Points on the Conception (Ren) and Governor (Du) Vessels are some of the most powerful points on the whole of the body. These vessels are likened to vast reservoirs of energy. Using points on these vessels is essentially tapping into such huge reservoirs.
The Governor Vessel is more yang predominant; the Conception Vessel is more yin predominant. Classically, the image of yin and yang depicts the sunny and shady sides of a hill – the sunny side referring to its yang aspect and the shady side to its yin aspect. These two apparent opposites are interdependent, transform into each other, and together constitute a whole.
Thus, the qualities of shade, darkness, passivity, rest, quiescence, coolness, and a downward orientation (to name a few) are attributed to yin predominance. In Classical Five-Element Acupuncture practice, we tend to choose points on these vessels based more on the spiritual connotations suggested by their point names than their yin or yang orientation. The selection is largely dependent on the physical, mental and spiritual needs of the patient, as perceived through our interaction; as well as by pulse findings. Below are some of the more commonly used points on the Conception Vessel in this tradition.
(Note: I realize that there are many interpretations and uses of these points in various traditions. The following is not meant to encompass all possibilities.)
CV 1: Meeting of Yin
This is the entry point of the meridian and the opening of the reservoirs that feed the 12 meridians. One of its most common uses is as the first point in opening what is called a CV/GV block, determined only by pulse diagnosis. This is a situation in which all 12 meridians are severely depleted, with virtually no energy getting to any of the 12 Officials (organs / functions). In such cases, we would tonify CV 1, CV 24, GV 1, and GV 28.
Used on its own for its spiritual connotation, CV 1 is one of the most powerful points for rescuing a drowning spirit. While the spirit itself cannot drown or in any way be diminished or imbalanced, our perception and manifestation of spirit can indeed be compromised. Physically, this is a first-aid point for drowning, but if we consider a patient as body-mind-spirit, we can see that drowning can involve much more than a body of water.
One can become overwhelmed by life – mentally and spiritually drowning, submerged, unresponsive, unable to "take it" any more; at their wit's end. This point, used at the right time, can resurrect such a person like throwing them a life preserver and getting them to dry land, where healing can begin.
CV 6: Sea of Chi
All points on the Conception Vessel are connecting to a vast reservoir or "sea" of energy. This point is a sea within a sea. As such, it brings a huge surge of energy, warmth, strength, and vitality to all levels within a patient. We tend to use it on patients who are depleted, weak, and/or lacking in vigor, sexual energy, passion, and enthusiasm. A person in need of this point may feel mentally weary, too tired to listen or understand. Spiritually, he or she may feel unmotivated, uninspired, and lacking in brightness and enthusiasm.
CV 8: Spirit Deficiency
This point, forbidden to needle, is stimulated with moxa placed on a bed of salt, which fills the umbilical opening to where the salt is level with the skin. The circumference of the moxa cone should lie just within the edge of the salt. As the name implies, this point strengthens and fills the spirit level of a patient. The patient needing this point is neither drowning nor in need of resurrection, but rather requires a filling up of the spiritual "tank." It is a soothing and gently restorative point, nourishing, encouraging, warming, and resolving negativity.
CV 12: Middle Duct
A duct is a conduit or passageway through which things move. Located in the middle of the abdominal region, it opens the digestive flow when it has become clogged, sluggish or impacted – when food and drink are not smoothly and easily digested. At the level of the mind, one may suffer similar indigestion.
Thoughts, memories and future imaginings may stagnate and ruminate. Thinking may become stubborn and obsessional, leaving no room for fresh ideas or concepts (food for the mind) to enter. Such obscurations clog the free flow of spirit. Rather than being spontaneously open, curious and fascinated by the miracles of life, our vision becomes restricted, narrow and intolerant. From our "middle" – our spirit – when clear and unobstructed, we can turn to every direction and be nourished by every interaction and experience.
CV 22: Heaven Rushing Out
This point is a Window of the Sky, which can be used on its own or to reinforce windows (or other points) on any meridian. Located on the anterior median line of the neck, inferior to the cricoid cartilage, it has a direct effect on our expression, principally through speech. As most patients have been culturally conditioned to present an image or façade to the external world, much of what comes out of a patient's mouth in words is an attempt to live up to a false and imagined image; hence the call for this point.
With the word "Heavenly" in its name, we know that what is expressed from such a pristine and sacred place will be spontaneous ("rushing out") and true to one's authentic self – free from cultural or externally imposed conditioning. This point is considered for the patient who may be ready, but is unable to express his or her own truth. It is for the patient who, for example, wants deeply to express love to a partner, but is unable to get the words out; or who knows it is time to make amends to one he / she has hurt, but feels unable.
Similarly, the point can be used for the patient who says all the "right" things, knows all of the "New Age" buzzwords, talks the "talk," but does not walk the "walk." In other words, he or she does not live and act in accord with those high sounding words. This point brings what is innately good – "Heavenly" – out into the world.
Author's Note: I realize there are many interpretations and uses of these points in various traditions, and the above is not meant to encompass all possibilities. Also, English translations of point names are those taught by Professor J.R. Worsley and published in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, Volume 1: Meridians and Points by J.R. Worsley; published by Element Books, 1982.
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