验出这“六条奇经”的升降运动规律。如借鉴“任、督二脉”的运行机理，即认为全体“奇经”都是在配合“十二经脉”的运动中，而起着“排斥性”和“牵引性”的反作用功能。
《素问·痿论篇》曾云：“阳明者五脏六腑之海，主润宗筋，宗筋主束骨而利机关也，冲脉者、经脉之海也，主渗灌溪谷，与阳明合于宗筋，阴阳惚宗筋之会，会于气街，而阳明为之长，皆属于带脉，而络于督脉。故阳明虚则宗筋纵。“带脉不引”故足痿不用也”。按以上“足痿病证”，原由足阳明经气虚弱导致运动机能失调，并间接涉及冲脉、督脉和带脉的“牵引”机能失去作用而才形成足痿不用。故笔者认为：“奇经入脉”分布于人体的前、后、左、右、内、外周身，都是起着“牵引排斥性”反作用功能。
对奇经八脉的治疗分析
关于奇经八脉之中的“任脉、督脉”皆有俞穴可以调治疾病。其任脉循行人体的胸腹中线，经云：“腹为阴”，故“任脉”为诸阴经脉之海。由于任脉的运动虽然与足三阳经运动相反，但相反之动力，实有相助足三阴经的运行之功，所以“任脉”有担任阴经运动的潜能。其督脉循行人体的背部中线，经云：“背为阳”，故“督脉”为诸阳经脉之会。由于督脉的运动虽然与足三阳经运动相反，但相反之动力，实有相助足三阳经的运动之功，所以“督脉”有总督阳经运动的潜能。冲脉起于气街(足阳明经的气冲穴处)由足阳经别出并着足少阴之经、夹脐上行至胸中而散，为十二经脉之海。因冲脉发自足阳明经的“气冲穴”，足阳明属胃，是受生活物质的“水谷之海”，而五脏六腑皆禀受其气为“后天营养”之根本；冲脉又并着足少阴经夹脐上冲而行，足少阴属肾，是藏“朱天精气”而濡养周身之根本。故冲脉兼受先、后天之二经的充沛经气，所以是“十二经脉”之海。但是，其“冲脉”多借居足少阴“肾经俞穴”来调治疾病。故奇经八脉除“任、督”二脉在本经有“穴位”调治疾病外，其它奇经皆是“借居十二经脉的穴位”治病。如后世发明的“灵龟八法”说：“后溪穴通于督脉，列缺穴通于任脉，公孙穴通于冲脉，临泣穴通于带脉，照海穴通于阴跷脉，申脉穴通于阳跷脉，内关穴通于阴维脉，外关穴通于阳维脉等，亦全是借用阴阳“十二经”的穴位治病。
关于对“奇经入脉”在用中药的治病中，仅见到前医叶天士先生言：“八脉隶于肝肾”，以“龟板、龟胶”为入“任脉”之药品；以“鹿角、鹿胶”为人“督脉”之药品，除此之外，很少见到专为“奇经八脉”立出方药。由于任、督、冲等脉皆起于少腹下与胞中，所以后世医生对于妇科疾病的胎前、产后、月经、崩带以及胞宫生殖等病，虽然常以任、督、冲、带等脉而立论很多，但在用中药之“立方用药上”，主要还是调治“肝肾”的药品。
如以上对“奇经八脉的种种观点认为：除“任、督”二脉外，对其它奇经的调治，若调正了“十二经脉”，即是调治了“奇经八脉”。因调治奇经八脉的“治病穴位”，多属于“十二经”的穴位。
奇经八脉生长衰老过程
奇经八脉在人体生理中，有它生、长、衰、老的寿命过程。《素问·上古天真论》曰：“女子二七而天癸至，任脉通，太冲脉盛，月事以时下。男子二八肾气盛，天癸至，精气溢泻，阴阳和故能有子”。说明女子生长发育大致到达十四岁之时，其冲、任两脉发育建全，即开始排卵而按月行经。经过三十五年的寿命过程，一般到四十九岁期间，其冲、任二脉即趋向衰弱，故而导致月经停止，同时其生育子女的功能亦消失。其男子生长发育到达十六岁时期，肾脏的精气充盈即能开始排精，如男女媾合即能殖生子女。经过四十八年的寿命过程而到达六十四岁时期，其肾脏的精气即趋向衰弱，因而断绝繁殖儿女的功能。
在以上人体之生、长、衰老的生理过程中，正当“冲、任”二脉的旺盛之期，其“奇经八脉”皆旺盛；当“冲、任”二脉的衰弱之期，其“奇经八脉”皆衰弱，故奇经八脉有它的生理寿命过程。
“奇经八脉”在人体未发育建全之前，和精气衰弱及断月经之后，可知“奇经八脉”的运动功能还是存在着，前者，是起着“生长不足”的排斥运动反作用；后者却起着“衰退不足”的排斥运动反作用。亦如《灵枢·卫生篇》黄帝问于歧伯曰：“老人之不夜瞑者，何气使然？少壮之人不昼瞑者，何气使然？歧伯答曰：“壮者之气血盛一其肌肉滑，气道通，营卫之行，不失其常，故昼精而夜瞑。老者之气血衰，其肌肉枯，气道涩，五脏之气相搏，营气衰少而卫气内伐，故昼不精、夜不瞑”。所以“奇经八脉”在壮年与老年亦是同样的盛、袁生理，按妇女的“行经与断经”可证，如行月经之期是旺盛的体征；若断月经之后是衰老的体征。《素问·上古天真论》黄帝曰：“夫道者年皆百数能有子乎？歧伯曰：“夫道者能却老而全形，身年虽寿，能生子也。”这说明善于养身修炼之人能够保持延长“奇经八脉”的寿命。因为修炼者在第一步就是通“小周天功”，即是通调“任、督二脉，如果任、督脉得到通调相交，即获得健康长寿的条件。可喜的是，近些年来修炼气功的热潮遍及全世界，所以在不久的将来，对人体科学研究、对“奇经八脉”的研究，都会取得一定的进展和认识。
关于十二经脉的“循行路线”，笔者与古今的观点一致，读者可参考古、今针灸书中的“十二经脉”循行示意图。关于“任、督”二脉的形态，根据货道在“功态中”的现象感觉却有点与前人的不同。因此，特遵照前人立出了“任督二脉示意图”；并又立出我在功态中感觉的“任督二脉示意图”以供研究考证。
任脉者1，起于中极之下，以上毛际4，循腹里上关元，至咽喉25，上颐循面入目26。任脉为病，男子内结七疝，女子带下瘕聚。
督脉者：1、起于少腹以下骨中央；2．女子入系廷孔；(2．男子地奠下至墓，与女子等)其孔、溺孔之端也；3、其络循阴器合墓间、绕篡后；4、别绕臀至少阴与巨阳中脉者、合少明上股内后廉；5．贯脊；6．属肾；7．其少腹直上者贯脐中央；8．上贯心；9．入喉；10．上颐环唇；11．上系目之下中央；12．与太阳起于目内眦；13．上额；14．交巅上；15．还出别下项；16．循肩膊内；17、侠脊抵腰中；18．入特膂络肾。此生病从少腹上冲心而痛，不得前后为中疝。其女子不孕，癃痔道溺嗌干。督脉生病治督脉、治在骨上、甚者在脐下营。
毛××，男，78岁，住武当山。1997年4月15日就诊。患者陡然发生腹痛甚剧，四肢寒凉，面色惨白、咬牙紧齿、痛苦呻吟不止，舌质淡红苔白润，并出现呕吐。
