Governing Vessel (Du Mai)

Introduction

The Governing Vessel (Du Mai) is one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, responsible for governing all the yang channels, regulating qi flow along the spine, and influencing the brain and nervous system. It plays a key role in neurological function, spinal health, and emotional stability.

Primary Channel Pathway

  • Begins at DU-1 (Changqiang) at the perineum.

  • Ascends along the midline of the spine, passing through the head and brain.

  • Terminates at DU-28 (Yinjiao) inside the upper gum.

Primary Channel Connects with Zangfu

  • Kidney

  • Heart

  • Brain

Primary Channel Meets Other Channels at Points

  • REN-1 (Huiyin)

  • BL-12 (Fengmen)

  • All yang channels at DU-14 (Dazhui)

Actions and Indications of the Governing Vessel

  • Regulates yang qi throughout the body, influencing temperature balance, immunity, and energy levels.

  • Supports spinal health, treating back pain, neck stiffness, and postural issues.

  • Influences neurological function, benefiting seizures, tremors, and cognitive disorders.

  • Calms the Shen (spirit), addressing anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Luo-Connecting Channel Pathway

  • Begins at DU-1 (Changqiang).

  • Ascends along the spine, connecting with the Bladder channel.

Divergent Channel Pathway

  • Arises from the lower back, enters the spine.

  • Ascends to the head, converging with the primary channel at DU-20 (Baihui).

Sinew Channel Pathway

  • Begins at DU-1 (Changqiang), ascends along the spinal column.

  • Binds at the occipital region, continues to the vertex and forehead.

  • Terminates at the inner canthus of the eye.

Sinew Channel Symptoms

  • Rigidity and stiffness of the spine.

  • Weakness of the back, tremors, and neurological disorders.

  • Dizziness, headaches, and cognitive fog.

Discussion of the Governing Vessel

The Governing Vessel (Du Mai) is the Sea of Yang Meridians, influencing spinal health, neurological function, and overall energy levels. It plays a crucial role in maintaining posture, balancing yang energy, and calming the Shen (spirit). Due to its pathway through the brain and spine, it is widely used in the treatment of neurological disorders, pain management, and emotional imbalances.

Explore Governing Vessel Points

  • DU-1 (Changqiang) – Luo-Connecting point, regulates the lower jiao.

  • DU-2 (Yaoshu) – Benefits the sacrum and lumbar region.

  • DU-3 (Yaoyangguan) – Strengthens the lower back and legs.

  • DU-4 (Mingmen) – Strengthens Kidney yang, benefits vitality.

  • DU-5 (Xuanshu) – Regulates the lower jiao and digestion.

  • DU-6 (Jizhong) – Strengthens the spine and alleviates pain.

  • DU-7 (Zhongshu) – Benefits the diaphragm and digestion.

  • DU-8 (Jinsuo) – Relieves spasms, calms the Shen.

  • DU-9 (Zhiyang) – Regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder.

  • DU-10 (Lingtai) – Clears heat and detoxifies the body.

  • DU-11 (Shendao) – Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen.

  • DU-12 (Shenzhu) – Regulates the Lung and clears heat.

  • DU-13 (Taodao) – Clears wind and heat from the body.

  • DU-14 (Dazhui) – Meeting point of all yang channels, strengthens immunity.

  • DU-15 (Yamen) – Benefits speech and clears wind.

  • DU-16 (Fengfu) – Window of Heaven point, calms the Shen, treats wind disorders.

  • DU-17 (Naohu) – Benefits the brain and clears wind.

  • DU-18 (Qiangjian) – Calms the Shen and alleviates pain.

  • DU-19 (Houding) – Clears the mind and pacifies wind.

  • DU-20 (Baihui) – Regulates qi, benefits the brain, calms the Shen.

  • DU-21 (Qianding) – Clears the head and pacifies wind.

  • DU-22 (Xinhui) – Benefits the nose and treats headaches.

  • DU-23 (Shangxing) – Opens the nose and benefits the eyes.

  • DU-24 (Shenting) – Calms the Shen, clears the brain.

  • DU-25 (Suliao) – Benefits the nose, revives consciousness.

  • DU-26 (Renzhong) – Treats shock, revives consciousness.

  • DU-27 (Duiduan) – Benefits the lips and speech.

  • DU-28 (Yinjiao) – Clears heat and benefits the gums.