The content of Huangdi Neijing

The content of Huangdi Neijing covers the following aspects: the relationship between man and nature, physiology and pathology of the human body as well as diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases BY applicatior of the theories of yin-yang and the five elements,it analyzes therapeutic principJes based on syndrome differentiation according to the climatic and seasonal conditions, geographical localities and ~ndividual constitution, it has laid a foundation for the theoretical formation of traditional Chinese medicine Before the Eastern Han Dynasty, Nan Jing ( Canon on Medical Problems), another classic of medicine,was published This canon deals mainly with the basic theory of traditional Chinese what Huangdi Neijing lacks.

History of Traditonal Chinese Medicine 2

In its long course of development, traditional Chinese medicine has gradually evolvedinto a unique and integrated system of medicine and an important part of the Chinese culture.Huangdi Neijing (Huangdi's Canon of Medicine ), the "bible" for traditional Chinese medicine published over 2 000 years ago, is the earliest and greatest medical classic extant in China. What the Four Books are to the Confuc~anists, Nei Jing is to the Chinese doctors Upon it is built most of the medical literature of China And so important is it considered that even at the present time, thousands of years after it was written, it is still regarded as the highest authority. The works consists of two distinct books The first is called Su Wen( Plain Conversation ) and the second is Ling Shu ( Mirc~culous Pivot ), each comprising nine volumes. Nothing definite is known of the author or the date of its publication. Tradition ascribed it, without clear historical evidence, to Huangdi (2698 2598BC).

Yinwei Meridian

The Yinwei Meridian starts from the medial aspect of the leg ( Zhuhin, K 9 ) , and ascends along the medial aspect of the thigh to the abdomen to communicate with the Spleen Meridian of Foot - Tajyin . Then it runs along the chest and communicates with the Ren Meridian at the neck ( Tiantu, Ren 22 ) , Lianquan, ( Ren 23 ) . The coalescent points of the Yinwei Meridian are Zhubin ( K 9 ) , Fushe ( Sp 13 ) , Daheng ( Sp 15 ) , Fuai ( Sp 16 ) , Qimen ( Liv 14 ) , Tiantu ( Ren 22 ) and Lianquan ( Ren 23 ) .
The Yin Linking vessel has connections with the kidney, spleen, and liver Yin channels. The Yin Linking vessel also communicates with the Conception vessel at two cavities. This vessel is not trained much in Gigong.

Yangwei Meridian

The Yangwei Meridian originates from the heel ( Jinmen, B 63 ) and emerges from the external malleolus . Ascending along the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot - Shaoyang, it passes through the hip region . Then it runs further upward along the posterior aspect of the hypochondriac and costal region and the posterior aspect of the axilla to the shoulder and to the forehead . It then turns backward to the back of the neck, where it communicates with the Du Meridian ( Fengfu, Du 16 ) Yamen, Du 15 ) . The coalescent points of the Yangwei Meridian are Jinmen ( B 63 ) , Yangilao ( G 35 ) , Naoshu ( SI 10 ) . Tianliao ( SI 15 ) , Jianjmg ( G 21 ) , Benshen ( G 13 ) , Yangbai ( G 14 ) , Toulinqi ( G 15 ) , Muchuang ( G 16 ) , Zhengying ( G 17 ) , Chengling ( G 18 ) , Nao - kong ( G 19 ) , Fengchi ( G 20 ) , Fengfu ( Du 16 ) and Yamen ( Du 15 ) .
The Yang Linking vessel regulates the Qi mainly in the Yang channels: the urinary bladder, gall bladder, triple burner, small intestine, and stomach. channels. It is also connected with the Governing vessel at Yamen (Gv-l5) and Fengfu (Gv-l6). This vessel and the Yang Heel vessel have not been emphasized much in Qigong, except in Iron Shirt training where these two and the Governing vessel are trained.