脉候左右寸口、浮候无脉，沉候其两寸部亦无脉、左右关、尺两部脉象沉迟而小脉搏极弱。诊察左右人迎动脉均现浮小兼迟之象，能感觉动脉的往来，而比较“两寸口”之脉搏略微明显。凭脉据症诊断为：体内的“阳气衰微”却无热能化阴，而致使“阴寒之气”太甚，寒主收引即形成痉挛性腹痛剧烈。
因发病急迫采用西药“穴位注射”治疗。用5ml注射器，吸取硫酸阿托品0．6mg，又吸取盐酸肾上腺素1mg混合后，在患者的“关元穴气海穴”刺入三分各注入二分之一药液。经注射药液达15分钟后其患者的腹痛好转大半，仅只有轻度的腹痛。复查患者左右寸口、人迎动脉，而阴阳双方的脉搏明显增强，其迟脉象消失，但两寸口的“寸部”脉波，还显不足之象；两人迎的“寸部”还显浮象。另用肌苷0.1g2片，维生素Bl10mg3片、醋酸泼尼松5mg2片、维生素B610mg2片，胃复安5mg2片。给患者口服，在眼药45分钟后全愈。
奇经八脉之中的“任脉”，乃是诸阴经之海，而任脉的“关元穴”又是足三阴经的交会之穴。任脉的“气海穴”乃禀受呼吸气机之“海底根蒂”处，故我们道家在修养中亦提倡“关元、气海”为呼吸归根之处。所以贫道选取这两个穴位用药物注射以治疗“明寒急症”，因借此“二穴特点”，能使药物在阴经方面来迅速发挥药物作用，而令阳气升举，即可在短时间以内消除“阴寒之邪”，所以获效甚捷。
治疗络脉的实证，可用三棱针点刺络脉的“结处”（即特别突出外显的紫黑点）进行放血，使黑色的血液流出，当血液颜色转变为红色时停止放血；如果出血不止，可用酒精棉球按压针孔使其止血。体质虚弱者应少量出血，隔两日再行放血，以防因出血量过多而引发昏厥，一般以酌情放血三至五次为宜。
对于治疗络脉的虚证，采用药物补血活络的治疗方法较为适宜。若使用经络疗法，则应采用温灸法，或采用传热疗法及药物温熨法为宜。凡是腰部和手足四肢出现因“风寒湿痹”引起的疼痛，或因“跌打损伤”导致的疼痛，若经久治不愈，应检查四肢处的络脉是否有阻塞现象。
附：络脉病例
现介绍一例“络脉瘀阻”的典型病例：贫道有一位师兄姓陈，男性，54岁，居住于山东泰山碧霞祠。1987年6月下旬因跌倒摔伤右臀部，数天后病情逐日加重，出现右臀、右腿及坐骨神经疼痛。前往泰安市中、西医院，使用西药、电疗、中药、针灸、按摩、牵拉理疗等方法治疗，历经七月有余，均无疗效，且病情日趋严重，行动困难，腋下离不开双拐。
1988年2月7日赴泰安初诊，院方同意贫道在该医院给陈师兄治疗，并提供患者入院以来的病历供参考。
患者症状表现为：上半身温和易出汗，右下肢寒冷胀痛，并牵连腹股沟冲门穴处亦痛。诊察阴阳四处的脉象多比较平和，唯独右人迎脉的“尺脉沉而有力”。患者的饮食及大小便均正常，这可以证明脏腑无病。从外观检查发现，患者右腿的“委中穴”与“丰隆穴”处均有紫黑色的“络脉”显露。关于察络脉虚实症状，《内经》云：“实者必见，虚者必下”。这可以证明是“络脉充实瘀塞”。于是用三棱针点刺“紫黑点络脉”进行放血治疗，当针眼血液自行停止流出时，采用中指与大拇指扣成环状，并用中指弹击针眼三至五下，血液即可再次流出。在四天内经过四次放出紫黑色血液，后见血液转变为红色时即停止放血治疗。经放血疗法后复察患者的“右人迎动脉”，脉象变为“寸浮尺弱”，患者各处疼痛大减，行动时已不需要左侧腋下的拐杖。随后改用针刺疗法，取右侧的环跳、足三里、昆仑、解溪等穴位，以导引足三阳经气下行，并结合中药辅助治疗。处方：知母、苡仁各18克，黄柏、赤芍、伸筋草各15克，当归、秦艽、炮山甲各12克，地龙、红花、桃仁各9克，旨在活血行瘀、清上焦之热，每天服一剂，分三次服用。针药并施，经过七天治疗，患者能不用拐杖行走，在两个星期的调治下病愈，于2月20日出院。
体会：人体的络脉若瘀阻太甚，犹如在流水的沟渠中筑上了“坝”，阻挡了血液循环运行的通道。故前人总结经验有“痛者不通”之说。如络脉内血瘀不甚，用活血行瘀的药物能开通瘀塞。若是络脉内血液瘀阻太甚，必当先开通“络脉的闭塞”，然后调理其阴阳经脉，才能收到良好效果。
此病例经过二百多天的各种医疗方法都不能生效，贫道仅在短期十数天内给予治疗而愈，可见“络脉壅塞”的实证，采用“络脉放血治疗”疗效显著。因此，对长期患有疼痛病的患者，应当检查病人的“络脉”有无阻塞现象。
五、简叙奇经八脉
奇经八脉：即任脉、督脉、冲脉、带脉、阴跷脉、阳跷脉、阴维脉、阳维脉。当贫道进入“股息功态”之时，感到自身前、后中线的任、督两脉都在运动，并感觉到任脉与督脉各呈现两条经脉线合并在一起运行。以前，我认为任脉与督脉均只有“单独一条经脉”，谁知却是“两条经脉相合并”的。因为前人传承下来的“奇经八脉图”对于冲脉、带脉、阴跷、阳跷、阴维、阳维等六脉，在人体都有两条经脉而分于左右两侧，但对于“任、督二脉”在人体正中，却是独一无二的经脉。后考察任脉“起于中极之下”，督脉“起于少腹以下骨中央”，任、督两脉循行之后皆终止于“两目之下”。据此，便充分证明“任、督二脉”确实是两条经脉相并而为一的，亦呈现左、右各自不同的升、降运动。
任脉属阴，却与足三阴经的运动相反；督脉属阳，却与足三阳经的运动相反。正当左侧足三阳经的经气反运上升的同时，其左侧的“督脉”则运行下降；当左侧足三阳经的经气正运下降的同时，其左侧的“督脉”则运行上升。其右侧之足三阳经和右侧“督脉”的升、降运动亦如上运行。正当右侧足三阴经的经气正运上升的同时，其右侧的“任脉”则运动下降；当右侧足三阴经的经气反运下降的同时，则右侧的“任脉”则运行上升。其左侧之足三阴经和左侧“任脉”的升、降运动亦如上运动。由于任、督二脉与足三阴经和足三阳经的阴、阳运动不同，全是“排斥性反作用”的运动机能。
关于冲脉、带脉、阳跷脉、阴跷脉、阳维脉、阴维脉等六脉，因受左右侧“十二经脉”明显的升、降运动所混淆，难以体验出这“六条奇经”的升降运动规律。如借鉴“任、督二脉”的运行机理，即认为全体“奇经”都是在配合“十二经脉”的运动中，而起着“排斥性”和“牵引性”的反作用功能。
