Chong Mai – Penetrating Vessel

Chinese: 衝脈   English: Penetrating Vessel

Confluent (master) point: SP-4   Couple point: PC-6

Pathway

1. Arises in the lower abdomen (within the uterus in women) and runs downward to surface at REN-1.
2. One branch surfaces at ST-30 and rises through KI-11, KI-12, KI-13, KI-14, KI-15, REN-7, KI-16, KI-17, KI-18, KI-19, KI-20 and KI-21, then spreads out in the chest.
3. One branch rises beside the throat, circles the lips and ends below the eye.
4. One branch rises within the spinal column.
5. One branch surfaces at ST-30, runs down the medial leg and ends on the sole of the foot.
6. One branch splits off at the heel and ends at the big toe.

Points on the Vessel

REN-1, ST-30, KI-11, KI-12, KI-13, KI-14, KI-15, REN-7, KI-16, KI-17, KI-18, KI-19, KI-20, KI-21

Indications

• Counterflow (rebellious) Qi
• Abdominal urgency
• Dyspnea
• Gynecological disorders
• Atrophy disorder of the leg

Notes

• Pairing: SP-4 (Chong, foot) with PC-6 (Yin Wei, hand); both marked Yin (-) in the pairing table.
• REN-1 is where the Ren, Du and Chong vessels cross (meeting of three extraordinary vessels); it benefits Essence, promotes resuscitation (e.g. unconsciousness from drowning) and calms the Mind (a Ghost point).
• ST-30 belongs to the Chong Mai and is a Sea of Food point; it moves Qi and Blood in the lower abdomen, uterus and genitals, stimulates Stomach function and links Pre-Heaven with Post-Heaven.
• KI-11 moves Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner and resolves Dampness.
• KI-12 tonifies the Kidneys and benefits Essence (spermatorrhea, nocturnal emission, impotence) and regulates the uterus and menstruation; to promote ovulation use SP-6 + KI-12 + REN-3.
• Local Kidney points on the Chong pathway: KI-12 for spermatorrhea in men, KI-14 for irregular menstruation in women.
• KI-13 strengthens the uterus and consolidates the Chong Mai; it lies level with REN-4.
• KI-14 moves Qi and Blood in the lower abdomen (a feeling of fullness spreading in four directions) and regulates the uterus and menstruation.
• REN-7 regulates the uterus and menstruation, and in doing so regulates the Penetrating Vessel.
• KI-16 benefits the Huang (membranes) for abdominal distension and pain or umbilical pain, and regulates the intestines (constipation, diarrhea).
• KI-17 regulates the Spleen, harmonizes the Stomach and regulates the Large Intestine (Shang = Metal).
• KI-21 harmonizes the Stomach (indigestion, nausea, vomiting, stomach spasm) and is where the Chong Mai leaves its superficial course, going inward to spread through the chest and breast (also called 'Darkness Door').
• Combination: SP-4 + PC-6 + KI-21.