Other Channels & Collaterals

1. Basic Concept

Divergent collaterals are the larger ones in the collateral. Together, the twelve main channels and the Ren and Du vessels respectively create one branch. Additionally, there is a large branch from the spleen channel to account for a total of fifteen channels, known collectively as the “ fifteen divergent collaterals. “ If the larger collateral of the stomach channels is counted, they are called “ sixteen divergent cllaterals “.

2. Distribution Regularly

Most of the divergent collaterals are oblique branches. They have a certain regularity in their distribution. On the four limbs, the divergent collaterals of the twelve channels branch out respectively from the proper channels at the sites below the elblow or knee. The collaterals of yin – channels join the yang – channels exterior – interiorly connected with them; and the collateals of yang – channels join the yin – channels exterior – interiorly connected with them. On the trunk, three collaterals are distributed on the anterior, posterior and lateral side of the body. The divergence of the Ren vessel spreads over the abdomen; the Du vessel runs through the back, spreads over the head and extends a branch that joins the foot – Taiyang channels; the large collateral of spleen channel spreads over the chest and hypochondrium.

3. Physiological Functions

3.1 To strengthen the relations between the to interiorly – exteriorly related channels of the twelve regular channels on the body surface

The connections and relations of the two interiorly – exeriorly related channels within the region of the limbs are established and strengthened by the yin collaterals which run into the yang channels and the yang collaterals which run into the yin channels.

3.2 To command all the collaterals of the body

Divergent Collaterals are the main trunk of collaterals, and play a leading function on numerous tiny collaterals. The Luo – connecting acupoints in the branches of divergent collaterals extended from the twelve regular channels and are the converging and hub of the collateral qi. The channel qi of the collaterals becomes smaller when branching out from the major divergent collaterals. The tiny collaterals branching out from the divergent collaterals are called “ the minute cllaterals “; the collaterals distributed on the surface of the skin are called “ the superficial collaterals “. Therefore, divergent collaterals can command tiny collaterals all over the body. The collaterals of the Ren vessel distribute on the abdominal area, while the Du vessel runs on the back region. The major collateral of the spleen runs on the thoraco – hyperchondriac region; thus the collaterals strengthen the connection of the anterior, posterior and lateral aspects of the body.

3.3 To carry qi and blood to nourish the tissues of the whole body

The minute collaterals and superficial collaterals branching out from divergent collateral, from small to large, are distributed all over the body. They scatter like a network and have wide connections with tissues all over the body. Therefore, they can make the qi and blood that run in the vessel disperse from linear to facet, and give full play to their nourishing function to the whole body.

1. Basic Concept

The channel sinews are tendon and muscle systems affiliated with the twelve channels. According to the running routes of twelve regular channels, the tendons and muscles of the whole body can be divided into the three yin and three channels of the hand and foot, making up the twelve channel sinews. As the affiliated part of the channel system, the functional activities of the twelve musculatures rely on the nourishment of qi and blood from the channels and are also regulated by the twelve regular channels.

2. Distribution Regularity

The distributions of the twelve channel sinews are basically consistent with the running routes of the twelve channels on the body surface. However, the running trends are not exactly the same. Their distribution characteristics are as follows: 1.The channel sinews all run from the ends of the limbs to the head or the trunk. 2.The three yin channels sinews all the hand and foot are distributed on the inner side of the limbs, while the three yang channels sinews of hand and foot are distributed on the outer side of the limbs. 3.The channels sinews are usually distributed on the body surface, converging and gathering at the joints and skeleton. 4.Some enter into the pleuroperitoneal cavity, but do not connect to viscera.

3. Physiological Functions

3.1 Connecting the four limbs and bones, and controlling the normal movements of the joints

The channel sinews are clustered close to the joints and bones, and are able to connect and bind bones all over the body. The antagonism between the yin channel sinews and yang channel sinews harmonizes the body movements including flexion and extension, rotation and pitching. The chapter “ Discussion on Flaccidity “ in Plain Questions states, “ Zongjin (sinew connected with the genital ) controls bones and lubricates joints. “

3.2 Protecting

In addition to being attached to skeleton, channel sinews are also distributed on the superficial part of the trunk and four limbs, and have the function of protecting the human body.

1. Basic Concept

The cutaneous regions are referred to as the regions divided according to the distributions of the channels and collaterals on the surface of the body. The chapter of On Cutaneous Region in Plain Questions states, “The skin can be divided into different regions”, and “The skin is the exterior region where the channels distribute.” This chapter also states, “The cutaneous regions aremarked by the regular channels,” and “The cutaneous regions are the parts of channel system located in the superficial region of the body.” Thus, the cutaneous regions belong to the region where the channels and collaterals distribute, and the channel – qi remains.

2. Distribution Regularity

Because there are twelve regular channels, the skin of the body surface is also divided into twelve corresponding parts called the “twelve cutaneous region”. The skin areas reflected by the twelve regular channels are different from channels and collaterals. The channels have string – like distributions; the collaterals are of net – like distributions; and the cutaneous regions are the divisions on the surface. The scope of their distribution roughly pertains to the location of the running course of the channel, but it is broader than the channels and collaterals.

3. Physiological Functions

3.1 Fighting against the exogenous evils and guarding the body.

Cutaneous regions locate around the superficial areas of human body, thus they are always exposed to the exogenous evils. At the very beginning of evil invasion, the cutaneous regions, coupled with defensive qi distributed over body surface serve to deal with the situation, so the body can be well protected.

3.2 Reflecting the morphological changes of internal viscera and channels – collaterals.

Twelve cutaneous regions belong to 12 channel – collaterals respectively, which belong to viscera. Consequently, the morphological changes of viscera and channels – collaterals can manifest in the corresponding cutaneous region(s). This understanding, in clinical practice, contribute to the diagnostic for a number of diseases.

3.3 Enriching therapeutic approaches and enhancing clinical effectiveness

As for the treating approaches using needles, it is recorded in the chapter of standard neelse of Spiritual Pivot that cutaneous regions can be needled with such approaches as intermuscular needling and skin needling. The modern needling methods such as dermal and intrademal needling are all developed from these ancient appraoches.

Desides, through the stimulation and penetration, combined with application, medicinal bath, moxibustion and hot package at acupoints, the treatment aiming at cutaneous regions shows favorable effectiveness in warming qi and blood, unblocking channels – collaterals, invigorating qi mechanism and enhancing body immunity.