Eight Confluent Points
Eight specific acupuncture points on the limbs that connect the twelve primary meridians with the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, allowing practitioners to access and regulate these deep energy reservoirs.
Bā Mài Jiāo Huì Xué
Eight Confluent Points
Educational content · Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment
Overview
The Eight Confluent Points (Bā Mài Jiāo Huì Xué) are a special category of eight acupuncture points that serve as "gateways" connecting the twelve primary meridians to the Eight Extraordinary Vessels (Qí Jīng Bā Mài). Think of the primary meridians as rivers carrying energy through the body, while the Extraordinary Vessels act as reservoirs that store and regulate this energy. The confluent points are like locks or valves that allow practitioners to access these deeper energy reserves.
What makes these points unique is their dual function: each point belongs to one of the primary meridians while also "communicating" with one of the Extraordinary Vessels. This gives them remarkable therapeutic reach. As the Ming Dynasty physician Li Ting wrote in the Yi Xue Ru Men: all 365 points of the body are governed by the 66 points of the extremities, and these 66 points are in turn governed by just these eight points. This expresses how powerful these points are for treating a wide range of conditions throughout the body.
The eight points are traditionally used in pairs, with one point on the upper body matching one on the lower body. These pairings create therapeutic combinations that target specific body regions: chest and heart, throat and lungs, spine and head, or the sides of the body. This systematic pairing makes them particularly valuable for complex conditions that affect multiple areas.
Historical Context
The Eight Confluent Points first appeared in the work of Dou Hanqing (窦汉卿, 1196-1280), a prominent acupuncturist of the Jin-Yuan period. He compiled information about these points in his Zhen Jing Zhi Nan (针经指南, Guide to Acupuncture Channels) around 1295, though he credited the original concepts to an earlier hermit named Song Zihua. Dou originally called them "Jiao Jing Ba Xue" (交经八穴, Eight Points of Intersecting Channels), and because of his extensive work with them, they became known as "Dou's Eight Points."
The terminology evolved over time: early names included Jiaojing Banue, Jingmai Jiaohui Baxue, and Bamai Jiaohui Baxue. The Ming Dynasty saw significant developments when Liu Chun first documented the famous "Eight Confluent Points Song" in his Yi Jing Xiao Xue (1388), and Xu Feng's Zhen Jiu Da Quan (Complete Collection of Acupuncture) first used the modern term "Bā Mài Jiāo Huì Xué." Xu Feng also developed the sophisticated time-based treatment methods called "Ling Gui Ba Fa" (Spiritual Tortoise Eight Methods) and "Fei Teng Ba Fa" (Flying and Soaring Eight Methods). Later works by Gao Wu, Yang Jizhou, and Li Shizhen further refined the clinical applications.
Comparison
SP-4 + PC-6
公孙 + 内关Vessels: Chong Mai + Yin Wei Mai
Meeting region: Heart, stomach, chest
Key indications: Cardiac pain, palpitations, gastric pain, nausea, vomiting, chest oppression, anxiety, menstrual disorders
LU-7 + KI-6
列缺 + 照海Vessels: Ren Mai + Yin Qiao Mai
Meeting region: Throat, chest, lungs, diaphragm
Key indications: Sore throat, hoarseness, cough, asthma, chest tightness, insomnia, gynecological disorders, menopausal symptoms
SI-3 + BL-62
后溪 + 申脉Vessels: Du Mai + Yang Qiao Mai
Meeting region: Inner canthus, neck, spine, small intestine, bladder
Key indications: Neck stiffness, back pain, occipital headache, epilepsy, eye disorders, malaria, urinary problems
GB-41 + SJ-5
足临泣 + 外关Vessels: Dai Mai + Yang Wei Mai
Meeting region: Outer canthus, behind ear, cheek, neck, shoulder
Key indications: Temporal headache, ear problems, tinnitus, lateral costal pain, breast disorders, hip pain, alternating chills and fever
Pairing Principle
配穴法The eight points form four therapeutic pairs, with one upper-body point matched to one lower-body point. Each pair targets a specific body region where their associated Extraordinary Vessels meet. For example, Gong Sun (SP-4) pairs with Nei Guan (PC-6) to treat the chest, heart, and stomach region. This pairing amplifies therapeutic effect beyond what either point could achieve alone.
Channel Communication
经气相通Each confluent point serves as a communication bridge—it belongs to a primary meridian while simultaneously "opening" to an Extraordinary Vessel. This dual connection means stimulating one point affects both channel systems, creating broader therapeutic reach with fewer needles.
