Yang Linking Vessel

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Quick Facts

Associated Organ

N/A

Acupuncture Points

32 points

Flow Direction

Centripetal (toward torso)

Extraordinary Vessel Details

Master Point: Waiguan SJ-5

Coupled Point: Zulingqi GB-41

Paired Vessel: Yin Linking Vessel

Overview

The Yang Linking Vessel (Yang Wei Mai) is one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels that connects and links all the Yang channels of the body. Its name literally means 'Yang Linking' because it weaves together the Yang energy from multiple meridians, creating a unified network that governs the body's exterior defensive energy (Wei Qi). This vessel is particularly important for protecting against external pathogenic factors like wind, cold, and heat. When the Yang Wei Mai functions properly, it maintains strong immunity and helps the body adapt to environmental changes. Imbalances in this vessel often manifest as alternating chills and fever, temporal headaches, ear problems, and pain along the lateral sides of the body.

Channel Pathways

The Yang Linking Vessel consists of multiple channel systems, each with its own pathway and clinical significance.

阳维脉 | Yáng Wéi Mài

Pathway Description

Yang Linking Vessel originates at Jinmen BL-63 around the lateral malleolus.
It then goes up to Yangjiao GB-35 at the lateral side of the lower leg, which is also the Vessel's Accumulation-Xi point.
It continues ascending the lateral side of the lower leg and thigh, passes the hip and the posterior aspect of the costal region.
It then passes Naoshu SI-10, Tianliao TB-15 and Jianjing GB-21 on the back of the shoulder and ascends the neck.
The vessel then ascends further in front of the ear to Touwei ST-8, Benshen GB-13 and Yangbai GB-14 on the forehead.
It then runs with the Gall Bladder Channel from Toulinqi GB-15 to Fengchi GB-20 on the occiput area, where it intersects with Triple Burner and Gall Bladder Channel.
The vessel then runs to the posterior midline, bypasses Fengfu DU-16, and terminates at Yamen DU-15.

Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points along the Yang Linking Vessel and related points from other channels.

Related Points from Other Channels

Jinmen BL-63

Starting point of Yang Wei Mai; Xi-Cleft point of Bladder channel; meeting point of Tai Yang, Shao Yang, and Yang Ming

Yangjiao GB-35

Xi-Cleft point of the Yang Wei Mai; important for gathering and dispersing Yang Qi

Juliao GB-29

Intersection point with Yang Qiao Mai; useful for hip and IT band pain

Naoshu SI-10

Meeting point with Tai Yang, Yang Qiao Mai, and Yang Wei Mai

Tianliao SJ-15

Meeting point of Yang Wei Mai with Shao Yang channels

Jianjing GB-21

Important meeting point on shoulder; intersection of Yang Wei with Gallbladder channel

Touwei ST-8

Meeting point with Stomach channel at the temple

Benshen GB-13

Final point of Yang Wei Mai trajectory; relates to mental flexibility and spiritual change

Yangbai GB-14

Meeting point at the forehead; useful for eye and frontal headache conditions

Toulinqi GB-15

Meeting point at anterior hairline

Muchuang GB-16

Meeting point; relates to vision and eye conditions

Zhengying GB-17

Meeting point on head

Chengling GB-18

Meeting point on head

Naokong GB-19

Meeting point near occiput

Fengchi GB-20

Key point connecting all Yang channels; primary point for treating wind pathology

Fengfu DU-16

Meeting point with Du Mai; important for wind disorders

Yamen DU-15

Meeting point with Du Mai at the nape of the neck

Detailed Information

In-depth information about the Yang Linking Vessel and its clinical significance.

Overview

The Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) is one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels (Qi Jing Ba Mai) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Unlike the 12 primary meridians, the Extraordinary Vessels don't belong to specific organ systems but serve as reservoirs that regulate and balance the body's energy. The Yang Wei Mai specifically links all the Yang channels together, creating a protective network that governs the body's exterior and defensive Qi (Wei Qi).

Classical Origins

The concept of Yang Wei Mai first appears in the Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), Chapter 29, which states: "The Yang Wei arises where all the Yang channels meet... The Yang Wei links with the Yang channels." The Su Wen and Ling Shu reference this vessel but without detailed pathway descriptions. The Jia Yi Jing later provided the first comprehensive listing of points on this vessel.

Pathway and Trajectory

The Yang Wei Mai begins at BL-63 (Jinmen) on the outer ankle and ascends along the lateral aspect of the leg. It passes through GB-35 (Yangjiao), then continues up through the hip region at GB-29 (Juliao). The pathway ascends along the side of the torso, reaching the shoulder area where it connects with SI-10 (Naoshu), SJ-15 (Tianliao), and GB-21 (Jianjing). From the shoulder, it travels up to the head, passing through important points including GB-13 (Benshen), GB-14 (Yangbai), GB-15 (Toulinqi), GB-16 (Muchuang), GB-17 (Zhengying), GB-18 (Chengling), GB-19 (Naokong), and GB-20 (Fengchi). Finally, it converges with the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) at DU-16 (Fengfu) and DU-15 (Yamen) at the back of the neck.

Functions

The Yang Wei Mai serves several important functions: it links all Yang meridians together, creating a unified defensive network; it governs the body's exterior (Wei level) and protects against external pathogenic factors; it absorbs excessive Yang energy from the channels and redistributes it throughout the body; and it influences the lateral aspects of the body, including the head, ears, neck, shoulders, and sides.

Clinical Applications

The Yang Wei Mai is commonly used to treat: 1) Intermittent fevers and chills - particularly alternating hot and cold sensations that indicate a pathogen trapped between the exterior and interior layers; 2) Lateral body conditions - pain in the sides of the body, shoulders, hips, and IT band; 3) Ear problems - including tinnitus, ear pain, and hearing issues; 4) Temporal headaches - especially those along the Gallbladder channel pathway; 5) External wind disorders - common colds, fevers, and conditions where pathogenic wind has invaded the body.

Psychological and Spiritual Aspects

From a psycho-emotional perspective, the Yang Wei Mai relates to one's ability to adapt to change and move forward in life. It supports transformation and helps individuals overcome feelings of being stuck. Imbalances may manifest as difficulty with life transitions, frustration, indecision, or passive-aggressive behavior. The vessel is said to connect our present state with our future potential, representing capability, innovation, and adaptability.

Activation Points

The Yang Wei Mai is accessed through its Master (Opening) Point SJ-5 (Waiguan) and Coupled Point GB-41 (Zulinqi). These points are typically needled together to activate the vessel, often on opposite sides of the body. Common clinical combinations include using these points with GB-20 (Fengchi) and LI-4 (Hegu) for wind-related conditions, or with LI-11 (Quchi) and DU-13 (Taodao) for alternating fever patterns.

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