Having dipped into the knowledge surrounding the Dan Tians (energy centres), I realised it is a subject far more significant, deserving greater attention. Understanding the importance of the Dan Tians through the practice of Tai Chi or Qigong, it is fascinating to link this awareness to the meridians – energy channels – and acupuncture points with locations coinciding with the position of the Dan Tians. This insight enables us to understand why Qigong and Tai Chi fundamentally provide us with health benefits noting the benefits provided by the individual acupuncture points on the Ren Mai (conception vessel).
Acupressure is a means of pressuring the acupuncture points on the energy channels – meridians – with our fingers, not randomly, but on the basis of the health disorder concerned just as in the case of acupuncture.
Once of the great advantages of acupressure is that it is a therapy we can perform – especially, dare I say, to our loved ones who are reluctant to “have needles stuck in their body” by a Chinese medicine doctor or acupuncturist, let alone practice some Qigong or Tai Chi. This was a prime motivation of mine to take the study of Chinese Medicine seriously, not simply remain passionate about the subject, reading and researching with a general knowledge but be able to bring benefit to loved ones who are basically Chinese Medicine sceptics!!! They are not even aware you are treating them with the science of an Ancient Medicine!
As already mentioned, the abdominal energy flow channels – the Conception Vessel and the Governing Vessel pass in a loop around the abdomen balancing Yin and Yang. These are the Ren Mai (conception vessel) which is Yin in nature and flows upwards and the Du Mai (governing vessel) which is Yang in nature and flows downwards, creating what is referred to as a “small heavenly circle” around the abdomen.
Let’s look at which acupuncture points are located directly in the vicinity of the Dan Tians. Of the 8 extraordinary meridians only two, namely the Ren Mai and Du Mai have their own acupuncture points. The remaining 6 simply share a few acupuncture points with the 12 ordinary meridians: lung, liver, spleen, kidney etc where they pass closer to the surface.
The Ren Mai points are used in treatment, some of them very valuable, however those of the Du Mai run directly along the spine, so are not appropriate for needling. Our back is of importance in Chinese Medicine for Tui Na massage and cupping. The spinal cord is the means of communication between the Dan Tians so our body does the work for us.
Let’s return to the front of the abdomen and starting at the lowest accessible point with ZHONGLI.
ZHONGLI (Utmost Middle) is also known as CV3 (Conception Vessel 3) or REN-3
It is applied to strengthen the bladder function providing balanced urination, neither excessive nor sparse, and also regulate the uterus and irregular menstruation. As a meeting point for Liver, Spleen and Kidney meridians, it fortifies the kidney and the Jing – our original inherited energy.
Continuing our identification of points close to the Lower Dan Tian, we find:
GUANYUAN (Source Gate) CV4 (Conception Vessel 4) or REN-4.
The function of Guanyuan is to strengthen the essence of the kidneys which are of importance for storing Jing.
The point also forms a junction with the three Yin-meridians – Liver, Kidney, Spleen plus the Chong Mai (another one of the 8 extraordinary channels but which has no points of its own.)
This is of great significance to that energetic field of Jing or Yuan Qi located at Lower Dan Tian and the Ming Men.
Let’s take a quick look at Chong Mai to be aware of its importance.
The Chong Mai – Sea of the 12 meridians or Sea of the 5 yin and 6 yang organs– one of the 8 extraordinary vessels, is a so-called penetrating channel is believed to be the first energy channel to form in the foetus. It originates in the area between the two kidneys behind the navel so coincides with the location of the Lower Dan Tian, the location of our inherited energy and the Men Ming.
It manifests in blood, interacting mainly with the kidneys, stomach, spleen and heart – all important in the production of blood. The Chong Mai also shares points with the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai), Kidney and Stomach Meridians. The 8 extraordinary meridians are relevant to this study, at least those which have meeting points with the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel.)
At the end of our lives, it is the kidney failure which proves irretrievable for our survival. It could be the Chong Mai is what I refer to as our Alpha-Omega – the first meridian to be created in our body and the last one which fails when we pass. I will verify this at a later date after further research.
The 8 extraordinary channels do not lack significance because they lack in acupuncture points, on the contrary they integrate the functions of the 12 ordinary channels where they form junctions: Lung, Spleen, Kidney, Heart etc.