《素问·痿论篇》曾云：“阳明者五脏六腑之海，主润宗筋，宗筋主束骨而利机关也，冲脉者、经脉之海也，主渗灌溪谷，与阳明合于宗筋，阴阳总宗筋之会，会于气街，而阳明为之长，皆属于带脉，而络于督脉。故阳明虚则宗筋纵。”“带脉不引”故足痿不用也。按以上“足痿病证”，原由足阳明经气虚弱导致运动机能失调，并间接涉及冲脉、督脉和带脉的“牵引”机能失去作用而才形成足痿不用。故笔者认为：“奇经八脉”分布于人体的前、后、左、右、内、外周身，都是起着“牵引排斥性”反作用功能。
对奇经八脉的治疗分析
关于奇经八脉之中的“任脉、督脉”皆有腧穴可以调治疾病。其任脉循行人体的胸腹中线，《内经》云：“腹为阴”，故“任脉”为诸阴经脉之海。由于任脉的运动虽然与足三阳经运动相反，但相反之动力，实有相助足三阴经的运行之功，所以“任脉”有担任阴经运动的潜能。其督脉循行人体的背部中线，《内经》云：“背为阳”，故“督脉”为诸阳经脉之会。由于督脉的运动虽然与足三阳经运动相反，但相反之动力，实有相助足三阳经的运动之功，所以“督脉”有总督阳经运动的潜能。冲脉起于气街（足阳明经的气冲穴处），由足阳经别出并着足少阴之经，夹脐上行至胸中而散，为十二经脉之海。因冲脉发自足阳明经的“气冲穴”，足阳明属胃，是受纳生活物质的“水谷之海”，而五脏六腑皆禀受其气为“后天营养”之根本；冲脉又并着足少阴经夹脐上冲而行，足少阴属肾，是藏“先天精气”而濡养周身之根本。故冲脉兼受先、后天之二经的充沛经气，所以是“十二经脉”之海。但是，其“冲脉”多借居足少阴“肾经腧穴”来调治疾病。故奇经八脉除“任、督”二脉在本经有“穴位”调治疾病外，其它奇经皆是“借居十二经脉的穴位”治病。如后世发明的“灵龟八法”说：“后溪穴通于督脉，列缺穴通于任脉，公孙穴通于冲脉，临泣穴通于带脉，照海穴通于阴跷脉，申脉穴通于阳跷脉，内关穴通于阴维脉，外关穴通于阳维脉等”，亦全是借用阴阳“十二经”的穴位治病。
关于对“奇经八脉”在用中药的治病中，仅见到前医叶天士先生言：“八脉隶于肝肾”，以“龟板、龟胶”为入“任脉”之药品；以“鹿角、鹿胶”为人“督脉”之药品，除此之外，很少见到专为“奇经八脉”立出方药。由于任、督、冲等脉皆起于少腹下与胞中，所以后世医生对于妇科疾病的胎前、产后、月经、崩带以及胞宫生殖等病，虽然常以任、督、冲、带等脉而立论很多，但在用中药之“立方用药上”，主要还是调治“肝肾”的药品。
如以上对“奇经八脉的种种观点认为：除“任、督”二脉外，对其它奇经的调治，若调正了“十二经脉”，即是调治了“奇经八脉”。因调治奇经八脉的“治病穴位”，多属于“十二经”的穴位。
奇经八脉生长衰老过程
奇经八脉在人体生理中，有它生、长、衰、老的寿命过程。《素问·上古天真论》曰：“女子二七而天癸至，任脉通，太冲脉盛，月事以时下。男子二八肾气盛，天癸至，精气溢泻，阴阳和故能有子”。说明女子生长发育大致到达十四岁之时，其冲、任两脉发育健全，即开始排卵而按月行经。经过三十五年的寿命过程，一般到四十九岁期间，其冲、任二脉即趋向衰弱，故而导致月经停止，同时其生育子女的功能亦消失。其男子生长发育到达十六岁时期，肾脏的精气充盈即能开始排精，如男女媾合即能殖生子女。经过四十八年的寿命过程而到达六十四岁时期，其肾脏的精气即趋向衰弱，因而断绝繁殖儿女的功能。
在以上人体之生、长、衰老的生理过程中，正当“冲、任”二脉的旺盛之期，其“奇经八脉”皆旺盛；当“冲、任”二脉的衰弱之期，其“奇经八脉”皆衰弱，故奇经八脉有它的生理寿命过程。
“奇经八脉”在人体未发育健全之前，和精气衰弱及断月经之后，可知“奇经八脉”的运动功能还是存在着，前者，是起着“生长不足”的排斥运动反作用；后者却起着“衰退不足”的排斥运动反作用。亦如《灵枢·卫生篇》黄帝问于歧伯曰：“老人之不夜瞑者，何气使然？少壮之人不昼瞑者，何气使然？歧伯答曰：“壮者之气血盛，其肌肉滑，气道通，营卫之行，不失其常，故昼精而夜瞑。老者之气血衰，其肌肉枯，气道涩，五脏之气相搏，营气衰少而卫气内伐，故昼不精、夜不瞑”。所以“奇经八脉”在壮年与老年亦是同样的盛、衰生理，按妇女的“行经与断经”可证，如行月经之期是旺盛的体征；若断月经之后是衰老的体征。《素问·上古天真论》黄帝曰：“夫道者年皆百数能有子乎？歧伯曰：“夫道者能却老而全形，身年虽寿，能生子也。”这说明善于养身修炼之人能够保持延长“奇经八脉”的寿命。因为修炼者在第一步就是通“小周天功”，即是通调“任、督二脉”，如果任、督脉得到通调相交，即获得健康长寿的条件。可喜的是，近些年来修炼气功的热潮遍及全世界，所以在不久的将来，对人体科学研究、对“奇经八脉”的研究，都会取得一定的进展和认识。
关于十二经脉的“循行路线”，笔者与古今的观点一致，读者可参考古、今针灸书中的“十二经脉”循行示意图。关于“任、督”二脉的形态，根据贫道在“功态中”的现象感觉却有点与前人的不同。因此，特遵照前人立出了“任督二脉示意图”；并又立出我在功态中感觉的“任督二脉示意图”以供研究考证。
任脉者，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。任脉为病，男子内结七疝，女子带下瘕聚。
督脉者：1、起于少腹以下骨中央；2．女子入系廷孔；（男子抵下至篡，与女子等）其孔、溺孔之端也；3、其络循阴器合篡间、绕篡后；4、别绕臀至少阴与巨阳中脉者、合少阴上股内后廉；5．贯脊；6．属肾；7．其少腹直上者贯脐中央；8．上贯心；9．入喉；10．上颐环唇；11．上系目之下中央；12．与太阳起于目内眦；13．上额；14．交巅上；15．还出别下项；16．循肩膊内；17、侠脊抵腰中；18．入膂络肾。此生病从少腹上冲心而痛，不得前后为中疝。其女子不孕，癃痔溺嗌干。督脉生病治督脉、治在骨上、甚者在脐下营。
毛××，男，78岁，住武当山。1997年4月15日就诊。患者陡然发生腹痛甚剧，四肢寒凉，面色惨白、咬牙紧齿、痛苦呻吟不止，舌质淡红苔白润，并出现呕吐。
脉候左右寸口、浮候无脉，沉候其两寸部亦无脉、左右关、尺两部脉象沉迟而小脉搏极弱。诊察左右人迎动脉均现浮小兼迟之象，能感觉动脉的往来，而比较“两寸口”之脉搏略微明显。凭脉据症诊断为：体内的“阳气衰微”却无热能化阴，而致使“阴寒之气”太甚，寒主收引即形成痉挛性腹痛剧烈。
