Twelve Regular Channels

Pathways and Distribution of Channels and Cllaterals

The twelve regular channels run bilaterally and symmetrically throughout the body.Each channel follows a specific course of distribution and has specific connections in the body.

1. Regularity in Course and Connection

The chapter of Abnormality , Normality ,Obesity and Emaciation in the Spiritual Pivot states , “The three yin channels of the hand travel from the viscera to the hand ; the three yang channels of the hand run from the hand to the head ; the three yang channels of the hand run from the hand to the head ; the three yang channels of the foot go from the head to the foot ; the three yin channels of the foot run from the foot to the abdomen.” For example , the three yin channels of the hand travel from the chest to the ends of the fingers , then connect with the three yang channels of the hand ; the three yang channels of the hand run from the end of the fingers to the head and the face , then communicate with three yang channels of the foot ; the three yang channels of the foot go from the face and the head down to the end of the toes , then connect with three yin channels of the foot ; the three yin channels of the foot start from the toes and go up to the abdomen and chest to connect with three yin channels of the hand .Thus , forming “ a circulative pathway of inter-connection of yin and yang channels which travel in the body endlessly like a cycle. ”( Chapter of the Production and Convergence of Nutrient-qi and Defensive-qi in Spiritual Pivot )

Along the course and connections of the twelve channels , the connecting parts present with regularity. The exterior-interior related yin and yang channels connect with each other at the ends of limbs. Specifically ,the three exterior-interior related yin and the three exterior-interior yang hand channels connect at the ends of upper limbs ( fingers ). The three exterior-interior related yin and the three exterior -interior related yang channels of the foot connect at the ends of lower limbs ( toes ). The yang channels of hand and foot that share the same name connect in the head and face ; yin channels of foot and hand connect on the thorax (Fig. 1).

2. Regularity in Distribution

The twelve channels on the body surface have a certain regularity in their distribution.

2.1 In the four limbs

Yin channels distribute on the medial sides , and yang channels on the lateral sides of the limbs. The anterior border is supplied by the Taiyin and Yangming Channels ; the midline by the Jueyin and Shaoyang Channnels ; the posterior border by the Shaoyin and Taiyang Channels (Tab. 5-1 ). On the medial side of lower limb , 8 cun below the medial malleolus , the channel distribution deviates from the patterns stated above. Instead , the Jueyin channel of foot runs in the anterior aspect , and the Taiyin channel of spleen in the middle. The two channels cross at the region of 8 cun above the medial malleolus and revert to the normal distribution.

Regular distribution of the twelve channels in the four limbs

Yin Channel (zang – viscus)	Running Rout (yin in medial side, yang channel in the lateral side)		Yang Channel (fu – viscus)
Lung Channel of Hand – Taiyin	Upper limb	Anterior line	Large Intestine of Hand – Yangming
Pericardium Channel of Hand -Jueyin		Middle line	Triple – jiao channel of Hand – Taiyang
Heat Channel of Hand – Shaoyin		Posterior line	Small Intestine Channel of Hand – Taiyang
Spleen Channel of Foot- Taiyin	Lower limb	Anterior line	Stomach Channel of Foot – yangming
Liver Channel of Foot – Jueyin		Middle line	Callbladder Channel of Foot -Shaoyang
Kidney Channel of Foot – Shaoyin		Posterior line	Bladder Channel of Foot – Taiyang

The Liver Channel runs along the anterior – line on the lower part of the leg and dorsum of the foot. The spleen channel runs along the midline , and these two channels cross each other 8 cun above the medial malleolus. At this point , the Spleen Channel runs along the anterior – line , while the Liver Channel runs along the midline.

2.2 On the head and face

“The head is the confluence of yang channels.” The hand and the foot yang channels are distributed on the head and the face.Among them , the Hand – Foot yangming Channels are distributed on the face and the forehead ; the Hand – Foot Shaoyang Channels travel along lateral aspect of the head ; and the Hand – Foot Taiyang Channels run along the cheek , the vertex , and the back of the head.

2.3 On the trunk of the body

The twelve channels all connect with the trunk in their running course and distribution. Their distribution regularity is as follows ; the three yin channels of the hand all emerge from the area below the axilla , whereas three yin channels of the foot run through the abdominal regions. Passing through the abdominal region , the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Channel is the first channel moving outwards from the midline. Moving laterally is the Foot Yangming Stomach Channel followed by the Foot Taiyin Spleen Channel and the Foot Jueyin Liver Channel.

A noteworthy point is that the twelve channels run symmetrically on the left and right sides of the body on the trunk , head ,face and limbs. This means that each side is comprised of twelve channels. Each yin channel and yang channel have an exteriorly – interiorly related respectively affiliate and connect to the exteriorly – interiorly related viscera. At the same time , they run along corresponding parts on the interior of the four limbs.

Interior – Exterior Relationships

The three yin and three yang channels of the hand and foot comprise six pairs of channels of “exterior – interior correspondence” through many communication approaches.

