Lecture 2: Du Mai Flashcards
Describe the first branch of Du Mai.
Originates in the area between the kidneys, emerges at RN1. Continues posteriorly to DU1 then ascends to DU16 where a branch enters the brain. At DU12(T3) it connects with the Bladder channel at UB12 (T2) and returns to DU13 (T1) in a diamond shape. It ascends further to the vertex and continues over the midline to the tip of the nose, ending at the junction of the lip and upper gum.
Describe the second branch of Du Mai.
The second branch goes over the genitals, the perineal region, runs to the tip of the coccyx and diverts to the buttocks (where it connects with the Kidney and Bladder Channels). From there it goes through the spine and connects with the Kidneys.
Describe the third channel of Du Mai.
A third channel path starts at the inner acanthi (UB2) and goes over the forehead to meet at the vertex where it enters the brain. There it splits into two branches that descend on both sides of the spine to connect with the kidneys.
Describe the two internal branches of Du Mai.
1) An internal branch emerges from DU4 and connects with the kidneys.
2) An internal branch, starting in the lower abdomen connects with the umbilicus and rises (internally) up through the heart, through the throat, circling the mouth (lips) and splits in two ending under the centre of the eye (traditional ending or Ren Mai).
Describe the connecting vessel of Du Mai
From DU1 two branches run on either side of the spine to the occipital region from where they disperse over the head.
What are the clinical applications of Du Mai?
1) Strengthen the Shen (mind) and back
2) Tonify Kidney yang
3) Regulate the male genital system (penis and prostate)
4) Expel wind (int and ext)
5) Nourish marrow and brain
6) Gate of Life (Mingmen), functions to do with
7) Tonify and lift qi
8) Heart yang tonify
9) Yang aspects of menstruation and fertility
Strengthen the Shen or Mind:
The Brain is formed from ______ and _______, which store the _______ _______ that is the origin of mind. Du Mai strengthens the Mind through the three structures that affect the mind: _______, ________, and ______.
marrow; kidneys; prenatal essence; Kidney: Heart: Brain
Du Mai is often used clinically for __________. To strengthen the mind we use what three main points? In combination with one of four other points…
SI3, UB62, RN15
DU14, DU19, DU20, DU24
Effect of DU14 Dazhui
Lifts mood, tonifies heart and stimulates rising of clear Qi
Effect of DU19 Houding
Use for anxiety and is also indicated for manic behaviour, mental restlessness and insomnia
Effect of DU20 Baihui
Lifts mood, stimulates memory and benefits the sense organs
Effect of DU24 Shenting
Calms the mind and stimulates memory
Effect of RN15 Jiuwei
Calms the mind, relaxes the chest and settles the Corporeal Soul
Strengthen the back:
Du Mai is extremely useful in all cases of chronic lower back pain due to _______ ________. Use the Du Mai when the pain is either on the _______ or is ________ but stems from the ________.
Kidney deficiency; midline; bilateral; midline
In men the Du Mai can be used on its own for back pain, however in women it is suggested to combine with _____ _____, crossing over the ________ and ______ points.
Ren Mai; opening; coupled
For neck pain use these points:
SI3, UB62, DU15
For upper trap pain use these points
SI3, UB62, DU14, DU12
For mid back pain use these points
SI3, UB62, DU9, UB17
For lower back pain use these points
SI3, UB62, UB26 and Shiqizhuixia
Tonify Kidney Yang function of Du Mai: Du Mai is the ________ of ______ of the whole body. What is the main point that tonifies Kidney Yang? How would you needle it?
governor; yang
DU4 - Perp 0.5-1 cun or better yet MOXA! Also use it with SI3, UB62
Regulate the male genital system (penis and prostate). This function of the Du Mai is called _________. Deficiency of _______ _____ and ____ ____ may result in _________ _________ as well as abnormalities such as _________ ______ ______ or impaired ______ ________.
andrology; Kidney yang; Du Mai; erectile dysfunction (ED); reduced sperm count; sperm motility.
What points would you choose for ED?
SI3 on the left, UB62 on the right, RN4, UB23