Back when I was in TCM college, I memorized the information about the Yin Wei & Yang Wei (same for the Yin Qiao & Yang Qiao for that matter). Unfortunately, I didn’t understand it well and didn’t know how I was supposed to use them in clinical practice!

Fast forward to now, I spent 2 full weekends with Dr. Yvonne Farrell and she made it so easy to understand these vessels. Today, I use them so much more with my patients.

As a result, I figured I should share some of the information with you. Below, you’ll find information, pics and videos, about the Yin Wei and the Yang Wei Meridians and how they’re used in clinical practice.

Keep rocking using TCM,

Clara
TCM Geek

PS: Check out the other guys, the REN Vessel, the DU Vessel, the Chong Mai and the Dai Mai.

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

💕 And if you’d like more content, please continue to support my creations by subscribing, connecting, liking, sharing and commenting on my posts! That’s how I know you enjoy them! Much appreciated 🙏

 

The Yin Wei Vessel characteristics

  • Also called the Yin Linking Vessel.
  • Circulates Essence, originate in the TCM KD.
  • Area of the body influenced: Chest, Heart, Stomach.
  • Supports Qi & Blood in all Yin meridians.
  • Governs the interior of the body & Ying (Nutritive) Qi.
  • Nourishes the heart & calms the mind, opens the chest & improve blood circulation.
  • Nourishes Joints and Muscles (Bi syndrome).
  • Harmonizes the 5 spirits (Shen, Hun, Po, Yi and Zhi), for obsessive thinking and Zang-Zao Syndrome.
  • Confluent point PC 6 (paired with SP 4).
  • Crossing Points: KD 9, SP 13, SP 15, SP 16, LV 14, REN22, REN 23 which can be used to treat disorders affecting the Yin Wei vessel.

Yin Wei can help these physical disorders


Yin Wei and Psychology

As a whole, the Yin Wei vessel supports self worth, helps one to rise above feeling of inadequacy or failures, and processes transitions in life and rites of passage. Additionally, it can be used for low self worth or being trapped in past emotions (not letting go). Moreover, those who can’t be in the moment, or those who have difficulty with self-image associated with aging. Finally, Yin Wei can be used for a “broken heart”, anxiety, and depression.*

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


Master Point PC 6 – Often paired with SP 4

In particular, PC 6 is used for anxiety, panic attacks, chest pain, and for menses disorders. In relation, Yin Wei supports self worth, inadequacy and not able to live up to one owns high expectation.


The Yang Wei Vessel characteristics
  • Also called the Yang Linking Vessel.
  • Circulates Essence, originate in the TCM KD.
  • Area of the body influenced: Ear, Cheek, Outer canthus.
  • Strengthens the connection between all Yang channels.
  • Resolve damp & harmonize LV & GB, and Shao Yang.
  • Governs the exterior of the body, expel External Wind & support Wei (defensive) Qi.
  • Brings LV Yang down & clears heat.
  • Confluent point SJ 5 (paired with Gb 41).
  • Crossing Points: BL63, GB 35, SI 10, SJ 15, GB 13 to 21, DU 15, DU 16. These can be used to treat disorders affecting the Yang Wei vessel.


Yang Wei can help these physical disorders

 

The Yang Wei and Psychology

Likewise, the Yang Wei Vessel support one’s strength needed for transformation, helps one move forward in life (for feeling of being stuck!) All in all, Yang Wei support mid life crisis, prevents self sabotage in relationships, and balance polarity (for Bipolar disorders, or passive-aggressive behaviour). Equally, it can also be used for anger, feeling stuck, and indecision.


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


Master Point SJ 5 (often paired with GB 41)

Generally, SJ 5 is used for for temporal headache, earache, ear pain, tinnitus, fever disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Forthwith, Yang Wei supports frustration, bipolar disorder and feeling stuck in life.

Yin Wei meridian versus the Yang Wei Meridian at a glance