Du channel and points (The Governing vessel and points)

DU channel The Governing vessel Du channel primary pathway

Lower abdomen (uterus)

perineum

Interior of the spinal column

DU 16

enters the brain

ascends to the vertex at DU20

descends along the midline of the head

terminates at the junction of the upper lip and the gum (DU 28)

Lower abdomen (uterus)

perineum

winds around the anus(meet with KI channel)

ascends the interior of the spinal column

enters the KidneysDU channel first branch (KI)

KI primary channel

DU channel first branch

DU channel second branchLower abdomen (uterus)

external genitalia

umbilicus

passes through the Heart

Throat (meet with Chong and RN channel)

winds around the mouth,

below the eyesDu channel second branch

RN channel

DU channel third branch Inner canthus

(BL channel) bilaterally along the forehead

bilateral branches converge at the vertex

enter the brain (DU 20)

the single channel emerges at DU16 (nape)

then divides again, descending through BL12 along either side

of the spine

Kidneys

DU channel has close relations to BL, KI, Chong, RN channel

DU channel third branch BL channel

DU luo-connecting channelDU1

ascends bilaterally

along the sides of the spine (JiaJi points)

the nape of the neck at the scapular region

and spreads over the occiput

connects with the Bladder channel

threads through the spine

Excess: Stiffness of spine

Deficiency: Heaviness of head, shivering of head

Meeting point s on DU channelMeeting points Meeting w/ channels

RN1 Chong channelDU1 KIBL35 BLBL12 BLDU13 BLDU14 Six yang channelsDU15 YangweiDU16 Yangwei, sea of marrow, ghost point DU17 BLDU20 BL, SJ, LIVDU24 BL, STDU26 ST, LI (ghost point)DU28 RN,ST

Function and indication of DU channel1. Sea of yang channels: balance Yin and Yang

Yang deficiency:Yang excess:

2. Brain: (DU16, DU20)1) deficiency of brain marrow: tinnitus, dizziness, blurred

vision, weakness of knees and legs… (KI deficiency)2) epilpsy3) psycho-emotional problems

3. KI related problems (KI channel, BL channel):herbs guide to DU channel are herbs guide to KI or BL channel (such as: Lu jiao jiao, Lu jiao shuang, suo yang, tu si zi, shan zhu yu, ba ji tian, rou cong rong, huang qi, gou qi zi, fu zi, gan jiang, gui zhi, gao ben…)

4. Spinal problems:5. Chong and RN channel’s problemsHerbs guide to DU chanel: • Lu Jiao Jiao, Lu Jiao Shuang, Zhu Ji Shui, Niu Ji Shui, Yang Ji Shui, Shuo Yang, Tu

Si Zi, Shan Zhu Yu, Ba Ji Tian, Rou Cong Rong, Huang Qi, Gou Qi Zi, • Hua Jiao, Fu Zi, Gan Jiang, Gui Zhi, Xi Xin, Gao Ben, Cang Er Zi

DU1On the midline, midway between the tip of the coccyx and the anus.

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.Can apply moxa

DU11. Luo-connecting point of DU channel2. meeting point of DU & RN, GB, KI channel

1. local problems: 1) B.M.: infantile diarrhea, hemorrhoids, constipation, bloody stool…2) reproductive problems: secondary amenorrhea…3) problems around genital organs: eczema, itching…4) lower back pain, sacral pain…2. mental problems: (DU channel enters the brain)Mania-depression, epilepsy…3. Luo-connecting point (Luo-connecting channel ascends bilaterally along the sides of the spine to the nape of the neck and spreads over the occiput; at the scapular region it connects with the Bladder channel and threads through the spine. (JiaJi points)):Excess: Stiffness of spineDeficiency: Heaviness of head, shivering of head

DU2 DU3 DU4On the midline

in the sacro- coccygeal hiatus.

below the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra.

below the spinous process of the 2th lumbar vertebra.

Oblique superior insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.Caution: the spinal canal lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build.

Note: according to a number of classical texts, this point is contraindicated to moxibustion in those who are under 20 years of age.

