The 8 extraordinary channels

The 8 extraordinary channels

The energy system is reflected in the anatomy (bones, muscles, dermis…).

3 basic levels about the Extraordinary Channels are to be considered:

  1. a) the Extraordinary Channels as such, with their constituent points
  2. b) the master points of the Extraordinary Channels
  3. c) the cephalic control points of the Extraordinary Channels which are points from GB 1 to GB 9 (currently GB 13).

These 3 levels appear on the hand (photo 1):

  1. a) the thumb column is in resonance with the Extraordinary Channels and their constituent points. The control is done through a transversal interrogation at the bone level
  2. b) the 8 inter-phalangeal joints of the fingers are in resonance with the 8 master points. The control is done through a transverse interrogation at the bone level
  3. c) the head and base of the last 4 metacarpals (i.e. the metacarpophalangeal and carpo-metacarpal joints of the fingers) are in resonance with the cephalic control points (photo 2). The control is done through a vertical interrogation at the bone level.

Let us take the example of Chong Mai:

– for the Mx Vx level, a transverse interrogation of the head of the first metacarpal bone

– for the master point level (i.e. SP 4), a transverse interrogation of the distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger

– for the cephalic control point level (i.e. GB 5), a vertical interrogation of the base of the second metacarpal bone).

To “read” the Extraordinary Channels on the hand we have to use the right “laser”. This laser is the transverse and the vertical interrogations; for the Extraordinary Channels it is done at the bone level. This palpation method is described on our site and in previous publications on this page.

The three levels of the Chong Mai on the hand

  • for the Ex.Ch. level, a crosswise horizontal interrogation of the 1st metacarpal head (picture 1).

  • for the master point level, i.e., SP 4 point, a crosswise horizontal interrogation of the distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger (picture 2)

  • for the cephalic control point level, i.e., GB 5 point, a vertical interrogation of the M2 base (picture 3).

The palpation of the thumb column and finger joints informs the therapist about possible on this page.

disturbances of the Extraordinary Channels in the 3 levels. It also allows the therapist to assess the effectiveness of corrections once they have been made.

Picture 4 : The 3 levels of the Extraordinary Channels on the hand

Picture 4 : The 3 levels of the Extraordinary Channels on the hand

GB 1 : liason REN MAI – DU MAI

GB 2 : YIN WEI MAI

GB 3 : YIN QIAO MAI

GB 4 : YANG WEI MAI

GB 5 : CHONG MAI

GB 6 : DAI MAI

GB 7 : YANG QIAO MAI

GB 8 : DU MAI

GB 9 (CURRENT GB13) : REN MAI

Picture 5 : The cephalic control points of the Extraordinary Channels

 

 

These 3 basic levels are completed by a superior level: the TEETH which concern the depth of the being.

The teeth are in relation to the organs and viscera but also to the 8 Extraordinary Channels which are themselves in resonance with the endocrine glands.

The decoding is as follows:

(the teeth are numbered according to the international nomenclature)

– tooth 1: Du Mai – epiphysis

– tooth 2: Yang Qiao Mai – pituitary gland

– tooth 3: Dai Mai – endocrine pancreas

Traumatic back pain

Traumatic back pain

The most frequent blockages found in the reading grid in cases of LOW BACK PAIN AND SCIATALGIA OF TRAUMATIC ORIGIN i.e., occurring as a result of a shock, fall, false movement, are:

  • The traumatic centre of the ankle: blockages (restriction of mobility) of the vertebrae, pelvis and lower limb articulations are corrected from that centre (picture 1). Several areas in the centre are usually affected because different muscles and ligaments are involved. The T4-T5 mechanical centre indicates the side of the blockage and allows to verify the efficiency of the corrections made.
Picture 1
  • the energy movement of the sacrum: the blockage of the sacrum in craniosacral flexion/extension is corrected through UB 31 to UB 35 points (see chapter XIII, paragraph B).
  • the master points of the Extraordinary Channels: the GB 41 point.
  • the circulation blockages in the 12 channels: the GB channel (the blockage is located near the root of the lower limb).
  • the tendino-muscular channels: the GB and UB channels (see chapter XXV: the tendino- muscular channels).

