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Chapter 13 of 16
奇经八脉考
Overall Paraphrase
🩺 Primary Manifestations of Governor Vessel Disorders
Suwen (Plain Questions), Chapter "Gukong Lun," states: When the Governor Vessel is diseased, qi surges upward from the lower abdomen toward the heart causing pain, with difficulty in urination and defecation—this is called chongshan (a disorder in which qi from the lower abdomen rushes upward to the chest and heart causing pain). In women, it may manifest as infertility, difficult urination, hemorrhoids, enuresis, and dry throat. Treatment is applied at "the bone above," specifically the Qugu point (CV-2, located on the upper border of the pubic symphysis in the lower abdomen); in severe cases, the "region below the navel" is selected, namely the Yinjiao point (CV-7, one cun below the navel).
💨 The Academic Debate Between Wang Bing and Li Shizhen
Wang Qixuan (Wang Bing) held that these manifestations belong to the Conception Vessel (running along the anterior midline, governing reproduction) and the Thoroughfare Vessel (regulating qi and blood of the twelve meridians), and questioned why they were attributed to the Governor Vessel.
Li Binhu (Li Shizhen) commented: Although the main trunk of the Governor Vessel runs along the back, its divergent collateral (branch collateral of a meridian) originates from the Changqiang point (GV-1, below the tip of the coccyx) to connect with the Conception Vessel, ascending from the lower abdomen directly through the navel, internally connecting with the heart, entering the throat and ascending to the chin, encircling the lips, and entering the inner canthus of the eyes. Hence these above-mentioned manifestations arise. Wang Bing likely did not investigate this matter deeply.
🔥 Excess and Deficiency of the Governor Vessel and Related Classical Discourses
Suwen states: When pathogenic qi in the Governor Vessel is in excess, the spine and back become rigid with opisthotonos (arching backward); when righteous qi is deficient, the head feels heavy and sways. For lesions on both sides of the spine, the divergent collateral of the Governor Vessel should be treated.
Qin Yueren's Nanjing (Classic of Difficulties) states: When the Governor Vessel is diseased, the spine and back become rigid, possibly leading to loss of consciousness.
Wang Haizang held that such disorders should be treated with medicinals such as Notopterygium root, Angelica pubescens root, Saposhnikovia root, Schizonepeta, Manchurian wild ginger, Ligusticum root, Coptis root, Rhubarb, Prepared aconite root, Aconite root, and Cocklebur fruit (this statement reflects only the original meaning of the ancient text and does not represent modern medication recommendations).
Zhang Zhongjing's Jingui Yaolue (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet) states: "Rigid spine" is the general term for the five types of convulsive disorders (collective designation for various opisthotonic conditions). Manifestations include sudden trismus, opisthotonos, and spasms of the limbs. If medication proves ineffective, moxibustion may be applied at Shenzhu (GV-12), Dazhui (GV-14), and Taodao (GV-13) points. It further states: In patients suffering from convulsive disorders, the pulse is taut and straight, moving vertically.
🩺 Pulse Diagnosis Characteristics of the Governor Vessel
Wang Shuhe's Maijing (Pulse Classic) states: When both the inch and cubit positions are floating, straight up and straight down, this indicates Governor Vessel disease. Manifestations include lumbar and back stiffness with pain, inability to bend forward or backward; adults may develop mania, and children may develop wind-epilepsy.
It further states: When the pulse in the central position is floating and straight, pulsating upward and downward, this is the Governor Vessel. Such pulse movement is often accompanied by cold in the lower back, spine, and knees; adults develop mania, and children develop epilepsy. Moxibustion at the vertex with three zhuang (each moxa cone applied counts as one zhuang) is recommended.
💨 Wind Pathogens and Governor Vessel-Related Disorders
Suwen, Chapter "Feng Lun," states: When wind qi ascends along the Fengfu point (GV-16, located at the posterior head), it becomes brain wind; when wind pathogen invades the ocular system of the head, it becomes ocular wind, manifesting as cold sensation in the eyes.
Wang Qixuan explained: The Naohu point (GV-17, at the posterior head) is the meeting point of the Governor Vessel and the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, hence this manifestation.
The core of this passage lies in expounding the breadth and specificity of Governor Vessel disorders. The Governor Vessel, known as the "Sea of Yang Meridians," runs along the center of the back, governing the yang qi of the entire body, and penetrates the spine to enter the brain. It connects with the Conception and Thoroughfare Vessels through collateral vessels. Therefore, Governor Vessel disorders manifest not only in the spine and head but also affect the lower abdomen, urination and defecation, throat, and ocular system through its divergent collaterals.
The ancients classified Governor Vessel disorders into excess and deficiency: excess manifests as rigid spine with opisthotonos, resembling hyperactive yang-heat and wind causing tendon spasms; deficiency manifests as heavy head and rocking, resembling failure of clear yang to ascend and insufficiency of the sea of marrow. This excess-deficiency differentiation represents an important approach in TCM meridian pathology.
Regarding pulse diagnosis, the Maijing proposes "both inch and cubit positions floating, straight up and straight down" as the characteristic pulse pattern of Governor Vessel disorders, reflecting the vessel's longitudinal vertical course and the floating nature of yang qi. Therapeutically, the ancients selected Governor Vessel points such as Qugu, Yinjiao, Shenzhu, Dazhui, Taodao, Fengfu, and Naohu, as well as moxibustion, aiming to unblock yang, dispel wind, revive the mind, and regulate qi.
From a modern medical perspective, the Governor Vessel pathway closely corresponds to the anatomical course of the spine, spinal cord, and central nervous system. Manifestations such as rigid spine with opisthotonos, arching of the back, convulsions, syncope, and epilepsy show similarities to neurological conditions such as meningitis, epilepsy, and ankylosing spondylitis. Symptoms like qi surging from the lower abdomen to the heart, urinary and bowel dysfunction, infertility, and enuresis may be related to autonomic nervous function and pelvic visceral regulation.
These correspondences suggest that the ancients observed certain regularities in neurological or visceral functional disturbances, but their theoretical essence lies in meridian theory and cannot be directly equated with modern anatomy or pathology. The "straight up and straight down" pulse description belongs to the traditional pulse system and cannot be verified using modern medical indicators. The medicinals and moxibustion methods mentioned in the text were believed by the ancients to dispel wind, warm yang, clear heat, and unblock collaterals, but their efficacy and safety require re-evaluation within the framework of modern scientific research and cannot be directly adopted.
In daily life, one may maintain the flexibility and warmth of the spine, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, and protect against cold and wind, while engaging in moderate stretching activities to promote the smooth flow of yang qi. Emotionally, one should remain calm and steady, avoiding sudden tension, anger, or fright.
However, if pronounced symptoms such as spinal rigidity, convulsions, syncope, severe headache, or urinary and bowel abnormalities occur, seek medical attention promptly—do not self-administer moxibustion or take medications based on ancient texts.
Reminder: This content is based on classical Chinese medicine texts and is provided solely for traditional cultural study and research. It does not constitute any medical diagnosis, medication, or treatment advice. Please seek prompt medical attention if you experience discomfort.