These 8 extraordinary channels are formed in the foetus before the 12 ordinary channels (those 12 meridians linked to our organs) and the formation of the organs themselves. The eight give a basis for the remaining 12 channels and organs to be created. The reason the 8 lack acupuncture points is because they are located deeper in the body and hence do not have close-to-surface accessible acupressure points, only some shared points as they cross other ordinary channels.
Energy or Qi is life itself and Qi resides in blood and is transported by the 12 meridians. The Chong Mai, one of the 8 extraordinary channels is a lattice-like structure of membranes from which cells formed and organs grew, receiving nourishment from the mother’s blood which contains Jing or essence. Each of the 8 extraordinary vessels contain Jing, ‘original’ or ‘inherited’ Qi.
GUANYUAN – REN-4 has a tonifying influence on the original Qi or Jing so relates to the effects received from practicing Qigong and Tai Chi. Acupuncture or acupressure on Guanyuan will considerably alleviate Yin deficiency disorders as three yin meridians juncture here.
Guanyuan with the meaning guan=gate and yuan=original, refers to the original life energy we received from our parents. This corresponds exactly to the Lower Dan Tian.
REN 4, 5 and 6 are all similar in what they can perform for the body so all three are largely relevant to the Lower Dan Tian. If applying acupressure in this area, you will feel a small depression or tender area, massage gently here as it means that area needs tonifying.
Massaging these points strengthens the lower abdomen and simultaneously relaxes any tightness in the chest, resulting in a balance between the lower and upper abdomen, Lower and Middle Dan Tians. The meditation process in Qigong and Tai Chi focuses on the Lower Abdomen, the Lower Dan Tian, our centre of gravity which is responsible for sharing excess Qi with the other two Dan Tians, Middle and Upper.
Notably when performing Tai Chi and Qigong, our hands pass over these points and the benefits received will correspond to the healing properties held by each point as needed. GUANYUAN, REN-4 has the following properties:
- Strongly tonifies qi, yin, yang and fortifies blood and Jing, increases energy and vitality
- Strengthens and supports kidneys and alleviates related symptoms: back pain, tinnitus, weak memory, weak knees, incontinence.
Next comes SHIMEN – the stone gate, REN-5
REN-5 collects Yuan Qi or Jing from REN-4, GUANYUAN and spreads it throughout the body. By strengthening Kidney Yang Qi (kidney vitality) it is of vital importance to the Lower Dantian. It regulates the lower abdomen and its waterways and fortifies a weakly functioning uterus.
Also of great relevance to the Lower Dantian is:
QI HAI – the sea of Qi, REN-6
It can stimulate stagnant Qi and tonify Jing and Kidney Qi with the benefit of dispelling weakness and damp. Physiologically it regulates all the lower abdominal functions, alleviating genital, urinary and abdominal disorders.
In conclusion, the closest acupuncture or acupressure point to the Lower Dantian is GUANYUAN, REN-4, however REN-5 and REN-6 are supportive.
Let’s move up the abdomen along the Ren Mai to find the Middle Dantian.
YIN JIAO – Yin Intersection, REN-7 has a meeting point with the Kidney Meridian and Chong Mai Penetrating Vessel (extraordinary channel), both of them Yin meridians. A useful point for menstrual cramps, irregular menstruation, low back pain, also urine retention, constipation, knee pain and menopausal hot flushes.
SHENQUE –the spirit palace pathway, REN-8 — its location is at the actual belly button, the location of original Ming Men from our mother.
Ming Men is also of enormous importance in this “Essence of Life energy powerhouse” in our body, being accessed from behind the Dan Tian, between the two kidneys. It is translated as the Gate of Vitality and accessed via the acupressure point DU-4, Governing Vessel or Du Mai-4, the other extraordinary channel which runs down the spine to form a loop with the Conception Vessel. Ming Men is also directly related to the storage of Jing, the inherited life energy, original qi or Yuan Qi. It provides our body, the whole abdominal area with sufficient warmth.
The Ming Men fire supports the spleen in extracting nutrients from the food we eat, before sending them to the lungs. This “fire” is of equally huge importance in Ayurvedic Medicine, referred to as “Agni.” If we eat too fast, while working, consume too much cold or iced food, this can affect our Ming Men fire potential. If your Ming Men fire burns low, you could suffer from Spleen or Heart blood deficiency which may cause diarrhea, a lack of warmth and low energy.
