REN MAI – CONCEPTION VESSEL; THE SEA OF YIN

 Ren Mai runs up the anterior aspect of the body, along the midline, from the pubic area to
the mouth
 Originates in an area between the Kidneys and passes through the lower abdomen (uterus in
women) and emerges from the perineum (CV 1)
 Terminates at CV 24
 The meridian continues to ascend internally, around the mouth (to connect to DU MAI – GV
28), then up the face to terminate below the eye (ST 1)
 An internal branch arises from the pelvic cavity and ascends along the spine
 REN MAI and DU MAI are the polar axis of the body ... there is one source and two branches,
one goes to the front and the other to the back of the body ... GV1 is where the two
meridians meet; in practice these meridians are used together along with Chong Mai
 The points on this meridian allow direct access to Zang Fu – six of the Front-Mu points being
located on this meridian; Front-Mu points are fundamentally important in regulating the
functionality of their respective Zang Fu
o CV 3 – BL
o CV 4 – SI
o CV 5 – TW
o CV 12 – ST
o CV 14 – HT
o CV 17 - PC
 Regulates reproductive functions, menstrual cycle, sexual development during puberty,
menopause
 The lower abdomen is the region of the deepest energies in the body – CV 4, CV 6 are one of
the most important tonifying and nourishing points in the body; CV 8 along with CV 4 and CV
6 are also able to revive consciousness (rescue Yang) in the case of Yang collapse
 Both Yin and Yang energies are creative, but Yin energy is nourishing, moistening and
growth-orientated whereas Yang energy is warming and moving and protecting
 The points of this meridian have a local effect: all the points under the umbilicus treat
urogenital disorders including pain, inflammation and itching, gynaecological disorders:
PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, impotence, menstrual problems, hernia, bladder problems,
urination and defecation disorders; points above the umbilicus, treat intestinal issues, from
CV 10 upwards digestive tract conditions, heart burn, acid reflux, vomiting and nausea
(rebellious Qi); above CV 13 disorders of the heart and above CV 14 disorders of the lung
and chest, asthma
 Whilst the REN MAI meridian itself ascends along the midline of the abdomen and chest,
most of the points in these regions have a strong descending action, particularly in relation
to the Lung and Stomach functions. Thus, all the points from CV 9 to CV 21 are indicated for
rebellious Stomach Qi manifesting as nausea, vomiting, difficult ingestion etc., whilst all the
points from CV 15 to REN 22 are indicated for rebellious Lung Qi manifesting as cough,
dyspnoea, fullness of the chest etc.
 The CV meridian is also known as the "Sea of Yin" and the "Directing Vessel". It controls the
7 year cycle of females. It also controls conception, fertility, menopause (has a close
relationship with the Chong meridian) and all Yin meridians and regulates uterus and blood
in women, moves Qi in upper, middle and lower jiao or affects the abdomen, thorax, lungs,
throat and face (reflected in its individual point functions).
PATHWAY

Originates in an area between the Kidneys and passes though the uterus. Arises in the uterus in
females and the lower abdomen in males and it goes in at CV 1 in the perineum and resurfaces at CV
2 at the superior border of the pubic symphysis. Ascends along the midline of the abdomen, chest,
throat and jaw, terminating at CV 24.

The interior portion of the channel winds around the mouth, connects with the Governing vessel at
GV 28 and terminates below the eye at ST-1.

An internal branch arises in the pelvic cavity, enters the spine and ascends along the back.
There are 24 points in total but only 12 points are most frequently used.