In case of whiplash:

  • the blockage of C0 (occiput) – C1 articulation and other vertebrae is corrected from the traumatic centre of the ankle (picture 2)
  • the blockage of the occiput in cranial flexion/extension is corrected through the Window of the Sky points (see chapter XVII)
Picture 2

As for shoulder trauma:

  • corrections are made from the traumatic centre of the ankle and on the lateral side of the upper limb. The T4-T5 mechanical centre does not include the upper limb blockages.
  • the master points of the Extraordinary Channels: the TW 5 and GB 41points.
  • the circulation blockages in the 12 channels: the LI channel.
  • the tendino-muscular channels: the LI channel (pictures 3 and 4).
  • the treatment of tendonitis caused by mechanical over-solicitation is described in chapter XV, paragraph B (correction from the GB 34 point).
Picture 3
Picture 4

Notes:

  • we do not use the osteopathic motion tests. This could be done to verify the mobility of joints after correction.
  • no spinal manipulation is necessary
  • palpation of body tissues and corrections can be easily made through a light piece of clothing.
  • we recall that the therapist corrects what he/she finds, what the body shows him/her through the reading grid.

The physical trauma

The physical trauma

Joint and muscle blockages (i.e., a restriction in their mobility) caused by falls, blows or improper movements are corrected from the centre of the ankle (see chapter XV: the physical trauma).

Overall control

The therapist interrogates the SURFACE (EPIDERMIS) all around the ankle with one finger placed crosswise on the extremity of the malleoli, another one just below (see picture 1). He (she) keeps one hand on the blocked area of the ankle, the other one goes down along the LATERAL SIDE of the body, on the surface. This second hand does not indicate the location of the traumatic blockage but its HEIGHT in the body. The therapist does not need to know the precise location of the blockage to correct it (picture 2 shows the correction of vertebra L3 blockage to the left).

The T4-T5 vertebral area is the mechanical centre of the vertebral column.

Interrogation of the surface all around the ankle
The correction of vertebra L3 blockage to the left

Specific control

The therapist lays his (her) fingers flat lengthways on the T4-T5 area and interrogates the SURFACE (epidermis) with an impulse directed upwards (see picture 3). To be correctly interpreted, the possible blockage should only appear in this direction (and not in the direction shown, for example, on picture 4).
Picture 3
Picture 4

The therapist can interrogate one half of the area to determine the side of the blockage. If this zone is free, he (she) will not find any TRAUMATIC blockage at the level of the vertebral column and lower limbs nor a disturbance of the occiput and sacrum energy movements, and vice versa.

The absence of blockage of the T4-T5 centre in a patient with spinal pain indicates that this pain is not due to a physical trauma, but rather to a disturbance of an energetic function (for example, Liver, Large Intestine, Parathyroid glands…) or a structural lesion (herniated disc, vertebral compression fracture…).

If the T4-T5 blockage persists after treatment, the therapist must be steered towards a problem of foot supports or visual asymmetry as well as bad dental occlusion.

The dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joint

The dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joint

THE DYSFUNCTIONS OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), are characterized by aching pain in and around the ear, bruxism, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, « click » sound when opening it, neuralgia of the face, headaches, neck pain…

Specific controls

The 1st phalanx of the middle finger which is in resonance with the mandible (lower jaw), does not respond to an osseous vertical interrogation (see picture 1) as well as TMJ (in the GB 2 area – see picture 2).
Picture 1
Picture 2

The main causes are:

  • a blockage of traumatic origin (shock, hard food, chronic grinding or clenching of teeth…) which leads to a spasm of the temporal, masseter, and pterygoid muscles (the muscles of mastication). The correction is made with one hand on the traumatic centre of the ankle, the other hand looks for the blockage on the lateral side of the head, vertically to the tragus.
  • over tension of emotional and mental origin (stress…). The blockages of the muscles of mastication have a nervous aetiology. Energetic disturbances mainly concern the Shao Yang level (TW -GB – Yang Wei Mai)
  • malocclusion. Blockages of the 1st phalanx of the middle finger and of the TMJ persist after treatment as well as the blockage of the T4-T5 mechanical centre (see picture 3) as seen previously. It requiers recourse to a specialist in occlusodonctis.
Picture 3 : the blockage of the T4-T5 mechanical centre

The function back-shu points • The left thoracic center

THE FUNCTION BACK-SHU POINTS

THE LEFT THORACIC CENTER

(see Chapter VII)

On the inner pathway of the Urinary Bladder channel, Jacques Pialoux distinguishes between classic Back-Shu points (called Jing Bie Back-Shu points) and function Back-Shu points.

In our approach, the Jing Bie Back-Shu points allow the elimination of external aggressions (climatic, toxic, infectious…) on the surface (Yang) of an organ or a viscera (see the complete study in chapter VII).

The function Back-Shu points allow to increase the Yin energy of the organs and viscera (concerns especially the organs) from the depth (Chong Mai).

The left thoracic center

The left thoracic center CENTER globally controls the following 3 therapeutic levels :

  • the classic Front-Mu points
  • the Jing Bie Back-Shu points
  • the function Back-Shu points.

A blockage of this center indicates AT LEAST 1 disturbed level. The control of the center is done through a crosswise horizontal interrogation on the surface of the lateral side of the left hemi-thorax, at the level of the lower ribs, with the fingers laid flat (picture 1).

Picture 1 : interrogation on the surface of the lateral side of the left hemi-thorax, at the level of the lower ribs, with the fingers laid flat

List of the Shu points of function

THE FUNCTION BACK-SHU POINTS

Specific controls

Picture 2
  • transverse interrogation of the dermis of the inner face of the ankle (photo 2)
Picture 3
  • transverse interrogation of the middle of the anterior wrist crease, on the surface (photo 3)
Picture 4
  • transverse interrogation of the surface of the spine of the scapula with the palm of the hand (photo 4).

This control is the same that the one used for the Jing Bie Back-Shu points. These 3 tests give the same result.

Determination of the disturbed energy function:

It is done through a crosswise interrogation of the dermis of the radial groove above the radial pulses, respecting the traditional distribution of the Element positions (photo 5 shows the location of the Fire – Wood – Water positions from left to right).

This search is the same that the one used for the Jing Bie Back-Shu points.

The differentiation between organ and viscera is made by palpating their related function Back Shu point and Yuan-source point.

The correction is made from the Yuan-source point which is closed. 1 hand on the Yuan-source point, the other one first searches among the 5 Shu points of the same channel for the point connected to the Yuan-source point, which begins to open the Yuan-source point (the therapist has the sensation of a tight rope between both hands), then a zone on the organ (or viscera) connected to the Yuan-source point which opens completely (picture 6 shows the left LV 3 point correction in relation to the Liver).The function Back-Shu point is then open again.

Picture 5 : The location of the Fire - Wood - Water positions from left to right

NOTE:

We remind you that not finding a blockage in the left thoracic center does not mean that all the Back-Shu and Front-Mu points are open, but that if some are closed, the cause is to be found elsewhere in the reading grid.

Picture 6 : the left LV 3 point correction in relation to the Liver

Example: suppose a Liver Yang rising caused by excessive emotions, we can find on palpation a free Left thoracic center and the LV and GB Jing Bie Back-Shu points (UB 18 – UB 19) closed but the correction will be made in particular at the level of the emotional chains of the Du Mai, Stomach and Gall Bladder channels (see chapter VIII). The Back-Shu points will be opened again without touching them.