Yinqiao Meridian

The Yinqiao Meridian starts from the posterior aspect of the navicular bone ( Zhaohai, K 6 ) . Ascending to the upper portion of the medial malleolus , it runs straight upward along the posterior border of the medial aspect of the thigh to the external genitalia . Then it goes upward along the chest to the supraclavicular fossa and runs further upward lateral to the Adam ' s apple in front of Renying ( S 9 ) and then along the zygoma . From there, it reaches the inner canthus ( Jingming, B 1 ) and communicates with the Yangqiao Meridian . The coalescent points of the Yinqiao Meridian are Zhaohai ( K 6 ) , and Jiaoxin ( K 8 ) .
The Yin Heel vessel is connected with two cavities of the kidney channel. Therefore, one of the major sources of Qi for this vessel is the conversion of the kidney essence into Qi. It is believed in Qigong society that the other major Qi source is the essence of the external kidneys (testicles). In Marrow Washing Qigong, one of the training processes is to stimulate the testicles in order to increase the hormone production and increase the conversion of the essence into Qi. At the same time, you would learn how to lead the Qi in this vessel up to the head to nourish the brain and spirit (Shen). With this nourishment, you would be able to reach Buddhahood or enlightenment. From a health and longevity point of view, the raised spirit will be able to efficiently direct the Qi of the entire body and maintain your health.

Yangqiao Meridian

The Yangqiao Meridian starts from the lateral side of the heel ( Shenmai, B 62 ) , Pushen ( B 61 ) . It runs upward along the external malleolus and passes the posterior border of the fibula. It then goes onwards along the lateral side of the thigh and posterior side of the hypochondrium to the posterior axillary fold. From there, it winds over to the shoulder and ascends along the neck to the comer of the mouth. Then it enters the inner canthus ( Jingming, B 1 ) to communicate with the Yinqiao Meridian. Running further upward along the Bladder Meridian of Foot - Taiyang to the forehead, it meets the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot - Shaoyang at Fengchi ( G 20 ) ( 3 ) . The coalescent points of the Yangqiao Meridian are Shemnai ( B 62 ) , Pushen ( B 61 ) , Fiiyang ( B 59 ) , Femur - Juliao ( G 29 ) , Naoshu ( SI 10 ) , Jiaoyu ( Li 15 ) , Jugu ( Li 16 ) , Dicang ( S 4 ) , Nose - Juliao ( S 3 ) , Chengqi ( S1 ) , Jingming ( B 1 ) and Fengchi ( G 20 ) .

While the preceding four vessels (Governing, Conception, Thrusting, and Girdle) are located in the trunk, the Yang Heel Vessel and the next three are located in the trunk and legs. (In addition, each of these four vessels is paired.) For millions of years, man has been walking on his legs, which preform much more strenuous work than the arms. I believe that it was because of this that, as evolution proceeded, the legs gradually developed these vessels to supply Qi support and regulate the channels. If this is true, it may be that, as time goes on and man uses his legs less and less, in a few million years these vessels will gradually disappear.

You can see from the way that the Yang Heel vessel intersects with other Qi channels that it regulates the Yang channels, such as the urinary bladder, the gall bladder, the small intestine, and the large intestine. The Yang Heel vessel is also connected with the Governing vessel. The Qi filling this vessel is supplied mainly through exercising the legs, which converts the food essence or fat stored in the legs. This Qi is then led upward to nourish the Yang channels. It is believed in Qigong that, since this vessel is also connected with your brain, certain leg exercises can be used to cure headaches. Since a headache is caused by excess Qi in the head, exercising the legs will draw this Qi downward to the leg muscles and relieve the pressure in the head.
Most of the training that relates to this vessel is Wai Dan. Wai Dan Qigong is considered Yang, and specializes in training the Yang channels, while Nei Dan Qigong is considered relatively Yin and emphasizes the Yin channels more.