Yin-Yang Division
阴阳分治The points divide into Yin and Yang groups. The four Yin points (Gong Sun, Nei Guan, Lie Que, Zhao Hai) treat internal organ conditions—called "Four Yin Together" (四阴同治). The four Yang points (Hou Xi, Shen Mai, Wai Guan, Zu Lin Qi) treat exterior conditions affecting the head, face, and joints—called "Four Yang Together" (四阳同治).
Reservoir Function
蓄溢渗灌The Extraordinary Vessels function as reservoirs that store excess energy and release it when the primary channels are depleted. By accessing these reservoirs through the confluent points, practitioners can regulate deep constitutional energy (Yuan Qi and Jing) for chronic or complex conditions.
Practical Application
Pairing Methods: The classic approach is bilateral upper-lower pairing—needle the upper point on both arms and the lower point on both legs simultaneously. For unilateral conditions (like one-sided pain or paralysis), practitioners may use points only on the affected side. Cross-lateral pairing (left arm with right leg) is sometimes used for delicate patients or those anxious about needles.
Condition-Based Selection: For internal organ disorders (digestive, cardiac, gynecological), choose the Yin group: SP-4 + PC-6 for stomach and heart; LU-7 + KI-6 for throat and lungs. For exterior conditions affecting head, face, spine, or joints, choose the Yang group: SI-3 + BL-62 for spine and eyes; GB-41 + SJ-5 for sides of head and ears.
Time-Based Methods: Traditional systems called Ling Gui Ba Fa and Fei Teng Ba Fa calculate optimal treatment times using the Chinese calendar (stems and branches) to determine which confluent point is most "open" at a given moment. While fascinating historically, most modern practitioners rely on syndrome differentiation rather than these complex calculations.
Integration with Other Points: Confluent points work well as the foundation of a prescription, with additional local or distal points added based on specific symptoms. They're especially valuable when conditions span multiple channels or organs, or when the pattern is complex and hard to classify.
Clinical Relevance
The Eight Confluent Points excel in treating complex, multi-system conditions that don't fit neatly into single-organ or single-channel patterns. They're particularly valuable for:
- Gynecological disorders: The LU-7 + KI-6 combination nourishes Yin and regulates the Ren and Yin Qiao vessels, making it excellent for menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, and fertility issues. SP-4 + PC-6 addresses the Chong Mai ("Sea of Blood") for menstrual pain and uterine disorders.
- Spinal and neurological conditions: SI-3 + BL-62 connect the Du Mai and Yang Qiao Mai, treating neck stiffness, back pain, headaches, and even epilepsy. This pair is essential for any condition involving the spine.
- Digestive and cardiac complaints: SP-4 + PC-6 is the premier combination for chest tightness, palpitations, stomach pain, nausea, and anxiety—conditions where the heart and stomach affect each other.
- Chronic and constitutional weakness: Because the Extraordinary Vessels store Yuan Qi and Jing (constitutional essence), these points access deeper energy reserves than primary channel points, making them appropriate for chronic fatigue, developmental issues, and aging-related decline.
Modern research has validated some traditional uses, particularly PC-6 for nausea and vomiting, which is now recognized internationally for treating chemotherapy-induced and post-operative nausea.
Common Misconceptions
Confusion with Eight Influential Points: The "Eight Confluent Points" (八脉交会穴) are often confused with the "Eight Influential Points" or "Eight Hui Points" (八会穴). These are completely different categories. The Influential Points (like GB-34 for sinews, BL-17 for blood) govern body tissues, while the Confluent Points open the Extraordinary Vessels. The Chinese names sound similar but refer to distinct therapeutic systems.
"Opening" doesn't mean the vessel was closed: The term "opening point" or "confluent point" doesn't mean the Extraordinary Vessel is normally closed. It refers to the point's ability to access and influence that vessel's functions—similar to how a key accesses a lock without implying the lock was broken.
Points don't directly intersect vessels: Most confluent points don't physically sit where the vessel crosses the primary meridian. Only Shen Mai (BL-62) and Zhao Hai (KI-6) are located where their respective Qiao vessels actually begin. The other six points communicate through their meridian's pathway connections to the vessels—the meridians cross, and the point provides access.
Not limited to Extraordinary Vessel treatment: While these points "open" to Extraordinary Vessels, they retain all their normal functions as points on their primary meridians. SP-4 still treats spleen conditions, PC-6 still calms the heart—the confluent function is additional, not exclusive.