The GB1 point • Tong Zi Liao

The GB1 point, Tong Zi Liao

The GB 1 point, TONG ZI LIAO, is an important point that we often use (we remind you that a point is used because the body is in demand and need at this level and not because we decide to do so).

GB 1 is located 0,5 cun to the outer canthus of the eye and is related to different therapeutic levels:

Picture 1 : vertical interrogation, at the osseous level, of the head

1) as a cephalic control point of Extraordinary Channels (see chapter IX, paragraph E), it is related to the central endocrine functions (hypophysis, hypothalamus, epiphysis). This point is often used for insomnia, poor memory, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, hormonal disruptions…

The specific control is done through a vertical interrogation, at the osseous level, of the head (see picture 1) and the base of the 5th metacarpal bone (M5). The head of M5 is related to the Du Mai cephalic control point (GB 8) and the base of M5 to the Ren Mai cephalic control point (GB 9, Ben Shen, actual GB 13). If the head AND the base of M5 do not respond, the Ren Mai – Du Mai liaison is disturbed. Confirmation by palpating GB 1(the point is closed – see chapter I: the energetic palpation).

The correction is made with one hand on the point, the other one looking for an area connected to the point, in the vertex region (top of the head) (see picture 2).

2) in relation to the Heart channel (see chapter XIII)

The GB – HT axis (in the horary cycle) is to be considered here on a spiritual level. The nine points of the Heart channel are related to the GB 1 to GB 9 (actual GB 13) points. In the disturbances of the center of the Heart channel (depression…), the Heart point determined by the crosswise interrogation of the dermis of the cubital groove (see picture 3, for example, the Metal position shown by the finger to the left, corresponds to the Metal point = HT 4) is often to be connected to the first points of the GB channel (GB 1, GB 2 or GB 3).

Picture 2 : The correction is made with one hand on the point, the other one looking for an area connected to the point, in the vertex region
Picture 3 : the Metal position shown by the finger to the left, corresponds to the Metal point = HT 4

3) as a local point, Tong Zi Liao is frequently used for eye problems (conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataract, ophthalmic shingles…), temporal headaches, to clear the mind and calm its agitation (caused by external Wind, Liver and Gall Bladder fire…). Controls and correction in chapter XIV : the frontal centre.

The centers • The 3 dan tian • the thumb decoding

THE CENTRES - THE 3 DAN TIAN - THE THUMB DECODING

the centers

chapter VI

First, they are not the chakras in the Indo-Tibetan tradition. The palpatory research has revealed the existence of energetic centres related to the chains (for example, the emotional chain of the Stomach channel, from ST 11 to ST 30 points) and the Extraordinary Channels. These centres are both ENTRY DOORS and CORRECTION AREAS.

We illustrate our point by taking the example of the centre of the vertex (top of the head). It is related to the three emotional chains of the Du Mai, Stomach and Gall Bladder channels (see chapter VIII), and the cephalic control points of the Extraordinary Channels (cephalic generator), from GB 1 to GB 9 – actual GB 13 (see chapter IX, paragraph E).

Overall control:

It is done through the crosswise interrogation of the epidermis of the vertex area, with four fingers laid flat (see picture1). The therapist can interrogate one half of the area to determine the side of the blockage. A blockage to the right, for example, indicates a disturbance of an energetic function in at least one of the three emotional chains or in the cephalic generator, to the right. That is determined by specific controls for each chain and the cephalic generator. As each point has its own energetic orientation, it is easy to find the one to be treated. For example, on the emotional chain of the Stomach channel : ST 16 -> HT, ST 17 -> SP, ST 18 -> LV, ST 19 -> GB…

When palpating, this point is closed (it does not respond to a surface vertical interrogation)

Correction:

The correction consists in connecting the point with a specific area of the vertex. When the therapist finds it, he/she has the sensation that his/her two hands are linked by a tight rope. The sensation is not UNDER but BETWEEN the hands. He/she does nothing more  and only waits for the « rope » to be loosened . In fact, the body takes the information for self-correction. The point responds again and the control areas that led to its treatment are blockage free.