The Chong Meridian

The Chong Meridian starts from the inside of the lower abdomen and emerges at the perineum . Ascending, it runs inside of the spinal column , where its superficial branch passes through the region of Qichong ( S 30 ) and communicates with the Kidney Meridian of Foot - Shaoyin. Running along the both sides of the abdomen, it goes up to the throat and curves around the lip .The coalescent points of the Chong Meridian are Huiyin ( Ren 1 ) , Henggu ( K II ) , Dahe ( K 12 ) , Qixue ( K 13 ) , Simen ( K 14 ) , Zhonezhu ( K 15 ) , Huangshu ( K 16 ) , Shangqu ( K 17 ) , Shiguan ( K 18 ) , Yindu ( K 19 ) , Futonggu ( K 20 ) and Youmen ( K 21 ) .
One of the major purposes of the Thrusting vessel is to connect, to communicate, and to mutually support the Conception vessel. Because of this mutual Qi support, both can effectively regulate the Qi in the kidney channel. The kidneys are the residence of Original Qi and are considered one of the most vital Yin organs.
The Thrusting vessel is considered one of the most important and decisive vessels in successful Qigong training, especially in Marrow Washing. There are many reason for this. The first reason is that this vessel intersects two cavities on the Conception vessel: Huiyin (LI-l) and Yinjiao (LI-7). Huiyin means "meeting with Yin" and is the cavity where the Yang and Yin Qi are transferred. Yinjiao means "Yin Junction" and is the cavity where the Original Qi (Water Qi, or Yin Qi) interfaces with the Fire Qi created from food and air. The Thrusting Vessel also connects with eleven cavities on the kidney channel. The kidney is considered the residence of Original Essence (Yuan Jing), which is converted into Original Qi (Yuan Qi).
The second reason for the importance of the Thrusting Vessel in Qigong training is that this vessel is connected directly to the spinal cord and reaches up to the brain. The major goal of Marrow Washing Qigong is to lead the Qi into the marrow and then further on to the head, nourishing the brain and spirit (Shen).
And finally, the third reason is found in actual Qigong practice. There are three common training paths: Fire, Wind, and Water. In Fire path Qigong, the emphasis is on the Fire or Yang Qi circulating in the Governing vessel and therefore strengthening the muscles and organs. The Fire path is the main Qi training in Muscle/Tendon Changing (Yi Jin Jing) Qigong. However, the Fire path can also cause the body to become too Yang, and therefore speed up the process of degeneration. In order to adjust the Fire to a proper level, Marrow Washing Qigong is also trained. This uses the Water path, in which Qi separates from the route of the Fire path at the Huiyin cavity (LI-l), enters the spinal cord, and finally reaches up to the head. The Water path teaches how to use Original Qi to cool down the body, and then to use this Qi to nourish the brain and train the spirit. Learning to adjust the Fire and Water Qi circulation in the body is called Kan-Li, which means Water-Fire. You can see from this that the Thrusting vessel plays a very important role in Qigong training.

The Dai Meridian

The Dai Meridian originates below the hypochondriac region and runs obliquely downward through Daimai ( G 26 ) , Wushu ( G 27 ) , and Weidao ( G 28 ) . It runs transversely around the waist like a belt . The coalescent points of the Dai Meridian are Daimai ( G 26 ) , Wushu ( G 27 ) , and Weidao ( G 28 ) .The major purpose of the Girdle vessel is to regulate the Qi of the gall bladder. It is also responsible for the Qi's horizontal balance. If you have lost this balance, you will have lost your center and balance both mentally and physically.
From the point of view of Qigong, the Girdle vessel is also responsible for the strength of the waist area. When Qi is full and circulating smoothly, back pain will be avoided. In addition, because the kidneys are located nearby, this vessel is also responsible for Qi circulation around the kidneys, maintaining the kidneys' health. Most important of all for the Girdle vessel is the fact that the Lower Dan Tian is located in its area. In order to lead Original Qi from the kidneys to the Lower Dan Tian, the waist area must be healthy and relaxed. This means that the Qi flow in the waist area must be smooth. The training of the Girdle vessel has been highly developed, and will be discussed in a later YMAA Book.

The Ren Meridian

The Ren Meridian starts from the inside of the lower abdomen and emerges from the perineum . It goes anteriorly to the pubic region and ascends along the interior of the abdomen, passing through Guanyuan ( Ren 4 ) and the other points along the front midline to the throat . Ascending further, it curves around the lip , passes through the cheek and enters the infraorbital region ( Chengqi, S 1 ) . The coalescent points of the Ren Meridian are Chengqi ( S 1 ) , Yinjiao ( Du 28 ) .
Ren in Chinese means "direction, responsibility." Ren Mai, the "Conception Vessel," has a major role in Qi circulation, monitoring and directing all of the Yin channels (plus the stomach channel). The Conception Vessel is connected to the Thrusting and Yin Linking vessels, and is able to increase the Yin energy of the body. Tbis vessel nourishes the uterus (one of the five ancestral organs) and the whole genital system. It is said in the Nei Jing that the Conception and Thrusting vessels contain both blood and essence (Jing), and both flow up to the face and around the mouth. They contain more blood than essence in men, and thus promote the growth of the beard and body hair. Because women lose blood with their menstruation, they contain proportionately less blood and hence, no beard or body hair.
It was described in the Su Wen that both the Conception and Thrusting vessels control the life cycles every 7 years for women and every 8 years for men. It is the changes taking place in these vessels at those intervals that promote the major alterations in our lives.
In addition, the Conception vessel also controls the distribution and "dispersion" of Guardian Qi all over the abdomen and thorax via numerous small Qi branches (Luo). This vessel also plays an important role in the distribution of body fluids in the abdomen.
In Qigong society, this vessel and the Governing vessel are considered the most important among the Qi channels and vessels, and must be trained first. It is believed that there is usually no significant Qi stagnation in the Conception vessel. However, it is important to increase the amount of Qi you are able to store, which also increases your ability to regulate the Yin channels.