SHUIFEN- Water Separation – REN-9
Its function is transformation of damp and Phlegm
The Ren Mai contains acupressure points which can alleviate chronic health disorders such as epilepsy, water on the lung or restoring vitality following a stroke so any beneficial and preferably preventative therapeutic action is of life importance.
Notably on the Ren-Mai or Conception Vessel, we find acupuncture points which are vital to our survival. SHUIFEN is applied in the case of fluid on the lung and nephritis – kidney infection – for example.
XIAWAN – Lower Stomach Duct – REN-10
Harmonises and stabilises Stomach Qi , deals with that uncomfortable sensation we know as acid reflux, when food “comes back” undigested
JIANLI –Earthing Within – REN-11
Harmonises the qi of the zang-fu pair spleen and stomach, addresses stomach cramps.
ZHONGWAN – Utmost Middle —REN-12
Meeting point with Stomach, Small intestine and the Three Heater meridians.
It fortifies physically and emotionally, strengthens the stomach, spleen and upper abdomen, calms the spirit and soothes anxiety in the stomach.
This point Zhongwan REN-12, Centre of the Stomach together with Zhongshu DU-7 (Du Mai 7) correspond to the Solar Plexus Chakra energy point in Ayurveda.
This I understand to be the position of the Middle Dantian.
SHANGWAN – Upper Stomach Duct – REN-13
Manages the gastro-oesophageal junction and deals with rebellious (moving in the opposite direction) stomach Qi manifested as nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, hiccup, belching, epilepsy – caused by wind and phlegm
JUQUE –Great Palace Gateway – REN-14
It regulates the lungs and the stomach, descends heart, lung and stomach Qi. Assists in clearing phlegm and calming Shen(the mind).
JIUWEI – Dovetail – REN 15
The junction of all 5 Yin organs: heart, lung, spleen, kidney and liver. It clears phlegm from the heart, calms the mind and heart.
ZHONGTING –Central Hall- REN-16
The effects are the same as with REN-13 and normally your acupuncturist will apply REN-13.
SHANGZHONG – Middle of the chest – REN-17
It is a meeting point with the spleen, kidney, small intestine and San Jiao meridians.
Stimulating this point will give an invigorating effect, boost Qi circulation in the chest, strengthen blood and raise spirits.
Shangzhong is also of importance in its function to the Middle Dantian since it enhances qi circulation in the chest area and also raising spirits, this is indicative of the Middle Dantian with its sending of qi upward to the Upper Dantian, the house of Shen (this qi, known as Shen is located in the head.)
YUTANG – Jade Hall – REN-18
Can be applied in case of a stuffy, tight chest.
ZIGONG – purple palace – REN-19
Deals with blockages when swallowing food
HUAGAI – Covering of flowers – REN-20
Enabling deeper breathing and giving a purpose in life.
XUANJI – Jade Pearl, REN-21
Applied for rebellious (flowing in the opposite direction) stomach qi causing throat and larynx discomfort. It is located at the top of the sternum, ‘between heaven and earth’.
TIANTU – Heavenly Rushing – REN-22
Relieves headaches, descends disturbed qi from the head (remembering the Upper Dantian located in the head containing Shen functions best when it is empty) and treats epilepsy.
Meeting point with the Yin Wei vessel (another one of the 8 extraordinary vessels) which possesses no points of its own. It steadies the heart at its meeting point with REN-22.
LIANQUAN – Clear spring – REN-23
Descends qi, easing the throat, tongue and voice, alleviating a painful tongue and itchy throat are possible. It coincides with the final point on the Yin Wei.
CHENGJIANG – Fluid container – REN-24
The last point of Ren Mai where it meets the Du Mai, Governing Vessel which passes down the spine. It also forms a junction with the Large intestine and Stomach meridians.
Chengjiang dispels wind so is very useful in case of facial paralysis, numbness or swelling. It can also assist in the case of mouth ulcers and toothache. The mouth is where the Ren Mai and Du Mai meet.
We see the energy flow and yin yang balance as follows:
All YIN MERIDIANS flow up – Conception Vessel, Ren Mai, Yin channel, qi flows upwards
All YANG MERIDIANS flow down – Governing Vessel, Du Mai, Yang channel, qi flows downwards.
Looking at the individual acupressure points on the Ren Mai and Du Mai gives us deeper insight as to the positive effects Qigong and Tai Chi practice can give us.
In addition we have the Men Ming, Lower and Middle Dan Tian related to kidney qi, also significant for our Jing and our quality of life.