Organizing Principle
The Eight Confluent Points are organized around a fundamental principle: six of the eight Extraordinary Vessels have no points of their own (only the Ren and Du Mai have dedicated points). These six vessels "borrow" points from the twelve primary meridians to serve as their access points. The selection is based on where the vessel pathways cross or connect with primary meridian pathways in the body.
Clinically, the points pair into four therapeutic groups based on where their associated vessels converge anatomically:
- Chest/Heart/Stomach: Gong Sun (Chong Mai) + Nei Guan (Yin Wei Mai)
- Throat/Chest/Lungs: Lie Que (Ren Mai) + Zhao Hai (Yin Qiao Mai)
- Inner Canthus/Neck/Spine: Hou Xi (Du Mai) + Shen Mai (Yang Qiao Mai)
- Outer Canthus/Ear/Shoulder: Zu Lin Qi (Dai Mai) + Wai Guan (Yang Wei Mai)
This pairing system—using upper and lower points together—is the primary clinical method. The four Yin-paired points primarily treat internal (Zang-Fu) conditions, while the four Yang-paired points primarily treat external channel conditions affecting muscles, joints, and sensory organs.
Points in this Category
Gongsun
Opens to Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel). As the Luo-connecting point of the Spleen meridian, it communicates with the stomach and treats disorders of the heart, chest, and stomach when paired with PC-6.
Neiguan
Opens to Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel). The Luo-connecting point of the Pericardium meridian, it calms the heart and mind, treats nausea, and pairs with SP-4 for chest and cardiac conditions.
Houxi
Opens to Du Mai (Governing Vessel). The Shu-stream point of the Small Intestine meridian, it clears heat and treats spinal problems, especially when paired with BL-62 for neck, back, and eye conditions.
Shenmai
Opens to Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel). Located below the lateral malleolus, it regulates Yang energy and treats insomnia, epilepsy, and musculoskeletal problems. Pairs with SI-3.
Zulingqi
Opens to Dai Mai (Belt Vessel). The Shu-stream point of the Gallbladder meridian, it regulates the girdle vessel and treats lateral body conditions, breast disorders, and menstrual irregularities when paired with SJ-5.
Waiguan
Opens to Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel). The Luo-connecting point of the San Jiao meridian, it expels wind-heat, benefits the ears, and treats temporal headaches. Pairs with GB-41.
Lieque
Opens to Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). The Luo-connecting point of the Lung meridian, it descends Lung Qi, benefits the throat, and treats respiratory and gynecological conditions when paired with KI-6.
Zhaohai
Opens to Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel). Located below the medial malleolus, it nourishes Yin, benefits the throat, and calms the mind. Pairs with LU-7 for throat, chest, and reproductive disorders.
Classical Sources
Zhen Jing Zhi Nan (针经指南)
Jiao Jing Ba Xue section交经八穴
The Eight Points of Intersecting Channels - Dou Hanqing's foundational text documenting the eight points, their locations, and over 200 clinical indications
Yi Jing Xiao Xue (医经小学)
Volume 3公孙冲脉胃心胸，内关阴维下总同。临泣胆经连带脉，阳维目锐外关逢。后溪督脉内眦颈，申脉阳跷络亦通。列缺任脉行肺系，阴跷照海膈喉咙。
The famous mnemonic song first recorded by Liu Chun (1388) summarizing each point's vessel connection and treatment region
Zhen Jiu Da Quan (针灸大全)
Eight Vessel Confluence Chapter八脉交会八穴
Xu Feng's comprehensive acupuncture text (Ming Dynasty) that first used the modern term 'Eight Confluent Points' and developed the time-based Ling Gui Ba Fa method
Yi Xue Ru Men (医学入门)
Acupuncture Section周身三百六十五穴，统于手足六十六穴，六十六穴又统于八穴
Li Ting: 'The 365 points of the whole body are governed by the 66 points of the limbs, and these 66 are in turn governed by the eight points'
Modern References
A Manual of Acupuncture
Comprehensive reference with detailed information on each confluent point, including classical indications and modern applications
The Channels of Acupuncture: Clinical Use of the Secondary Channels and Eight Extraordinary Vessels
In-depth exploration of Extraordinary Vessel theory and clinical application of confluent points in modern practice
Eight Extraordinary Channels — Qi Jing Ba Mai: A Handbook for Clinical Practice and Nei Dan Inner Meditation
Integrates classical theory with clinical protocols and internal cultivation practices using the eight confluent points