因发病急迫采用西药“穴位注射”治疗。用5ml注射器，吸取硫酸阿托品0.6mg，又吸取盐酸肾上腺素1mg混合后，在患者的“关元穴、气海穴”刺入三分各注入二分之一药液。经注射药液达15分钟后其患者的腹痛好转大半，仅只有轻度的腹痛。复查患者左右寸口、人迎动脉，而阴阳双方的脉搏明显增强，其迟脉象消失，但两寸口的“寸部”脉波，还显不足之象；两人迎的“寸部”还显浮象。另用肌苷0.1g 2片，维生素B1 10mg 3片、醋酸泼尼松5mg 2片、维生素B6 10mg 2片，胃复安5mg 2片。给患者口服，在服药45分钟后痊愈。
奇经八脉之中的“任脉”，乃是诸阴经之海，而任脉的“关元穴”又是足三阴经的交会之穴。任脉的“气海穴”乃禀受呼吸气机之“海底根蒂”处，故我们道家在修养中亦提倡“关元、气海”为呼吸归根之处。所以贫道选取这两个穴位用药物注射以治疗“阴寒急症”，因借此“二穴特点”，能使药物在阴经方面来迅速发挥药物作用，而令阳气升举，即可在短时间以内消除“阴寒之邪”，所以获效甚捷。
Treatment of excess syndromes in the collateral vessels (Luo Mai) can be achieved by pricking the "knots" (i.e., prominent, dark purple-black points on the surface of the collaterals) with a three-edged needle to bleed, allowing black blood to flow out. Bleeding should stop when the blood color turns red. If bleeding does not stop, apply an alcohol-soaked cotton ball to the puncture site to arrest hemorrhage. For patients with weak constitutions, a small amount of blood should be drawn, and the procedure repeated after two days to prevent syncope due to excessive blood loss; generally, 3 to 5 sessions are appropriate based on clinical judgment.
For deficiency syndromes of the collateral vessels, treatment with herbs to tonify blood and activate collaterals is preferable. If using meridian therapy, moxibustion (Wen Jiu), heat transfer therapy, or herbal warming compression (Wen Xi) are suitable methods. For pain caused by Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome (Feng Han Shi Bi) or traumatic injury (Die Da Sun Shang) in the waist and limbs, if chronic and unresponsive to treatment, one should examine the collateral vessels in the limbs for signs of obstruction.
Appendix: Case of Collateral Vessel Obstruction
Here is introduced a typical case of "Collateral Vessel Blood Stasis Obstruction": A senior brother of mine, surnamed Chen, male, 54 years old, residing at Bixia Shrine, Mount Tai, Shandong Province. In late June 1987, he fell and injured his right buttock. Over the next few days, his condition worsened daily, resulting in pain in the right buttock, right leg, and sciatic nerve. He sought treatment at the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine Hospitals in Tai'an City, receiving Western medicine, electrotherapy, TCM herbs, acupuncture, massage, and traction physiotherapy. After more than seven months, there was no efficacy, and the condition deteriorated, making walking difficult; he could not move without crutches under both armpits.
On February 7, 1988, he came to Tai'an for initial consultation. The hospital agreed to let me treat Brother Chen and provided his medical records since admission for reference.