DU2 DU3 DU4L4 Translation of Name: Gate of life (L2)

1. reproductive problems: (start from lower abdomen – uterus)2. local problems: lower back pain, sacral pain…1. epilepsy 1. meeting

place of yuan- yin and yuan- yang: 1) emphasis on reproductive problems2) lower back pain, weakness and pain of knees3. bloody stool

1. Gate of life (where KI essence and KI Qi stores): tonify KI1) reproductive problems: fertility problems, lower sexual drive…2) urinary problems: night urination, frequency urination…

2. calm “shen”: epilepsy…

3. balance Yang Qi:1) Yang deficiency (KI yang is the root of Yang Qi)2) Yang excess: fever, headache, vertigo…

DU5 DU6 DU7 DU8in the depression below the spinous process of

L1 T11 T10 T9NEEDLINGPerpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.Caution: the spinal canal lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build.

Note: according to a number of classical texts, this point iscontraindicated to moxibustion.

DU5 DU6 DU7 DU8 (sinew contraction)

L1 T11 T10 T91. digestive problems: 2. local problems: stiffness and pain at back…

1. emphasis on digestive problems: (at level T11) diarrhea, prolapse of rectum, bloody stool, hemorroids…2. epilepsy

1. jaundice (at level T10)

1. at level T9:1) tendons problems: contraction and spasm of the sinews, chronic spasm…2) LIV wind: upward staring eyes, epilepsy, 3) LIV heat: mania, mad walking and incessant talking…

DU9 DU10 DU11 DU12in the depression below the spinous process

T7 T6 T5 T3Oblique superior insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.

Perpendicaular- oblique superior insertion 0.5-1 cun

Caution: the spinal canal lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build.

Note: according to several classical texts, this point is contraindicated to needling.

DU9 DU10 DU11 DU12T7 T6 T5 T3

1. respiratory problems (expanding the chest and soothe Qi): 2. local problems: back pain, stiffness and pain at nape of the back…Reaching Yang1. warm DU yang: HT problems2. jaundice3. malaria4. digestive problems (near abdomen)

Spirit tower1. calm “shen”: insomnia, poor memory… 2. clear heat: fever, boils, furuncle, carbuncle, clove sores

Spirit pathway1. calm “shen” (at level of T5): epilepsy, chest pain, chest tightness, insomnia, poor memory, aphasia from stroke…(one of the very important point for chest tightness, palpitation…)2. malaria

Body pillar1. calm “shen”: mania- depression, epilepsy…2. clear heat: fever, boils3. general pain due to external wind invasion (moxa or needle)

Stress: DU9, DU10, DU12, RN17, RN12, RN4

DU13 DU14in the depression below the spinous process

T1 C7Perpendicular-oblique superior insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.Caution: the spinal canal lies between 1.25 and 1.75 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build.

DU13 (T1) DU14 (C7)Meeting point of DU & BL channel 1. Meeting point of DU & six Yang channels

2. point of the sea of Qi

1. relieve exterior syndrome: exterior syndrome2. regulate Yang Qi:1) Clear heat: fever2) internal, external cold3. respiratory problems (expand chest, stop coughing and wheezing): asthma, cough…4. expel internal wind: tremors, paralysis, convulsion…5. local problems: back and nape stiffness and pain…6. upper extremities…1. depression (name: way of happiness)

1. strength Qi: Wei Qi deficiency (moxa: digestive ST36, Wei Qi DU14)2. emphasis on exterior syndrome: hive, exterior syndrome…3. digestive problems: (ST flu) nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice…

Insomnia: DU14 (C7), 13 (T1), 12 (T3), 11 (T5), 9 (T7), DU4 (L2), DU3 (L4)

DU15 DU16in the depression 0.5 cun inferior to Fengfu DU-16, below the spinous process of the first cervical vertebra (impalpable).

in the depression immediately below the external occipital protuberance.

0.5 cun within hairline 1 cun within hairline

Perpendicular insertion slightly inferiorly, 0.5 to 1 cun.Note: according to several classical texts, this point is contraindicated to moxibustion.Caution: the spinal canal lies between 1.5 and 2 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build. Deep perpendicular insertion is therefore strictly contraindi-cated, as is superior oblique insertion towards the brain.

DU15 DU161. meeting point of DU & Yang Wei (linking) channels2. point of the sea of Qi

1. meeting point of DU and Yang Wei (Linking) channels2. point of the sea of marrow3. point of the window of heaven (sky)4. Sun Si Miao ghost point

1. open orifice and benefit throat: sore throat, stiffness of tongue, speech problems…2. expel internal wind: epilepsy, mania, depression, convulsion…3. local problems: headache, nape and neck pain…4. nasal bleeding1. DU15 = Gate of Muteness: Emphasis on the throat: Stiffness of the tongue with inability to speak, loss of voice, lotus flower tongue, flaccidity of the tongue.2. open orifice and rescue yang Qi: loss of consciousness…

1. expel wind:1) external wind:2) internal wind:2. eye problems: eye pain…3. open orifice and clear mind: poor concentration, poor memory, foggy mind…

DU17 DU18 DU19 DU20Above posterior hair line

2.5 4 5.5 7

Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.

