Channels and Collaterals

The eight extra channels are the Du, Ren, Chong, Dai, Yangqiao, Yinqiao, Yangwei and Yinwei Channels. Their courses of distribution are different from those of the twelve regular channels and they do not pertam to or connect with the zang-fu organs.

Each of the names of the eight extra channels conveys a special meanmg: Du means governing; that is to say, the Du Channel has the function of governing all the 'yang channels. Ren means responsibility; that is, the Ren Channel is responsible to all the 'yin channels. Chong means vital; that is, the Chong Channel is a vital channel communicating with all the channels Dai is a girdle; it implies that the Dai Channel has the function of binding up all the channels. Qiao is the heel. It means that the Yinqiao and Yangqiao Channels start from the foot, giving agile motility. Wei denotes connection; it means that the Yinwei and Yangwei Channels connect respectively with all the 'yin and 'yang channels.

Each of the twelve regular channels possesses a collateral. These added to the two collaterals of the Du and Ren Channels and the major collateral of the spleen form the fifteen collaterals.

The twelve regular channels are distributed interiorly and exteriorly over the body. The qi and blood circulate in the channels in a definite order, starting from the Lung Channel of Hand-Taiyin, flowing to other channels in an arranged pattern, completing a cycle when the Liver Channel of Foot-Jueyin is reached and then flowing again to the Lung Channel of Hand-Taiyin to start another cycle. The following table shows the order of circulation.