Patient's symptoms: The upper body was warm and prone to sweating; the right lower limb was cold, distended, and painful, radiating to the Chongmen point (Chongmen, ST12) in the groin. Pulse examination at the four Yin-Yang locations was mostly peaceful, except for the Right Renying pulse (Renying, ST9), where the "Chi pulse" was deep and forceful. The patient's diet and bowel/bladder functions were normal, indicating no internal organ pathology. External examination revealed dark purple-black collateral vessels exposed at the Weizhong point (Weizhong, BL40) and Fenglong point (Fenglong, ST40) on the right leg. Regarding the observation of excess and deficiency in collaterals, the Classics state: "Excess manifests visibly; deficiency sinks inward." This confirms "Collateral Vessel Excess and Stasis Obstruction." Therefore, I used a three-edged needle to prick the "dark purple-black collateral points" for bloodletting. When bleeding stopped spontaneously from the needle eye, I formed a ring with my middle finger and thumb and tapped the needle eye 3-5 times with the middle finger, causing blood to flow again. Over four days, dark purple-black blood was released four times. Treatment ceased when the blood turned red. Post-bloodletting re-examination of the "Right Renying Artery" showed the pulse had changed to "Cun floating and Chi weak." The patient's pain significantly decreased, and he no longer needed the crutch under his left armpit while walking. Subsequently, acupuncture was employed, selecting Huantiao (GB30), Zusanli (ST36), Kunlun (BL60), and Jiexi (ST41) on the right side to guide the Qi of the Foot Yang Ming, Foot Yang Brightness, and Foot Taiyang meridians downward, combined with herbal adjuvant therapy. Prescription: Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhimu) and Coix Seed (Yiren) 18g each; Phellodendron Bark (Huangbai), Red Peony Root (Chishao), and Lycopodium Herb (Shenjincao) 15g each; Angelica Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Gentian Root (Qinjiao), and Prepared Pangolin Scales (Paoshanjia) 12g each; Pheretima (Dilong), Safflower (Honghua), and Peach Kernel (Taoren) 9g each. This formula aims to invigorate blood, resolve stasis, and clear Heat in the Upper Jiao. One dose per day, taken in three divided portions. With combined acupuncture and herbal treatment, the patient could walk without crutches after seven days. After two weeks of regulation, he recovered and was discharged on February 20.