Starred: 12 points (most used) CV 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 17, 22, 23, 24

CV 2 qū gŭ BENT BONE
 Location: midline of the lower abdomen, at the superior border of the pubic symphysis, 5
cun below the umbilicus
 Needling method: perpendicular, 0.5 – 1 cun
 Moxa: yes
 Precaution: deep insertion will penetrate a full bladder which should therefore be emptied
before treatment
 Points from CV 2 - CV 13 can only be used with special caution for acupuncture and
moxibustion treatment in pregnant women
 ACTIONS:

 Warms interior Cold and invigorates the KI Yang

 Regulates the Bladder and menses
 Raises middle Qi and contains the blood

INDICATONS:

 Deficiency and weakness with extreme cold, lower abdominal distention and pain, uterine
fibroids and sensation of cold in uterus
 Urogenital conditions: dysuria - difficulty urinating, enuresis – bed wetting, dribbling, urinary
retention, incontinence, UTI, dryness, pain and itching of the genitals
 Irregular menstruation, leucorrhoea – excess vaginal discharge, dysmenorrhea, impotence,
seminal emission
 Uterine prolapse, groin hernia, hemorrhage or bleeding

Note:

the distance from the umbilicus to the superior border of the pubic synthesis is 5 cun

Terminology:

Warm = Warm interior Cold and invigorate the Yang

Invigorate = activate the Yang energy or move the Blood

Regulate = adjust (up when hyperactive or down when hypoactive) organ physiology, Qi,
Blood, the Water Pathways and TW

Raise = raise and strengthen the middle Qi; deficiency of which manifests as prolapse, rectal
bleeding or chronic diarrhea due to SP, Yang or Qi deficiency

Contain = contain the blood within blood vessels by strengthening the Qi and thus preventing
hemorrhage

CV 3 zhōng jí MIDDLE (CENTER) POLE

 Location: on the midline of the lower abdomen, 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus and 1 cun
superior to the pubic symphysis
 Needling method: perpendicular insertion, 0.5 – 1 cun
 Moxa: yes
 Precaution: deep insertion will penetrate a full bladder which should therefore be emptied
before treatment

ACTIONS:

 Regulates the Bladder, water pathways and promotes urination

 Regulates the Lower Jiao, benefits uterus and regulates menstrual cycle
 Drains Damp-Heat from LJ (urogenital)
 Drains Damp from LJ
 Clears Heat from LJ (including Blood)
 Assists the transforming function of Qi
 Tonifies KI (especially Qi and Yang)
 Expels stones

INDICATONS:

 Dysuria - difficulty urinating, retention of urine

 Dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, irregular menstruation, uterine fibroids and
bleeding
 Urogenital pain, inflammation and itching, cystitis, urethritis, UTI, pelvic inflammatory
disease (infection of female reproductive organs)
 Leucorrhea, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity)
 Premature ejaculation, infertility, impotence, prostatitis, nefritis, incontinence, frequent
urination, enuresis, spermatorrhea, prolapse
 Urinary tract stone
Note:

CV 3 is the Front-Mu of the BL

it is called CENTRAL POLE because it is the summit of Qi in the body and the location where 3
Yin (of leg) channels intersect: LR, SP and KI with Ren channel

used often for any type of urinary tract disorder, cold abdominal pain, menstrual
irregularities and uterine fibroids

CV 3 IS USED FOR EXCESS TYPE OF MENSTRUAL DISORDERS, CV 4 FOR DEFICIENT TYPE

“moxa 100 times to increase life span” and “moxa 4 times to treat sterility”

CV 4 guān yuán GATE OF ORIGIN

 Location: on the midline of the lower abdomen, 3 cun inferior to the umbilicus and 2 cun
superior to the pubic symphysis
 Needling method: perpendicular insertion, 0.5 – 1 cun
 Moxa: yes
 Precaution: deep insertion will penetrate a full bladder which should therefore be emptied
before treatment

ACTIONS:

 Tonifyies the Kidney (especially Yang and Yin)

 Strengthens Source Qi, restores collapsed Yang or Yin
 Strengthens the constitution; prevents illness and promotes health
 Invigorates Qi and Blood
 Regulates the Lower Jiao and menstruation, assists conception
 Warms internal Cold in the Lower Jiao
 Drains Damp and Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao
 Regulates Small Intestine

INDICATONS:

 Weakness of lumbar region and legs, aversion to cold, frequent urination, enuresis, seminal
emission, impotence, infertility, infertility with cold sensation in the vagina, dysmenorrhea,
 amenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, low sperm count, abnormal uterine bleeding, hernia,
prolapsed uterus or groins; asthma due to KI deficiency, dyspnea – difficulty breathing
 Wind-stroke, seizures, emergency – loss of consciousness due to collapsed Yang or
exhaustion of Yin
 Insomnia, forgetfulness, dizziness and vertigo due to Qi and Blood deficiency, wasting and
thirsting disorder
 Deficient cold syndrome on the lower abdomen, lower abdominal pain, postpartum
abdominal pain and diarrhoea
 Urogenital pain, inflammation and itching, cystitis, urethritis, UTI, pelvic inflammatory
disease (infection of female reproductive organs)
 Leucorrhea, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity)

Note:

CV 4 is the Front-Mu of the SI

Also translated as STORE OF VITALITY

The name refers to this point’s role as a gate to the Source Qi (Yuan Qi), located within the
lower “cinnabar field” (dantian); considered the “elixir of life”, the “sea of Qi” or simply
“energy center”, a place where essence is stored and from which sexual energy is drawn.
There are three dantian (lower – below the umbillicus, middle – at the level of the heart and
upper – at the forehead), considered focal points for transformation between Jing, Qi and
Shen in Taoism

Main point for fatigue and weakness since it builds Yang & Qi. Common for deficient Qi and
Blood syndromes.

Good for deficient menstrual problems: with St 36. For pale blood, not much blood, or long
cycles.

Good for impotence, polyuria – large amounts of dilute urine

Good for anemia, weak legs – builds Source Qi and Blood

Good of lack of sexual drive, hot flashes, fibroids, neuroasthenia

Good point to palpate, if weak indicates deficient Qi

Health preservation practitioners in China recommend the regular application of moxibution

on this point in older individuals to prolong life

Used in any type of deficiency of the Zang Fu, wether Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang or Essence

CV 6 qì hăi SEA OF QI
 Location: on the midline of the lower abdomen, 1.5 cun inferior to the umbilicus and 3.5 cun
superior to the pubic symphysis
 Needling method: perpendicular insertion, 0.5 – 1 cun
 Moxa: yes
 Precaution: deep insertion may penetrate the peritoneal cavity
 ACTIONS:

 Tonifyies the Kidney (especially Yang and Yin)

 Strengthens Source Qi, restores collapsed Yang or Yin
 Tonifyies Qi and enriches Blood
 Harmonizes Yang Qi and Yin Blood
 Regulates the Lower Jiao and menstruation, assists conception
 Warms internal Cold in the Lower Jiao
 Drains Damp and Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao

INDICATONS:

 Weakness of lumbar region and legs, aversion to cold, frequent urination, enuresis, seminal
emission, impotence, infertility, infertility with cold sensation in the vagina, dysmenorrhea,
amenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, low sperm count, abnormal uterine bleeding, hernia,
prolapsed uterus or groins; asthma due to KI deficiency, dyspnea – difficulty breathing
 Wind-stroke, seizures, emergency – loss of consciousness due to collapsed Yang or
exhaustion of Yin
 Insomnia, forgetfulness, dizziness and vertigo due to Qi and Blood deficiency, wasting and
thirsting disorder
 Deficient cold syndrome on the lower abdomen, lower abdominal pain, postpartum
abdominal pain and diarrhoea
 Urogenital pain, inflammation and itching, cystitis, urethritis, UTI, pelvic inflammatory
disease (infection of female reproductive organs)
 Leucorrhea, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity)

Terminology:

Harmonize = integrate, bring them in tune, synchronize them

Note:
 Very similar to CV 4 but more for building deficient Qi and Blood in the body

Used for colitis, appendicitis and vomiting with CV 12

CV 8 shén què PLACE OF THE SPIRIT

 Location: in the centre of umbilicus
 Needling method: yes
 Moxa: normally treated by moxibustion or massage. Moxibustion may be indirect (moxa
stick) or mediated by substances such as salt, sliced ginger, crushed garlic or aconite cake

