Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)

Introduction

The Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) is one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, responsible for regulating the body's yin energy, reproductive health, and fluid metabolism. It plays a crucial role in gynecological disorders, digestive function, and emotional well-being.

Primary Channel Pathway

  • Begins in the lower abdomen, emerging at REN-1 (Huiyin) in the perineum.

  • Ascends along the midline of the abdomen and chest, passing through the throat.

  • Terminates at REN-24 (Chengjiang) in the mentolabial groove, with an internal branch connecting to DU-28 and ST-1.

Primary Channel Connects with Zangfu

  • Kidney

  • Stomach

  • Lung

Primary Channel Meets Other Channels at Points

  • DU-1 (Changqiang)

  • DU-28 (Yinjiao)

  • ST-1 (Chengqi)

Actions and Indications of the Conception Vessel

  • Regulates yin energy throughout the body, benefiting reproductive health, hormone balance, and fertility.

  • Harmonizes the digestive system, treating bloating, nausea, and weak digestion.

  • Strengthens the respiratory system, benefiting asthma, shortness of breath, and chronic cough.

  • Calms the Shen (spirit), addressing emotional imbalances, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Luo-Connecting Channel Pathway

  • Begins at REN-15 (Jiuwei).

  • Disperses over the abdomen, influencing digestive health and qi circulation.

Divergent Channel Pathway

  • Arises in the lower abdomen, ascends through the spine and thorax, terminating in the throat.

Sinew Channel Pathway

  • Begins at REN-1 (Huiyin), ascends along the midline of the abdomen and chest.

  • Binds at the throat and jaw, disperses at the mouth and lips.

Sinew Channel Symptoms

  • Pain, tightness, and restriction along the midline of the body.

  • Gynecological issues, reproductive system imbalances.

  • Difficulty swallowing, voice hoarseness, and throat tension.

Discussion of the Conception Vessel

The Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) is the Sea of Yin, playing a fundamental role in reproductive health, digestion, respiration, and emotional balance. It is widely used for fertility treatments, gynecological disorders, chronic fatigue, and respiratory ailments. Because of its connection with the Kidney and Lung, it also influences fluid balance and immunity.

Explore Conception Vessel Points

  • REN-1 (Huiyin) – Regulates the lower jiao, treats prolapse and incontinence.

  • REN-2 (Qugu) – Benefits urination and reproductive function.

  • REN-3 (Zhongji) – Front-Mu point of the Bladder, regulates urination and clears damp-heat.

  • REN-4 (Guanyuan) – Front-Mu point of the Small Intestine, strengthens Kidney qi and nourishes Blood.

  • REN-5 (Shimen) – Front-Mu point of the San Jiao, regulates water passages.

  • REN-6 (Qihai) – Tonifies Qi and Yang, strengthens digestion and reproductive function.

  • REN-7 (Yinjiao) – Benefits the lower jiao and reproductive system.

  • REN-8 (Shenque) – Located at the navel, used with moxa for digestion and Yang deficiency.

  • REN-9 (Shuifen) – Regulates water metabolism and fluid retention.

  • REN-10 (Xiawan) – Harmonizes the stomach, treats indigestion.

  • REN-11 (Jianli) – Strengthens the Spleen and regulates digestion.

  • REN-12 (Zhongwan) – Front-Mu point of the Stomach, harmonizes digestion and regulates qi.

  • REN-13 (Shangwan) – Treats acid reflux and nausea.

  • REN-14 (Juque) – Front-Mu point of the Heart, calms the Shen and regulates the Heart.

  • REN-15 (Jiuwei) – Luo-Connecting point, regulates the diaphragm and emotions.

  • REN-16 (Zhongting) – Opens the chest and benefits digestion.

  • REN-17 (Shanzhong) – Front-Mu point of the Pericardium, regulates Qi, benefits the lungs and chest.

  • REN-18 (Yutang) – Benefits the chest and relieves cough.

  • REN-19 (Zigong) – Opens the chest and alleviates shortness of breath.

  • REN-20 (Huaigai) – Clears phlegm, relieves cough and throat tightness.

  • REN-21 (Xuanji) – Benefits the throat, eases swallowing.

  • REN-22 (Tiantu) – Window of Heaven point, regulates the throat, voice, and respiratory function.

  • REN-23 (Lianquan) – Benefits speech and saliva production.

  • REN-24 (Chengjiang) – Benefits the face, clears wind, treats Bell’s Palsy and oral disorders.