Reflections: If the collateral vessels in the human body are excessively obstructed, it is like building a dam in a flowing stream, blocking the channel of blood circulation. Hence, predecessors summarized that "pain arises from obstruction." If blood stasis in the collaterals is mild, blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving herbs can open the blockage. However, if blood stasis in the collaterals is severe, one must first open the "obstruction of the collateral vessels" before regulating the Yin and Yang meridians to achieve good results.
This case failed to respond to various medical treatments over more than 200 days. I cured him within a short period of ten-plus days. This demonstrates that for excess syndromes of "Collateral Vessel Congestion," "Collateral Bloodletting Therapy" has significant efficacy. Therefore, for patients suffering from chronic pain, one should examine whether their "collateral vessels" have obstructions.
V. Brief Description of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels
The Eight Extraordinary Vessels are: Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), Du Mai (Governing Vessel), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel), Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel), Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel), Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel), and Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel). When I enter the "Duanxi Gong State" (meditative state), I feel that the Ren and Du meridians along the anterior and posterior midlines of my body are moving, and I perceive that the Ren and Du meridians each present as two meridian lines merging into one for operation. Previously, I believed that the Ren and Du meridians consisted of only "one single meridian," but I discovered they are actually "two meridians merged together." Because the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels Chart" inherited from predecessors shows that the six vessels—Chong, Dai, Yin Qiao, Yang Qiao, Yin Wei, and Yang Wei—exist as paired meridians on the left and right sides of the body, whereas the "Ren and Du meridians" are unique in the body's center. Upon examining that the Ren Mai "originates below Zhongji" and the Du Mai "originates below the pubic bone in the center of the lower abdomen," and that both terminate below the eyes after their courses, this fully proves that the "Ren and Du meridians" are indeed two meridians merged into one, presenting distinct ascending and descending movements on the left and right sides respectively.
The Ren Mai belongs to Yin but moves oppositely to the Foot Three Yin Meridians; the Du Mai belongs to Yang but moves oppositely to the Foot Three Yang Meridians. When the Qi of the Left Foot Three Yang Meridians moves upward counter-currently, the "Du Mai" on the left side descends; when the Qi of the Left Foot Three Yang Meridians moves downward normally, the "Du Mai" on the left side ascends. The ascending and descending movements of the Right Foot Three Yang Meridians and the Right "Du Mai" operate similarly. When the Qi of the Right Foot Three Yin Meridians moves upward normally, the "Ren Mai" on the right side descends; when the Qi of the Right Foot Three Yin Meridians moves downward counter-currently, the "Ren Mai" on the right side ascends. The ascending and descending movements of the Left Foot Three Yin Meridians and the Left "Ren Mai" also operate as described above. Due to the different Yin-Yang movements between the Ren/Du meridians and the Foot Three Yin/Yang meridians, these are all motor functions of "repulsive counter-action."
Regarding the six vessels—Chong, Dai, Yang Qiao, Yin Qiao, Yang Wei, and Yin Wei—it is difficult to experience the ascending and descending movement patterns of these "six extraordinary vessels" because they are confused by the obvious ascending and descending movements of the left and right "Twelve Regular Meridians." By borrowing the operational mechanism of the "Ren and Du meridians," it can be considered that all "extraordinary vessels" play a role of "repulsive" and "tractive" counter-action while coordinating with the movements of the "Twelve Regular Meridians."
The *Su Wen · Wei Lun Pian* states: "The Yangming is the sea of the five zang and six fu organs, primarily moistening the Zong Jin (major tendons); the Zong Jin binds the bones and facilitates joint movement. The Chong Mai is the sea of the meridians, primarily seeping and irrigating the muscle valleys. It combines with the Yangming at the Zong Jin. The Yin and Yang converge at the meeting point of the Zong Jin, which is located at the Qichong area, with the Yangming acting as the leader. All belong to the Dai Mai and connect with the Du Mai. Therefore, when Yangming is deficient, the Zong Jin becomes lax. 'When the Dai Mai fails to draw,' foot flaccidity and inability to use the legs result." According to the above "foot flaccidity syndrome," the original cause is weakness of the Foot Yangming meridian Qi leading to motor dysfunction, indirectly involving the loss of "tractive" function of the Chong, Du, and Dai meridians, resulting in foot flaccidity. Thus, I believe that the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels" distributed throughout the front, back, left, right, inside, and outside of the human body all serve a "tractive and repulsive" counter-action function.