ACTIONS:

 Regulates the Middle Jiao

o Regulates the transportive function of Spleen, Stomach and intestines
o Tonifies Spleen and Stomach (especially SP Yang, ST Qi)
o Warms the interior (SP Yang)
o Reduces digestive stagnation (promotes peristalsis and secretion of gastric and
intestinal juices)
 Warms the Yang, restores collapsed Yang
 Dries Damp and Damp-Cold

INDICATONS:

 Prolapse of rectum due to SP Yang deficiency

 Pain around umbilicus, abdominal pain due to cold, acute/continuous or chronic diarrhea
due to deficient cold, diarrhea in deficient elderly, borborygmus
 Wind-stroke, heat-stroke and exhaustion, collapsing syndrome – shock, loss of
consciousness with chills and cold extremities due to extreme Cold or sudden and severe
exhaustion of Yang
 Edema, leucorrhea, abdominal distention and retention of urine, painful urinary dysfunction

Note:

The name refers to the Shen or spirit entering the fetus through the gate of the navel via the
umbilical cord.

Most common use for loose stools due to deficient cold

CV 10 xià wăn LOWER CAVITY (lower stomach cavity - antrum)
 Location: on the midline of the abdomen, 2 cun above the umbilicus and 6 cun below the
sternocostal angle
 Needling method: perpendicular insertion, 0.5 – 1 cun
 Moxa: yes; contraindicated in pregnancy
 Precaution: deep insertion may penetrate the peritoneal cavity in thin individuals

ACTIONS:

 Regulates the Stomach, strengthens the Spleen (especially Qi – transforming func.)

 Harmonizes Stomach (and intestines), moves food stagnation

INDICATONS:

 Abdominal pain and distention, abdominal fullness, epigastric pressure and pain, nausea
and/or vomiting after eating, lack of appetite, indigestion with undigested food in stool,
diarrhea, abdominal masses

Note:
 The distance between the sternocostal angle and the umbilicus is 8 cun.

The name refers to this point’s action on the lower part of the stomach and its ability to link
and harmonize the Middle and Lower Jiao by way of the Conception vessel.

CV 10 (Lower Cavity) affects the lower portion of the Stomach, whilst CV 13 (Upper Cavity)
was considered to affect its upper portion

CV 12 zhōng wăn MIDDLE CAVITY (middle stomach cavity - body)

 Location: on the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the ubmbilicus and midway between
the umbilicus and the sternocostal angle
 Needling method: perpendicular insertion, 0.5 – 1 cun
 Moxa: yes
 Precaution: deep insertion may penetrate the peritoneal cavity in thin individuals; caution in
pregnancy

ACTIONS:

 Harmonizes and strengthens the Middle Jiao – raises middle Qi

 Regulates Stomach and Qi flow – descends counterfow Qi
 Transforms Dampness

INDICATONS:

 Any stomach conditions, gastric pain, acid reflux, vomiting, hiccups, stomach prolapse, hiatal
hernia, acute/chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcers, constipation/diarrhea, bloating/fullness
with poor appetite, indigestion, undigested food in stool, neurasthenia, nervous
stomach/anxiety, post-partum weakness and sallow complexion

Note:
 Front-Mu point of the Stomach

Meeting point of the Conception vessel with the Small Intestine, Sanjiao and Stomach
channels (Fu)

The name refers to the point’s influence on the middle part of the stomach cavity and its
ability to harmonize the Middle Jiao

Has lots of nervous stomach, anxiety indications

This is a generally fortifying point, that nourishes people both physically and emotionally

It may be useful for hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, some forms of epilepsy and mental
disorders

Could be used in the treatment of asthma or other respiratory conditions since the point
internally is where the lung channel originates

CV 10, CV 13 are predominantly used for excess conditions, whereas CV12 mostly deficient,
but also excess

Revision:

Disorders of the Stomach may be deficient or excess in nature, due to cold or heat, exterior
pathogens or interior disharmony. Whatever the etiology, disharmony of the Stomach will
always manifest in disturbance of one or more of these functions. If the Stomach fails to
receive food and drink, there will be inability to eat and difficult ingestion; if the Stomach
fails to 'rot and ripen' and to descend there will be fullness, distention and pain; if the
Stomach qi rebels upwards there will be nausea, vomiting, Stomach reflux and hiccup.