The Du Meridian

The Du Meridian arises from the lower abdomen and emerges from the perineum . Then it runs posteriorly along the interior of the spinal column to Fengfu ( Du 16 ) at the nape, where it enters the brain . It further ascends to the vertex and winds along the forehead to the columnella of the nose . The coalescent points of the Du Meridian are Fengmen ( B 12 ) and Huiyin ( Ren 1 )
The Governing Vessel is the confluence of all the Yang channels, over which it is said to "govern." Because it controls all the Yang channels, it is called the "Sea of Yang Meridians." This is apparent from its pathway because it flows up the midline of the back, a Yang area, and in the center of all Yang channels (except the stomach channel which flows in the front). The Governing Vessel governs all the Yang channels, which means that it can be used to increase the Yang energy of the body.
Since the Governing Vessel is the "Sea of Yang Meridians" and it controls or governs the back, the area richest in Guardian Qi (Wei Qi), it is also responsible for the circulation of the body's Guardian Qi to guard against external evil intruders. The circulation of Guardian Qi starts from Fengfu (Gv-lG), and moves down the Governing Vessel to Huiyin (LI-l). It is said that it takes 21 days for the Guardian Qi to flow from Fengfu to Huiyin, and 9 days from Huiyin to the throat, making it a monthly cycle.
According to Chinese medical science, Guardian Qi is Yang Qi and therefore represents the "Fire" of the body. Its quick and ubiquitous circulation keeps the fire going in the body and controls the loss of body heat. Guardian Qi is also inextricably linked with the fluids that flow outside the channels, in the skin and flesh. Consequently, through the breathing (under control of the lungs), Guardian Qi is responsible for the opening and the closing of the pores, and also controls sweating.
The Governing vessel is also responsible for nourishing the five ancestral organs, which include the brain and spinal cord. This is one of the ways in which the kidneys "control" the brain, as is said in Chinese medicine.
Because of their importance to health, the Governing vessel and the Conception vessel are considered the two most important Qi channels to be trained in Qigong, especially in Nei Dan. Training related to these two vessels includes: 1. How to fill them with Qi so that you have enough to regulate the twelve channels, 2. How to open up stagnant areas in these two vessels so that the Qi flows smoothly and strongly, 3. How to effectively direct the Qi to nourish the brain and raise up the Shen, 4. How to effectively govern the Qi in the twelve channels, and nourish the organs, 5. How to use your raised Shen to lead the Guardian Qi to the skin and strengthen the Guardian Qi shield covering your body.
In Nei Dan Qigong training, when you have filled up the Qi in these two vessels and can effectively circulate the Qi in them, you have achieved the "Small Circulation." In order to do this, you must know how to convert the essence stored in the kidneys into Qi, circulate this Qi in the Governing and Conception vessels, and finally lead this Qi to the head to nourish the brain and Shen (spirit).

