Channel Pathways
The Directing Vessel consists of multiple channel systems, each with its own pathway and clinical significance.
Pathway Description
The external pathway:
- Like the Governing and Penetrating Vessels, the Directing Vessel originates from the Uterus in females and the lower abdomen in males, right below Zhongji REN-3.
- It then emerges at Huiyin REN-1 in the perineum.
- It goes anteriorly to the pubic area and ascends along the interior midline of the abdomen, chest, throat and jaw.
- The external pathway ends at Chengjiang REN-24, which is on the chin in the mentolabial groove.
The internal pathway:
- From Chengjiang REN-24, it runs internally, curving around the inner surface of the lips and meeting the Governing Vessel at Yinjiao DU-28, located beneath the upper frenulum.
- Splitting into two branches, they pass through the cheeks and terminate below the eyes at Chengqi ST-1, which is the meeting point for the Directing Vessel, Stomach Channel and Yin Stepping Vessel.
Branch:
- An internal branch starts from the pelvic cavity, running through the perineum and entering the spine at Changqiang DU-1. It then goes up the spine and terminates in the neck.