Note: according to several classical texts, this point is contraindicated to both needling and moxibustion.

0.5 1 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.5DU24 DU23 DU22 DU21 DU20 DU19 DU18 DU17 DU16 DU15

0.5 1 2 3.5 5 5.5 4 2.5 1 0.5Anterior hairline Posterior hairline

DU17 DU18 DU19 DU20Meeting point of DU and BL channel

1. meeting point of DU & BL, GB, SJ, LIV channels2. point of the sea of marrow

1. calm “shen”: mania-depression, epilepsy, insomnia, dream disturbed sleeping, irritability …2. local problems: headache, dizziness, vertigo, heaviness of head…3. problems along the pathway of DU channel: nape pain, lower back pain…

1. facial and eyes problems: red face, facial pain, dimness of vision, short sightedness, eye pain, excessivelacrimation, yellow eyes, jaundice.2. tongue and throat problems: sudden loss of voice…

Facial and eyes1. expel wind: bell’s palsy…2. scalp line:DU18 DU171) eyes problems: conjunctivitis, keratitis …2) foot tinea

See next page

DU 201. meeting point of DU & BL, GB, SJ, LIV channels2. point of the sea of marrow

1. Balance Yang Qi (top of the head):1) ascending (tonifying) Yang Qi: enuresis, diarrhea, heavy bleeding during

menstruation, prolapse of internal organs, dizziness, hypotension, hypoglycemia…

2) clear heat: fever, hypertension…3) rescue yang Qi: Coma, loss of consciousness…

2. regulate “shen”: (channel enter Brain)1) sleepiness, foggy mind, poor concentration, depression…2) insomnia, anxiety, mania, (5 palm-HT needle: P8, KI1, DU20)

3. sense organs’ problems:Aphasia, ear problems, nose problems…

4. problems along DU channel:Lower back pain, leg pain…

DU21 DU22 DU23 DU24Above anterior hair line

3.5 2 1 0.5

Transverse insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.Caution: this point should not be needled in infantswhose fontanelle has not yet closed.

Note: according to several classical texts, this point iscontraindicated to needling.

0.5 1 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.5DU24 DU23 DU22 DU21 DU20 DU19 DU18 DU17 DU16 DU15

0.5 1 2 3.5 5 5.5 4 2.5 1 0.5Anterior hairline Posterior hairline

DU21 DU22 DU23 DU24Sun si miao ghost point

Meeting point of Du & BL, ST channels

1. calm “shen”: depression, mania, epilepsy, infantile convulsion…2. nose problems3. eyes problems4. local problems: headache, heaviness of head, cloudy mind, poor concentration, poor memory, stiff neck…

1. raise yang qi: lethargy…

1. nasal bleeding

1. DU24 = Courtyard of the Spirit: emphasis on calm “shen”

DU25 DU26On the midline at the tip of the nose.

above the upper lip on the midline, at the junction of the upper 1/3 & lower 2/3 of the philtrum.

i. Perpendicular insertion 0.2 to 0.3 cun; ii. Transverse insertion directed superiorly 0.5 to 1 cun; iii. Prick to bleed.

Oblique insertion directed superiorly 0.3 to 0.5 cun.

Note: according to several classical texts, this point is contraindicated to moxibustion.

DU25 DU261. Meeting point of DU & LI, ST channels2. sun si miao ghost point

1. rescue yang Qi: coma, loss of conscious…2. nasal problems (local problems):

1. emphasis on emergency problems:2. lower back problems: 3. digestive problems: jaundice, diarrhea, vomiting…

6 command point: DU 26 for resuscitation.

DU27 DU28On the midline, at the junction of the marginof the upper lip and the philtrum.

Inside the mouth, in the superior frenulum, at the junctionof the upper lip and the gum.

Oblique insertion directed superiorly 0.2 to 0.3 cun.

i. Oblique insertion directed superiorly 0.2 to 0.3 cun; ii. Prick to bleed.

DU27 DU28Meeting point of DU & RN and ST channel

1. local problems: mouth, teeth, lips problems:2. nasal problems:3. calm “shen”: epilepsy, depression, mania4. emergency problems: coma…

1. neck pain2. hemorrhoids…