The Large Intestine Meridian of Hand - Yangming

The Large Intestine Meridian of Hand - Yangming starts from the tip of the index finger ( Shangyang, Li 1 ) . Running upward along the radial side of the index finger and passing through the interspace of the 1 ST and 2nd metacarpal bones ( Hegu, Li 4 ) , it dips into the depression between the tendons of m. extensor pollicis longus and brevis. Then, following the lateral anterior aspect of the forearm, it reaches the lateral side of the elbow. From there, it ascends along the lateral anterior aspect of the upper arm ( 5 ) to the highest point of the shoulder ( Jianyu Li 15 ) . Then, along the anterior border of the acromion it goes up to the 7th cervical vertebra ( the confluence of the three yang meridians of the hand and foot ) ( Dazhui, Du 14 ) , and descends to the supraclavicular fossa to connect with the lung. It then passes through the diaphragm and enters the large intestine, its pertaining organ. The branch from the supraclavicular fossa runs upward to the neck, passes through the cheek and enters the gums of the lower teeth. Then it curves around the upper lip and crosses the opposite meridian at the philtrum. From there, the left meridian goes to the right and the right meridian to the left, to both sides of the nose ( Yingxiang, Li 20 ) , where the Large Intestine Meridian links with the Stomach Meridian of Foot - Yangming.Main indications: Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for diseases affecting the head, face, pharynx (throat), febrile conditions and other symptoms along the meridian pathway.Symptoms: Disharmony of the Large Intestine Meridian can lead to symptoms of abdominal pain, intestinal cramping, diarrhea, constipation and dysentery. Since it passes through the oral cavity and the nose, symptoms like toothache, a runny nose, nosebleeds, and pain or heat along the meridian pathway can also indicate a disorder in this meridian.

The Stomach Meridian of Fool - Yangming

The Stomach Meridian of Fool - Yangming starts from the lateral side of ala nasi ( Yingxiang, Li 20 ) . It ascends to the bridge of the nose, where it meets the Bladder Meridian of Foot - Taiyang ( Jing - ming, B 1 ) . Turning downward along the lateral side of nose ( Chengqi, S 1 ) , it enters the upper gum . Reemerging, it curves around the lip and descends to meet the Ren Meridian at the mentolabial groove ( Chengjiang, Ren 24 ) . Then it runs posterolaterally across the lower portion of the cheek at Dayng ( S 5 ) . Winding along the angle of the mandible ( Jiache, S 6 ), it ascends in front of the ear and traverses Shanggua ( G 3 ) . Then it follows the anterior hairline and reaches the forehead .The facial branch emerging in front of Daying ( S 5 ) runs downward to Renying ( S 9 ) . From there it goes along the throat and enters the supraclavicular fossa . Descending, it passes through the diaphragm , enters the stomach, its pertaining organ, and connects with the spleen . The straight portion of the meridian arising from the supraclavicular fossa runs downward , passing through the nipple. It descends by the umbilicus and enters Qichong ( S 30 ) on the lateral side of the lower abdomen . The branch from the lower orifice of the stomach descends inside the abdomen and joins the previous portion of the knee and thigh , it enters the abdomen , then the spleen, its pertaining organ, and connects with the stomach . From there it ascends, passing through the diaphragm and running alongside the esophagus . When it reaches the root of the tongue it spreads over its lower surface . The branch from the stomach goes upward through the diaphragm , and flows into the heart to link with the Heart Meridian of Hand - Shaoyin meridian at Qichong ( S 30 ) . Running downward, traversing Biguan ( S 31 ) , and further through Femur - Futu ( S 32 ) , it reaches the knee . From there, it continues downward along the anterior border of the lateral aspect of the tibia , passes through the dorsum of the foot , and reaches the lateral side of the tip of the 2nd toe ( Lidui, S 45 ) . The tibial branch emerges from Zusanii ( S 36 ) , 3 cun below the knee , and enters the lateral side of the middle toe . The branch from the dorsum of the foot arises from Chongyang ( S 42 ) and terminates at the medial side of the tip of the great toe ( Yinbai Sp 1 ) , where it links with the Spleen Meridian of Foot - Taiyin.
Main indications: Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for certain gastro enteric diseases, toothaches and mental illnesses. Conditions that affect areas through which the meridian passes such as the head, face, eyes, nose and mouth can also benefit from stimulation of the acupuncture points along this meridian.
Symptoms: Stomach Meridian disorders have symptoms of stomachache, rapid digestion, hunger, nausea and vomiting, or thirst. Other symptoms that relate to disorders along the meridian pathway include abdominal distension, ascites (a fluid build up in the abdomen), sore throat, nosebleeds, or pain in the chest or knee.

About human meridian

The Chinese discovered and identified twelve acupuncture meridians along which this energy travels in the human body. Acupuncture meridians are like copper traces on an electronic circuit board, running throughout the body. They were named by the life function associated with them. To the majority of Western scientists, acupuncture meridians seem like imaginary structures because there are no published anatomical studies of the meridians in orthodox medical journals to substantiate their existence. They prefer to believe that nerve pathways constitute the true mechanism of acupuncture therapy. Meridians are the pathways of the positive and negative energy power, which carries on some of the communication between the various parts of human beings.