Analysis of Treatment for the Eight Extraordinary Vessels
Among the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, the "Ren Mai and Du Mai" have specific acupoints for treating diseases. The Ren Mai runs along the midline of the chest and abdomen. The Classics state: "The abdomen is Yin"; thus, the "Ren Mai" is the sea of all Yin meridians. Although the movement of the Ren Mai is opposite to that of the Foot Three Yang Meridians, this opposing power actually assists the operation of the Foot Three Yin Meridians; therefore, the "Ren Mai" has the potential to govern Yin meridian operations. The Du Mai runs along the midline of the back. The Classics state: "The back is Yang"; thus, the "Du Mai" is the assembly of all Yang meridians. Although the movement of the Du Mai is opposite to that of the Foot Three Yang Meridians, this opposing power actually assists the movement of the Foot Three Yang Meridians; therefore, the "Du Mai" has the potential to supervise Yang meridian operations. The Chong Mai originates at Qichong (the Qichong point of the Foot Yangming Meridian), branches off from the Foot Yang meridians, runs alongside the Foot Shaoyin Meridian, ascends between the navel to the chest, and disperses. It is the sea of the Twelve Meridians. Since the Chong Mai originates from the "Qichong point" of the Foot Yangming Meridian, and the Foot Yangming belongs to the Stomach, which is the "Sea of Water and Grain" receiving nutrients, and all five zang and six fu organs derive their Qi from it as the root of "postnatal nutrition"; furthermore, the Chong Mai runs alongside the Foot Shaoyin Meridian between the navel, and the Foot Shaoyin belongs to the Kidney, which stores "prenatal Essence" and nourishes the whole body. Thus, the Chong Mai receives abundant Qi from both prenatal and postnatal meridians, making it the "sea of the Twelve Meridians." However, the "Chong Mai" often borrows acupoints from the Foot Shaoyin "Kidney Meridian" to treat diseases. Therefore, apart from the "Ren and Du meridians" having their own acupoints for disease treatment, other extraordinary vessels all "borrow acupoints from the Twelve Regular Meridians" for treatment. For example, the later-invented "Ling Gui Ba Fa" (Spirit Turtle Eight Methods) states: "Houxi (SI3) connects to the Du Mai, Lieque (LU7) connects to the Ren Mai, Gongsun (SP4) connects to the Chong Mai, Linqi (GB41) connects to the Dai Mai, Zhaohai (KI6) connects to the Yin Qiao Mai, Shenmai (BL62) connects to the Yang Qiao Mai, Neiguan (PC6) connects to the Yin Wei Mai, Waiguan (TE5) connects to the Yang Wei Mai, etc." These all entirely borrow acupoints from the Yin and Yang "Twelve Meridians" for treatment.
Regarding the use of Chinese herbs for treating the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels," only the former physician Mr. Ye Tianshi stated: "The eight vessels belong to the Liver and Kidneys," using "Tortoise Shell (Guiban) and Tortoise Glue (Guijiao)" as herbs entering the "Ren Mai"; and "Deer Antler (Lujiao) and Deer Glue (Lujiang)" as herbs entering the "Du Mai." Apart from this, it is rare to see prescriptions specifically established for the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels." Since the Ren, Du, Chong, etc., all originate below the lower abdomen and in the Baozhong (uterus/womb center), later physicians discussed many theories regarding gynecological diseases such as pregnancy, postpartum conditions, menstruation, metrorrhagia/metrostaxis, and reproductive issues based on the Ren, Du, Chong, and Dai meridians. However, in terms of "formulating prescriptions and selecting herbs," the focus remains mainly on treating the "Liver and Kidneys."
Based on the above viewpoints on the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels": Except for the "Ren and Du meridians," for the treatment of other extraordinary vessels, if the "Twelve Regular Meridians" are regulated, then the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels" are treated. This is because the "therapeutic acupoints" for the Eight Extraordinary Vessels mostly belong to the "Twelve Regular Meridians."
The Growth and Aging Process of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels
In human physiology, the Eight Extraordinary Vessels have a lifespan process of birth, growth, decline, and aging. The *Su Wen · Shanggu Tianzhen Lun* states: "When girls reach fourteen (two sevens), Tian Gui arrives, the Ren Mai opens, the Taichong Mai flourishes, and menstruation occurs regularly. When boys reach sixteen (two eights), Kidney Qi flourishes, Tian Gui arrives, essence overflows and is emitted, and through the harmony of Yin and Yang, they can have children." This indicates that around age fourteen, when girls' Chong and Ren meridians develop fully, they begin ovulation and menstruate monthly. After thirty-five years of life, generally reaching age forty-nine, their Chong and Ren meridians tend toward decline, leading to menopause and the loss of reproductive function. For men, at age sixteen, Kidney essence is full, allowing ejaculation; sexual intercourse leads to procreation. After forty-eight years of life, reaching age sixty-four, Kidney essence tends toward decline, ending reproductive capability.
In the physiological processes of birth, growth, and aging described above, during the flourishing period of the "Chong and Ren meridians," the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels" are also flourishing; during the declining period of the "Chong and Ren meridians," the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels" are also declining. Thus, the Eight Extraordinary Vessels have their own physiological lifespan process.
Before the human body is fully developed, and after essence declines and menstruation ceases, it is known that the motor function of the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels" still exists. The former plays a "repulsive counter-action" due to "insufficient growth"; the latter plays a "repulsive counter-action" due to "insufficient decline." As stated in the *Ling Shu · Wei Sheng Pian*, Huangdi asked Qibo: "Why do the elderly not sleep at night? Why do the young and strong not sleep during the day?" Qibo answered: "In the vigorous, Qi and Blood are abundant, muscles are smooth, airways are open, and the movement of Ying and Wei Qi follows its normal course; thus, they are sharp during the day and sleep well at night. In the elderly, Qi and Blood are depleted, muscles are withered, airways are obstructed, the Qi of the five zang organs clashes, Ying Qi is deficient, and Wei Qi attacks internally; thus, they are not sharp during the day and cannot sleep at night." Therefore, the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels" exhibit similar flourishing and declining physiology in youth and old age. This is evidenced by women's "menstruation and cessation of menstruation"; the period of menstruation is a sign of flourishing; the period after cessation of menstruation is a sign of aging. The *Su Wen · Shanggu Tianzhen Lun* records Huangdi asking: "Can those who practice the Dao, even if they live to be hundreds of years old, still have children?" Qibo replied: "Those who practice the Dao can delay aging and preserve their form; although their body is aged, they can still have children." This shows that people skilled in health cultivation can maintain and extend the lifespan of the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels." Because the first step of practitioners is to open the "Small Heavenly Cycle" (Xiao Zhou Tian), which is to regulate the "Ren and Du meridians." If the Ren and Du meridians are regulated and intersect, one obtains the conditions for health and longevity. Fortunately, in recent years, the热潮 (passion/trend) of practicing Qigong has spread worldwide. Therefore, in the near future, research on human science and the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels" will make certain progress and understanding.