Traditional Chinese methods of health preservation have long recognised the importance of
emotional harmony in the smooth functioning of the Stomach. The constant dissipation of qi
resulting from worry, anxiety and overthinking may deplete the Stomach and Spleen and
impair the function of the Stomach. Excess of any of the seven emotions may result in
stagnation of qi which then injures the Stomach leading to epigastric pain.

CV 13 shàng wăn UPPER CAVITY (upper stomach cavity - head)

 Location: on the midline of the abdomen, 5 cun above the umbilicus and 3 cun below the
sternocostal angle
 Needling method: perpendicular insertion, 0.5 – 1 cun
 Moxa: yes
 Precaution: deep insertion may penetrate the peritoneal cavity in thin individuals; caution in
pregnancy
 ACTIONS:

 Regulates Stomach and Qi flow – descends counterfow Qi, stops vomiting

 Regulates Heart Qi, calms the spirit

INDICATONS:

 Epigastric pain, stomach ache, abdominal distention and fullness and masses, acid reflux,
vomiting
 Chest pain, cardiac spasm, palpitations, irritability, anxiety and fear, epilepsy

Note:

Meeting point of the Conception vessel with the Small Intestine and Stomach channels

The name refers to this point’s action on the upper stomach cavity and its ability to link and
harmonize the upper and middle burners by way of Conception vessel

CV 14 jù què GREAT PALACE

 Location: on the midline of the abdomen, 6 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun below the
sternocostal angle
 Needling method: perpendicular 0.5 – 1 cun
  Moxa: yes
 Precaution: deep insertion, especially in thin subjects, may damage the left lobe of the liver
or the heart if either is enlarged; oblique superior insertion towards the heart is
contraindicated in all cases

ACTIONS:

 Regulates Heart Qi, descends the Qi, unbinds the chest and alleviates pain
 Transforms phlegm and calms the spirit
 Descends counterflow of Stomach Qi

INDICATONS:

 Pain in the cardiac region and chest, collapsing syndrome with chills, stifling sensation in the
chest, cough, palpitations, panic attack
 Regurgitation, acid reflux, vomiting, hiccup, difficulty swallowing, jaundice, abdominal
distension
 Mental disorder, fear anxiety, epilepsy, poor memory and mental activity, ranting, raving
and anger, mania
 Round worms in the bile duct

Note:

Front-Mu point of the Heart

Main point for anxiety, irritability, including nervous stomach. insomnia

CV 17 shān zhōng CENTER OF CHEST

 Location: on the midline of the sternum, in a depression level with the junction of the fourth
intercostal space and the sternum (midway between the nipples in men);
first locate the costal cartilage of the second rib which is level with the sternal angle, then
locate the second intercostal space below it and count down to the fourth space
 Needling method: depends on indications: 0.5 – 1 cun transversely (subcutaneously) in a
superior and inferior direction or towards the nipples in breast disorders
 Moxa: yes, but caution with asthmatic patients
 Precaution: no transverse needling, intracardiac needling or pneumothorax
 ACTIONS:

 Regulates Lungs and Upper Jiao (especially Qi)

 Unbinds the chest and transforms Phlegm
 Descends counterflow Lung and Stomach Qi
 Benefits the breasts (promotes lactation)

INDICATONS:

 Pulmonary tuberculosis, shortness of breath, bronchitis, asthma, labored breathing,

wheezing, inability to speak, chest pain, coughing blood or purulent secretions – lung
abscesses
 Difficulty swallowing food, vomiting, coughing up blood and sputum
 Distention and pain in breast, insufficient lactation

Note:

