In its broadest sense, the Governing Vessel ascends from the perineum, up through the spine and onto the upper lip.

The Pathway of the Governing Vessel

The Governing Vessel rises from the lower abdomen and flows towards ‘Bao’/ Dian Tian. The Dian Tian refers to the Uterus in women and the Sperm origin in men.

It then flows between the Kidneys and continues down to the perineum (between the anus and the genitalia). Afterwards, it rises to the Ren-1 Huiyin, flows through the spine and reaches the Du-1 Changqiang directing to the brain. The flow of this vessel ends at the upper lip. 

and continues down to the perineum (between the anus and the genitalia). Afterwards, it rises to the Ren-1 Huiyin, flows through the spine and reaches the Du-1 Changqiang directing to the brain. The flow of this vessel ends at the upper lip. 

The Directing Vessel and the Governing Vessel have a similar pathway to the point where they are considered one of the same. They parallel that of the Yin and Yang theory. 

The Connecting channel is the main vessel of the Governing Vessel, which ascends the back from the Du-1 Changqiang. Once the Governing Vessel reaches the BL-1 Jingming near the eyes, it proceeds to the top of the head into the Liver channel. It then connects to the brain; then, from the Brain it descends to the BL-11 Dashu into the Bladder channel and through the spine to reach the Kidneys. 

channel and through the spine to reach the Kidneys. 

The Sea of Yang Channels

The Governing Vessel nourishes Yang channels, so its nickname is ‘The Sea of Yang’. It is specifically able to tonify the Kidney-Yang. In issues of memory and dizziness, it’s used to strengthen the functions of the Kidney, nourishing the Brain and Marrow.

Moxa is used on the points S.I.-3 Houxi, BL-62 Shenmai and the Du-4 Mingmen in order to tonify the Kidney-Yang. 

The Governing Vessel is used in gynaecological problems since the vessel itself reaches this point of the body. For example, Chronic excess of vaginal discharge signals to Kidney-Yang deficiency.

Dizziness

Nourishing the Brain and Marrow

The Pathway of the Governing vessel starts from the lower abdomen to the brain. Thus it nourishes the brain and fills it with Marrow through Kidney Essence. A Marrow filled brain, produces clear thoughts. However, if Marrow is in excess and incites too much thought, it creates Heat-Fire that causes blurred vision and dizziness.

Symptoms of Sea Marrow deficiency includes; Dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus and weak legs.

Additionally, the Du-20 Baihui(upper) and the Du-16 FengFu(lower) can be combined with the S.I.-3 Houxi and BL-62 Shenmai to aid deficiency.

Connection to the Back

Pain in the midline of the back indicates Kidney deficiency. In order to strengthen the back, points are opened and closed with Acupuncture Needles. The points in women include, S.I.-3 Houxi on the right, BL-62 Shenmai on the left, LU-7 Lieque on the left and KI-6 Zhaohai on the right. Overall, the needles are placed for 10-15 minutes and removed in the opposite order.

As a result, the spine is straightened and local points such as the Du-3 Yaoyangguan and the Shiqizhuixia below the L-5 Lumbar Vertebra can now be used.

Strengthening the Mind (Shen)

The foundation of the Mind comes from the Kidney Essence, even though the Heart houses it. Therefore, the Heart and Kidneys need to be strengthened in order to strengthen the Mind. The pathway of the Governing Vessels passes through the three aspects of the Mind; the Kidneys, the Heart, and the Brain. 

Furthermore, the Governing Vessel has a strong emotional connection to the Mind. It is used for depression and manic behaviors through a combination of points such as SI.-3 and BL-62. Moreover, alongside the usage of the Directing Vessel, Ren-15 eases the Mind and the Corporeal Soul.

Wind

The Governing Vessel expels the wind, and strays away from the cold. Points including the S.I.-3 and the BL.-62 treat cases such as fevers and Heat. The points Du-13 Taodao and Du-14 Dazhui are used in cases of Postviral Fatigue Syndrome. 

The points S.I.-3, BL-62, Du-16 Fengfu, and Du-20 Baihui expel interior wind.

Pathology of the Governing Vessel

When Qi rises from the lower abdomen, it causes heart pains and inability to excrete urine and feces. In women, infertility, hemorrhoids, urine inconstancy and dry throat is detected. In pathology, the spine becomes stiff and one becomes prone to fainting; where the head feels empty and heavy. The limbs contract and wind causes aphasia. In adults, pathology causes mania and in children it causes epilepsy. Moxia on Du-20 Baihui is used to aid the Governing Vessel.

Herbal Therapy Herbs

  • Lu Rong Cornu Cervi parvum: generates Essence and strengthens Sinews, Bones, Marrow, and Blood 
  • Marrow of goat and beef (including dog meat)
  • Qiang Huo Radix et Rhizoma Notopterygii
  • Du Huo Radix Angelicae pubescentis
  • Fang Feng Radix Ledebouriellae sesloidis
  • Jing Jie Herba seu Flos Schizonepetae tenuifoliae
  • Xi Xin Herba Asari cum radice
  • Gao Ben Rhizoma et Radix Ligustici sinensis
  • Cang Er Zi Fructus Xanthii
  • Huang Lian Rhizoma Coptidis
  • Da Huang Rhizoma Rhei
  • Fu Zi Radix Aconiti carmichaeli praeparata
  • Wu Tou Radix Aconiti carmichaeli.