Regarding the "course of circulation" of the Twelve Regular Meridians, my view is consistent with ancient and modern perspectives; readers may refer to the "Twelve Regular Meridians" circulation diagrams in ancient and modern acupuncture books. Regarding the morphology of the "Ren and Du meridians," my sensations in the "Gong State" differ slightly from those of predecessors. Therefore, I have specifically followed the predecessors to establish the "Diagram of Ren and Du Meridians"; and additionally created the "Diagram of Ren and Du Meridians" based on my sensations in the Gong State for research and verification.
The Ren Mai originates below Zhongji, ascends above the pubic hair line, runs inside the abdomen up to Guanyuan, reaches the throat, goes up to the chin, follows the face, and enters the eyes. Disease of the Ren Mai: Men suffer from internal binding of seven types of hernias; women suffer from leukorrhea and abdominal masses.
The Du Mai: 1. Originates below the lower abdomen in the center of the pubic bone; 2. In women, enters and connects to the Ting Kong (external genital opening); (In men, reaches down to the perineum, equal to women); it is the end of the urethral and anal openings; 3. Its collateral circulates around the external genitalia, meets at the perineum, and circles behind the anus; 4. Branches to circle the buttocks to reach the Shaoyin and the middle vessel of the Juyang, combining with Shaoyin to ascend along the inner posterior aspect of the thigh; 5. Penetrates the spine; 6. Connects to the Kidney; 7. The part rising straight from the lower abdomen penetrates the center of the navel; 8. Ascends through the Heart; 9. Enters the throat; 10. Goes up to the chin and circles the lips; 11. Ascends to connect below the center of the eyes; 12. Starts with the Taiyang at the inner canthus of the eye; 13. Ascends to the forehead; 14. Crosses the vertex; 15. Returns and emerges separately down the neck; 16. Follows the inside of the shoulder blades; 17. Flanks the spine to reach the middle of the waist; 18. Enters the paraspinal muscles and connects to the Kidney. Diseases arising from this: Pain rushing up from the lower abdomen to the heart, inability to pass stool or urine, constituting central hernia. In women: Infertility, strangury, hemorrhoids, dry throat. Diseases of the Du Mai are treated via the Du Mai; treatment is on the bone above; in severe cases, treatment is at the Ying area below the navel.
Appendix: Case of Drug Acupoint Injection Treatment on the Ren Mai
Mao XX, Male, 78 years old, residing at Wudang Mountain. Consulted on April 15, 1997. The patient suddenly suffered severe abdominal pain, cold limbs, pale complexion, clenched teeth, continuous groaning in pain, pale red tongue with white moist coating, and vomiting.
Pulse diagnosis: Floating pulse at the bilateral Cun Kou (Radial artery) was absent; Deep pulse at the two Cun positions was also absent. The Guan and Chi positions on both sides showed deep, slow, and extremely weak pulses. Examination of the bilateral Renying arteries showed floating, small, and slow qualities; the arterial fluctuation was perceptible, slightly more obvious than the "two Cun Kou" pulses. Based on pulse and symptoms, the diagnosis was: "Severe depletion of Yang Qi" in the body, lacking thermal energy to transform Yin, resulting in "excessive Yin-Cold Qi." Cold causes contraction, forming severe spasmodic abdominal pain.
Due to the acute onset, Western medicine "acupoint injection" was used. Using a 5ml syringe, 0.6mg Atropine Sulfate and 1mg Epinephrine Hydrochloride were mixed. The needles were inserted 3 fen into the patients' Guanyuan (CV4) and Qihai (CV6) acupoints, injecting half the medication volume into each. After 15 minutes of injection, the patient's abdominal pain improved significantly, leaving only mild pain. Re-examination of the bilateral Cun Kou and Renying arteries showed that the pulses of both Yin and Yang sides enhanced significantly, the slow pulse quality disappeared, but the "Cun position" pulse waves at the two Cun Kou still showed insufficiency; the "Cun position" of the two Renying still showed floating qualities. Additionally, Inosine 0.1g (2 tablets), Vitamin B1 10mg (3 tablets), Prednisone Acetate 5mg (2 tablets), Vitamin B6 10mg (2 tablets), and Metoclopramide 5mg (2 tablets) were prescribed orally. The patient recovered completely 45 minutes after taking the medication.
The "Ren Mai" among the Eight Extraordinary Vessels is the sea of all Yin meridians, and the "Guanyuan point" of the Ren Mai is the intersection of the Foot Three Yin Meridians. The "Qihai point" of the Ren Mai is the "root of the seabed" where respiratory Qi originates. Therefore, our Daoist school advocates "Guanyuan and Qihai" as the place where breathing returns to its root. Thus, I selected these two acupoints for drug injection to treat "Yin-Cold Emergency Conditions." By leveraging the characteristics of these "two acupoints," the drugs can rapidly exert their effects on the Yin meridians, raising Yang Qi, thereby eliminating "Yin-Cold Pathogens" in a short time, resulting in swift efficacy.