Front-Mu point of the Pericardium

Influential point for Qi – the Sea of Qi point

Main point for asthma: increases ability to breathe, dilates bronchioles

Good point for fatigue

CV 22 tiān tú HEAVENLY PROMINENCE

 Location: in the depression of the suprasternal fossa on the anterior midline, 0.5 cun
superior to the suprasternal notch;
This point is best located with the patient in supine position (laying down, face up), with the
head extended without a pillow underneath, or a pillow under the soulders
 Needling method: first needle perpendicularly at approximately 0.2 cun in order to
penetrate the skin, then direct the needle downward and continue to insert the needle
 parallel to the posterior aspect of the sternum (along the posterior border of the
manubrium) 0.5-1 cun
 Moxa: yes
 Precaution: dangerous point, perpendicular deep insertion may penetrate big vessels and
organs inside the mediastinum

ACTIONS:

 Regulates Lung Qi flow – descends counterflow of Qi

 Disperses Lung Qi - unblocks stagnant Lung Qi
 Clears the throat (Heat and Phlegm) and restores voice
 Transforms Phlegm

INDICATONS:

 Acute and chronic asthma, bronchitis, hiccups, esophageal spasm, shortness of breath
 Pharyngitis, laryngitis, sudden loss of voice, hoarse voice, sore throat pain-swelling-dryness,
coughing blood and pus stained sputum
 Goiter – tyroid disorders, globus hystericus, acute bronchitis with profuse sputum

Note:

Main point for asthma, especially when there is an overload of mucus

Strong action on descending the Qi

 Treats mainly lung and throat disorders since the point is located between those to body
parts

The name refers to the throat – especially the trachea, which protrudes upward toward
“heaven” – the head, hence the other translation “Haven’s Chimney”.

CV 23 lián quán CORNER SPRING

 Location: superior to the laryngeal prominence, in a depression superior to the upper border
of the hyoid bone – the most superior bony structure at the midline of the throat;
With the patient in supine position and the had not reclined too much (to ensure that the
soft tissue is not overstretched), palpate gently with a finger along the underside of the chin
towards the throat until it falls into a depression just in front of the hyoid bone;
The point is located at the junction of the vertical aspect of the neck to the horizontal floor
of the mouth
 Needling method: This point can be needled obliquely towards the root of a tongue, with a
depth of 0.5-0.8 cun.
 Moxa: no, according to some texts

ACTIONS:

 Regulates Yin and Body Fluids – moistens the throat and salivary glands
 Benefits the tongue
 Clears Fire and Heat
 Transforms Phlegm

INDICATONS:

 Intense thirst (in diabetes), dry mouth and throat, excessive salivation
  Tongue paralysis and stiffness, loss of voice, sudden aphasia, flaccid tongue, swelling and
pain of the subglossal region, difficulty swallowing
 Mouth and tongue ulcers, tonsillitis, pharyngitis
 Asthma, bronchitis

Note:

Used a lot for tongue problems, thirst, thyroid problems, mouth sores, herpes

The name refers to the salivary glands as being the "spring" or source of fluids in the mouth.
Also, a reference to the point's function of tonifying the body's yin

Meeting point of the Conception and Yin Linking vessels

Terminology:

Benefits = restores normal function (of eyes, tongue, tendons and joints)

CV 24 chéng jiāng RECEIVING FLUID

 Location: in the depression in the center of the mentolabial groove;
Middle of the chin where excess saliva is collected
 Needling method: transverse-oblique insertion directed superiorly 0.2 to 0.3 cun
 Moxa: yes

ACTIONS:

 Dispels Wind locally and clears Heat

 Relaxes facial muscles and stops spasm
 Reduces swelling and stops pain

INDICATONS:

 Deviation of mouth and eye, lockjaw, hemiplegia, epilepsy, stiff neck

 Pain and numbness of face, trigeminal neuralgia, swelling, gingivitis, gum and tooth pain,
regulates salivation, mouth ulcers and abscesses, cold sores

Note:

Meeting point of the Conception vessel with the Governing vessel and the Large Intestine and
Stomach channels