I was born with Scoliosis, but luckily for me, it was completely rectified.

When I was around 8 years old, for a period of 18 months, I had to wear a back brace, and sleep on a plywood board (on my back, up until then I was a stomach sleeper! This was such a hard transition).

I also received weekly chiropractic adjustments, osteopathy treatments, acupuncture and physiotherapy sessions. 

My back is now in a straight line and I’ve never had any issues with my spine ever again (touch wood!) I am so thankful for all those practitioners who changed my body, and therefore, gave me a healthier life.

The acupuncture points on the DU meridian are fantastic to treat back and spine issues. I wonder if those are the points I received as a child…

Today, in my clinical practice, I love to Moxa Du 4 and Cup Du 14. So, I thought it’d be fun to look at the DU Mai characteristics:

• Also called the Governing Vessel.
• Circulates Essence, originate in the TCM KD.
• Sea of all Yang Channels.
• Area of the body influenced: Back, Spine, Neck, Head, Eyes, Brain.
• Tonifies Kd Yang and strengthen the back.
• Expels external Wind and relieve febrile diseases.
• Subdues internal Wind for tremors, dizziness, convulsions.
• Nourishes the Spine for stiff spine, and the Brain for poor memory.
• Helps both male and female reproductive system.
• Helps calm the mind.
• Confluent point SI 3.

Below you’ll find fun videos and pics about the DU meridian and its most used points in clinical practice.

Keep rocking using TCM,

Clara
TCM Geek

PS: You can also check out the Ren Vessel  and the Chong Vessel.

If you enjoy my graphics, check out my illustrated guide for acupuncture points here.

The DU Meridian

Du 4 – GV 4 is a great acupuncture point to Moxa, in order to warm up Kd Yang and strengthen the lower back.

The DU 14 – GV 14 is a great acupuncture point to cup, especially for fever, cough or asthma, and a great alternative to needle for children.

DU 20 – GV 20 – Bai Hui. The point that goes both ways  Meeting point of all Yang meridians. Clears the mind, lifts Qi, tonifies Yang, eliminates wind, promotes resuscitation.

Du 24 – GV 24 is great for headaches, sinus issues, dizziness, ruminating thoughts, insomnia and to prevent seizures.

The Du Mai and Psychology

First, the Du calms the mind, but it’s also in charge of passion (Ming Men Fire)! Second, it controls our central nervous system, it is therefore of vital importance in our capacity of thinking. It’s the force behind self growth and self development. Third, it’s the vessel which gives us our independence, and determination.*

*Thank you to Yvonne Farrell for her amazing insight into the Ren Mai psychology*

The REN meridian versus the DU Meridian