The crosswise interrogation of the epidermis of the vertex area, with four fingers laid flat

the 3 dan tian

Chapter XXVII

The thumb column is in resonance with 3 major energy centres called the 3 DAN TIAN in Daoist Tradition (chapter XXVII)

Specific controls are done through a vertical interrogation, at the osseous level, of:

  • the base of the 1st metacarpal bone (M1), for the upper Dan Tian (picture 2)
  • the head of the 1st metacarpal bone, for the middle Dan Tian (picture 3)
  • the interphalangeal joint (IP), for the lower Dan Tian (picture 4)

The 3 joints of the thumb blockages are observed in the case of severe pathologies such as:

  • mental illness, obsessive disorders, brain injuries, for the upper Dan Tian
  • great anxiety, for the middle Dan Tian 
  • pathologies in which the fire of the lower burner (Kidney-Yang) is deficient causing an internal cold (sterility, impotence, frigidity, lumbar pain and weakness…) for the lower Dan Tian.

These blockages, when found, are always the most important to correct and often the only ones.

Correction is detailed in chapter XXVII. It consists in connecting the front of the body to the back, at the level of the related Dan Tian :

  • glabella/occiput (DM 17), for the upper Dan Tian (picture 5)
  • sternum/T4-T6 vertebrae, for the middle Dan Tian
  • RM 4 area/ Ming Men (DM 4), for the lower Dan Tian
Picture 2 : the base of the 1st metacarpal bone (M1), for the upper Dan Tian
Picture 3 : the head of the 1st metacarpal bone, for the middle Dan Tian
Picture 4 : the interphalangeal joint (IP), for the lower Dan Tian
Picture 5 : glabella/occiput (DM 17), for the upper Dan Tian

The decoding of the thumb column

a) through a vertical interrogation at the osseous level (does the bone respond?)

Picture 6 : M1 body -> Earth Element (picture 6)

b) through a crosswise horizontal interrogation at the osseous level

Picture 7 : P2 = Du Mai
Picture 8 : P1 = Ren Mai
Picture 9 : M1 Head = Chong Mai
Picture 10 : M2 Neck = Dai Mai
Picture 11 : M1 proximal half -> secondary Extraordinary Channels

The cephalic control points of the extraordinary channels

THE CEPHALIC CONTROL POINTS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY CHANNELS

cephalic psychosomatic generator

see chapter IX

For the Extraordinary Channels, 3 therapeutic levels are to be considered :

  • the Extraordinary Channels with their constituent points
  • the master-points of the Extraordinary Channels
  • the cephalic control points of the Extraordinary Channel

These 3 levels appear by the principle of resonance at the level of the hand.

STUDY OF THE CEPHALIC CONTROL POINTS

These are the points of the cranial chain of the Gall Bladder channel, from GB 1 to GB 9 (“Ben Shen”, today GB 13).

The decoding is as follow:

overall control

Picture 1 : the horizontal crosswise interrogation of the epidermis at the level of the sternoclavicular joint
Several tests are possible; they give the same result. Among them, the horizontal crosswise (transverse) interrogation of the epidermis (surface) at the level of the sternoclavicular joint (picture 1).
Picture 2 : vertical interrogation of the head and the base of the last 4 metacarpal bones at the osseous level
The search for the disturbed Extraordinary Channel is done through a vertical interrogation of the head and the base of the last 4 metacarpal bones, at the osseous level (picture 2).On palpation, the corresponding point is closed.
Photo 3 : correction of the GB 1 point
The correction is made with one hand on the concerned GB point, the other hand searches for the zone connected to the GB point, on the vertex centre (top of the head) (picture 3: correction of the GB 1 point).

Notes

The vertex centre allows to do an overall control of the 3 emotional chains of the Du Mai, Stomach and Gall Bladder channels, and the cephalic control points of the Extraordinary Channels (picture 4).

