Oriental Medicine Series ④ The Eight Extraordinary Vessels and the Eight Confluent Points ― The “Gates” to Understanding the Body’s Balance July 25, 2026, R8

While studying Oriental medicine, there was one area that always seemed to slip away from my memory, no matter how many times I studied it.

That was the relationship between the Eight Extraordinary Vessels (Kikei Hachi-myaku) and the Eight Confluent Points (Hassōketsu).

The Twelve Regular Meridians were easier to understand because they represent the basic pathways of the body, such as the Lung Meridian, Large Intestine Meridian, Stomach Meridian, and Liver Meridian.

However, the Eight Extraordinary Vessels felt different.

I kept wondering:

“Why do these vessels exist separately from the Twelve Regular Meridians?”  
“Why are these specific acupuncture points connected to these specific extraordinary vessels?”

This time, I tried to look at them from a different perspective.

## What are the Eight Extraordinary Vessels?

The Twelve Regular Meridians can be thought of as the main rivers through which Qi and Blood flow.

The Eight Extraordinary Vessels are like lakes or reservoirs that support and regulate these rivers.

When Qi and Blood are excessive, they can store the excess.

When Qi and Blood are insufficient, they can help supply what is needed.

In other words, the Eight Extraordinary Vessels are a special network that maintains balance throughout the body.

## The Two Most Important Extraordinary Vessels

Among the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, the most fundamental are the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel).

### Du Mai (Governing Vessel)

- Runs along the back of the body.
- Called the “Sea of Yang.”
- Regulates and gathers Yang energy throughout the body.

### Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)

- Runs along the front of the body.
- Called the “Sea of Yin.”
- Regulates Yin energy throughout the body.

Together, they form the central axis of the body, connecting front and back, Yin and Yang.

## What are the Eight Confluent Points?

The Eight Confluent Points are not just a list to memorize.

They are the entrances or switches connected to the Eight Extraordinary Vessels.

By stimulating these acupuncture points, practitioners can influence the corresponding extraordinary vessels.

The important idea is:

“An Eight Confluent Point is a gateway to a specific extraordinary vessel.”

## Relationship Between the Eight Confluent Points and the Extraordinary Vessels

| Eight Confluent Point | Extraordinary Vessel | Main Image |
|---|---|---|
| Lie Que (LU7) | Ren Mai | Front body, Yin, chest and throat |
| Hou Xi (SI3) | Du Mai | Back body, spine, Yang |
| Gong Sun (SP4) | Chong Mai | Blood, digestion, whole-body regulation |
| Nei Guan (PC6) | Yin Wei Mai | Heart, chest, inner balance |
| Wai Guan (SJ5) | Yang Wei Mai | Exterior, defense, body surface |
| Zu Lin Qi (GB41) | Dai Mai | Waist, horizontal balance |
| Shen Mai (BL62) | Yang Qiao Mai | Movement, balance, activity |
| Zhao Hai (KI6) | Yin Qiao Mai | Yin, inner regulation, rest |

## Why are Nei Guan (PC6) and Yin Wei Mai connected?

This is one of the keys to understanding the Eight Confluent Points.

The Yin Wei Mai connects Yin aspects of the body.

It is related to the inner body, Blood, emotions, and the Heart.

Nei Guan belongs to the Pericardium Meridian and is known for its relationship with the chest, Heart, emotions, and digestive discomfort.

Therefore, their functions share the same direction:

Nei Guan = Heart, chest, inner balance  
Yin Wei Mai = connecting and regulating Yin

That is why they are considered a pair.

## Why are Hou Xi (SI3) and Du Mai connected?

At first, this relationship seems mysterious.

Hou Xi is located on the hand, while Du Mai runs along the spine and the back of the body.

However, Du Mai is the central pathway of Yang energy.

Hou Xi is an important point of the Small Intestine Meridian, which belongs to the Tai Yang group and has a strong connection with Yang energy.

Therefore:

Hou Xi = activating and regulating Yang  
Du Mai = the central pathway of Yang

This is why they are connected.

## The Eight Confluent Points Are a Map, Not Just Memorization

Previously, I tried to memorize:

“Nei Guan equals Yin Wei Mai.”  
“Hou Xi equals Du Mai.”

But the deeper meaning is:

Nei Guan relates to the inner body, Heart, and Yin.

Hou Xi relates to Yang, the back, and Du Mai.

The combinations were created because ancient practitioners observed the balance and connections within the human body.

Things I memorized twenty years ago as a student of acupuncture are beginning to look different now.

They were not simply facts to remember.

They were a map for understanding the human body.

Oriental medicine is not something that becomes more confusing as we learn more.

When the connections become clear, knowledge finally becomes part of ourselves.

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