Extraordinary Vessel YinWei

Yin Linking Vessel

阴维脉 | Yīn Wéi Mài

Yin Linking Vessel

Yin Linking Vessel pathway diagram

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Quick Facts

Associated Organ

N/A

Acupuncture Points

7 points

Flow Direction

Centripetal (toward torso)

Extraordinary Vessel Details

Master Point: Neiguan PC-6
Coupled Point: Gongsun SP-4
Paired Vessel: Penetrating Vessel

Overview

The Yin Linking Vessel (Yin Wei Mai) is one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels that functions as a connecting network for all Yin channels in the body. Often called the 'Earth Vessel,' it governs the interior of the body and regulates Ying (Nutritive) Qi. The vessel originates at KI-9 Zhubin on the inner leg and ascends through the abdomen, chest, and throat to connect with the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai). It has strong connections to the Heart and Blood, making it particularly important for treating emotional and mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The Yin Wei Mai nourishes the Heart and calms the Spirit (Shen), while also supporting the body through life transitions and maintaining emotional stability.

Channel Pathways

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

Pathway Description

  • It originates from Zhubin KI-9 of the medial lower leg, which is the Accumulation-Xi point of the Kidney Channel.
  • After running up along the medial lower leg and thigh, it arrives at Fushe SP-13 at the pelvic area, which is also the connecting point for the Spleen, Liver, Kidney and Stomach Channels. 
  • It continues ascending the abdomen along the Spleen channel and passes Daheng SP-15 and Fuai SP-16. 
  • It then goes up further to the hypochondrium and crosses the Liver Channel again at Qimen Liv-14. 
  • Continuing running up the chest, diaphragm and throat, the pathway connects to the Directing Vessel at Tiantu REN-22.
  • It finally terminates at Lianquan REN-23 on the neck. 

Acupuncture Points

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

Related Points from Other Channels

Zhubin KI-9

Starting point and Xi-Cleft point of the Yin Wei Mai; establishes Heart-Kidney communication

Fushe SP-13

Junction point where Spleen, Liver, Kidney, and Stomach channels connect with Yin Wei Mai

Daheng SP-15

Crossing point on the Spleen channel

Fuai SP-16

Meeting point of Foot Tai Yin (Spleen) and Yin Linking Vessel

Qimen LR-14

Meeting point of Foot Tai Yin, Jue Yin (Liver), and Yin Linking Vessel

Tiantu REN-22

Connection point with Conception Vessel at the throat

Lianquan REN-23

Terminal point where Yin Wei Mai connects with Conception Vessel

Neiguan PC-6

Master Confluent point that opens the Yin Wei Mai; connects all Yin channels

Gongsun SP-4

Coupled Confluent point (opens Chong Mai); paired with PC-6 for treatment

Detailed Information

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

Overview

The Yin Linking Vessel (Yīn Wéi Mài, 阴维脉) is one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels (Qí Jīng Bā Mài) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The character 'Wei' (维) means 'linking' or 'connecting,' referring to this vessel's function of networking and connecting all the Yin channels in the body. Classical texts describe it as arising 'where all Yin channels meet,' giving it a unique regulatory role in the body's Yin energy system.

Pathway

The Yin Wei Mai originates at KI-9 Zhubin on the medial aspect of the lower leg, which serves as both its starting point and Xi-Cleft (accumulation) point of the Kidney channel. From there, it ascends along the inner leg and thigh to reach SP-13 Fushe in the pelvic area—a significant junction point where the Spleen, Liver, Kidney, and Stomach channels connect. The vessel continues upward along the abdomen, passing through SP-15 Daheng and SP-16 Fuai on the Spleen channel, then crosses to LIV-14 Qimen on the Liver channel in the hypochondrium region. It then travels through the chest, diaphragm, and throat, connecting with the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) at REN-22 Tiantu and terminating at REN-23 Lianquan on the neck.

Functions

The Yin Wei Mai serves several important functions:

  • Links all Yin channels: It connects all Yin meridians except the Lung channel, creating a unified network for Yin energy
  • Governs the interior: While the Yang Wei Mai governs the exterior and defensive Qi (Wei Qi), the Yin Wei Mai governs the interior and nutritive Qi (Ying Qi)
  • Nourishes Blood and Heart: It has a special relationship with the Heart-Blood system, making it essential for treating cardiovascular and emotional conditions
  • Calms the Spirit (Shen): It harmonizes the Five Spirits (Shen, Hun, Po, Yi, and Zhi), addressing mental-emotional imbalances
  • Opens the chest: It relieves Qi and Blood stagnation in the chest area

Clinical Applications

The Yin Wei Mai is particularly valuable for treating:

  • Mental-emotional disorders: Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, poor memory, obsessive thinking
  • Heart conditions: Heart pain (especially dull, empty-type pain), palpitations, chest oppression
  • Bi Syndrome: Joint pain with numbness and tingling but without swelling
  • Blood deficiency: Conditions arising from insufficient Blood nourishment
  • Gynecological issues: Menstrual disorders, postnatal depression, genital pain
  • Voice problems: Loss of voice when the vessel fails to function properly

Psycho-Spiritual Aspects

From a psycho-spiritual perspective, the Yin Wei Mai relates to self-worth, life's meaning, and navigating transitions. It supports individuals in processing life changes and rites of passage, helping them rise above feelings of inadequacy or failure. When balanced, this vessel enables one to respond to life with clarity and compassion, access inner wisdom, and release emotions that no longer serve them.

Treatment Approach

To access the Yin Wei Mai, practitioners use its Master (Opening) point PC-6 Neiguan, typically paired with SP-4 Gongsun (the Coupled point, which opens the Chong Mai). This combination affects the heart, chest, and stomach, making it effective for both physical and emotional conditions in these areas. KI-9 Zhubin is another key point, particularly for establishing Heart-Kidney communication and treating heart-related symptoms.

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