Picture 4

The most frequent blockages

  • GB 4 point, related to the Yang Wei Mai which is in resonance with the thyroid and the parathyroid glands ( thyroid problems, muscle spasms related to the parathyroid glands disturbance)
  • GB 2 point, in relation to the Yin Wei Mai and the Pericardium (PC) (the master-point of the Yin Wei Mai is PC 6), that is often found closed in anxiety and in disturbances of the female genital tractus because the Yin Wei Mai is in resonance with the gonads.
  • GB 1 point, Tong Zi Liao (see the topic dedicated to it)
  • GB 8 point, in relation with the Du Mai

Resonance teeth-organs

RESONANCE TEETH - ORGANS

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the teeth considered as an extension of the bones are part of the Extraordinary Yang organs which are related to the Earlier Heaven energies, the ancestral energies (Yuan Qi, Jing Qi). They touch the deepest level of the Being. Each « dental lodge » (tooth, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament) is related to an Extraordinary Channel and to an organ or viscera, and this even if the tooth is fallen out.

I - OVERALL CONTROL

We have to control 2 entry doors:

1) the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)                                  2) the lower face of the chin (see the study below)

This is done by a transversal interrogation of the dermis at the level of the lower face of the chin symphysis (picture 1). It is possible to interrogate one side to determine the laterality of the blockage.

Picture 1

Confirmation by transverse surface interrogation of the dorsal side of the distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger (picture 2).

Picture 2

II- DETERMINING THE ORGAN OR THE EXTRAORDINARY CHANNEL THAT IS DISTURBED

The surface (epidermis) transverse interrogation of the dental arch below the lower lip indicates a disturbance at the organ/viscera level (picture 3).

Picture 3

The surface transverse interrogation of the dental arch above the upper lip indicates a disturbance at the Extraordinary Channel level (picture 4).

Picture 4

1) Determining the disturbed the organ/viscera

It is done through a transverse interrogation of the ulnar groove of the wrist at the osseous level (ulna), respecting the traditional distribution of the energetic positions (Fire, Wood, Water…) (picture 5)

Picture 5: interrogation of the Fire-Wood-Water positions (from the left to the right)

2) Determining the Extraordinary Channel

The search for the disturbed Extraordinary Channel is done by vertically interrogating the surface of the cephalic control points of the Extraordinary Channels, from GB 1 to GB 9 (currently 13VB). The therapist, with the p3 phalanx of his/her fingers laid flat, interrogates the area around the point (picture 6). 

Reminder of the cephalic control points and endocrine glands in resonance with the Extraordinary Channels:     

Picture 6: interrogation of the GB 2 area (Yin Wei Mai)

III – CORRECTION

It is done in 2 steps:

  1. From the hand on the lower face of the chin symphysis at the dermis level, the therapist, with the other hand, searches for a precise area within the corresponding organ or endocrine gland (picture 7).

Note: for the epiphysis, the therapist looks for an area around the vertex (top of the head) and for the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, an area at the hairline, on the central anterior line of the body.

Picture 7

2)  The therapist keeps one hand on this area of the organ and, with the other hand, looks for the related dental lodge (see the teeth decoding below), on the side blocked in the overall control. He/she only waits for the release of the tension between his/her 2 hands (picture 8).

Picture 8

IV - Notes

The therapist will make the link between what he finds in palpation and the decoding proposed by D. Debar and M. Arteil according the Drs. Woll and Paulet’s work.

The relations between teeth and organs work in both directions: an energetic blockage of a tooth has repercussions on the organ or gland in relation and vice versa. The tooth is not painful.

By this study based on palpation, we confirm the accuracy of this tooth-organ decoding.

This recent study is not mentioned in our book “A Chinese Medicine Geometrical Healing Handbook”  

The tooth-Extraordinary Channel is the same for the upper and lower dental arches

Translation

Dents permanentes = Permanent teeth