Exterior – Interior Correspondence

Exterior	Hand Yangming	Hand Shaoyang	Hand Taiyang	Foot Yangming	Foot Shaoyang	Foot Taiyang
Interior	Hand Taiyiin	Hand Jueyin	Hand Shaoyin	Hand Taiyin	Foot Jueyin	Foot Shaoyin

The two interior – exterior related channels connect at the end of the four extremities and respectively communicate with the extriorly – interiorly connected viscera. For example , the Foot Taiyang Channel pertains to the urinary bladder and communicates with the kidney ; the Foot Shaoyin Channel pertains to the kidney and communicates with the urinary bladder. They communicate with channel divergences and divergent collaterals , forming many kinds of communicative relationships among the exterior – interior channels. The sixty – seventh Problem in the Original Meaning of the “Classic on Medical Problems ” (Nanjing Benyi ) states that “ the channels and collaterals are where qi communicates and fills.” The exterior – interior relationships among the channels are basis to form the close connection of zang – fu viscera.

Order of Cyclical Flow

The twelve channels are the main passageways for the circulation of qi and blood and are distributed over the interior and exterior of the body.The qi and blood circulate endlessly in the channels. Beginning with the Lung Channel of the Hang Taiyin ,and ending with the Liver Channel of the Foot Jueyin in a particular order , this process then returns once more to the Lung Channel. The inter – connection of the beginning and ending – spot is similar to a cycle , with the order of this flow begin as follows (Fig. 2):

Running Routes of Twelve Channels

1. Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin

The channel originates in the middle – jiao , running downward to connect with the large intestine. Winding back , it runs along the two openings of the stomach ( the lower opening is the pylorus and the upper one is the cardia ) and passes through the diaphragm to then enter the lung , its belonging viscus. It then ascends to the throat and transversely runs to the superolateral aspect of the chest ( zhongfu , LU 1 ) . The channel comes out from the axilla , descends along the anterior border of the flexor aspect of the upper limb and passes through the cubital fossa to enter cunkou { the radial artery at the wrist for pulse feeling ). It then arrives at the thenar eminence and reaches the radial side of the tip of the thumb ( Shaoshang , LU 11 ) .

The branch : Emerging from the proximal part of the wrist ( Lieque , LU 7 ) , it runs along the dorsal aspect of the palm to the radial side of the tip of the index finger ( Shangyang , LI. 1 )where it links the large intestine channel of hand Yangming (Fig. 3).

2. Large Intestine Channel of Hand Yangming

The channel originates at the radial side of the tip of the index finger ( Shangyang , LI 1).Passing through the dorsum of the hand , it runs upward along the anterior border of the extensor aspect of the upper limb and arrives at the anterior aspect of the shoulder joint. It then runs backward to the site beneath the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra ( Dazhui , GV 14 ) ,and runs forward and downward to the supraclavicular fossa ( Quepen , ST 12 ). From there , it enters the thoracic cavity to connect with the lung , and further passes through the diaphragm to terminate at the large intestine , its belonging viscus.

The breach : Emerging from Quepen ( ST 12 ) , it runs upwards through the neck to the cheek , and enters the gums of the lower teeth. Then returning and running by the mouth , it crosses the opposite channel at the philtrum , and runs to the site beside the opposite wing of the nose ( Yingxiang , LI 20 ) , where it connects the stomach channel of foot Yangming (Fig. 4).

3. The Stomach Channel of Foot Yangming

It originates from the site beside the wing of the nose ( Yingxiang LI 20 ) and ascends along the brighe to the root of the nose where the left and the right channels meet. It then runs laterally to the inner cantus where it meets withe the bladder channel of foot Taiyang. The channel then runs downward along the lateral side of the bridge of the nose to enter the upper gums of the teeth. Returning , it runs by the mouth to curve around the lips and then meets the opposite channel at the mentolabial groove ( changjiang , GV 24 ). Turning back , it runs along the posterior – inferior border of the mandible to the site anterior to the angle of the mandible ( Daying , ST 5 ). It then ascends in front of the ear , passing through Shangguan point ( GB 3 ) and runs along the anterior hairline to reach the forehead.

Branch 1 : Emerging in front of Dying acupiont , it runs downward to Renying acupoint ( ST 9 ). Along the throat , it runs backward and downward to Dazhui (GV 14 0. Turning back , it runs forward to Quepen ( ST 12 ) and then runs deep into the cavity of the body , descending through the diaphragm and entering the stomach , its belonging viscus , and connecting with the spleen.

The straight portion : Starting from Quepen ( ST 12 ) ,it runs downward along the midclavicular line and by the umbilicus to Qichong , located at the superior to inguinal groove.

Branch 2 : Emerging from the lower opening of the stomach ( pylorus ) , it descends along the inside of the abdomen to Qichong , where it joins the straight portion. Then , it runs downward along the anterior aspect of the thigh towards the knee. Descending along the anterior border of the lateral aspect of the tibia it arrives at dorsum of the foot. It then enters the lateral side of the tip of the 2nd toe (Lidui ST 45 ).

Branch 3 : Emerging from the site 3cun below the knee ( Zusanli , ST 36 ) ,it descends and enters the lateral side of the tip of the middle toe.

Branch 4 : Arising from Chongyang ( ST 42 ) it runs forward to the medial side of the tip of the big toe ( Yinbai , SP 1 ) , where it links the spleen channel of foot Taiyin (Fig. 5).

4. The Spleen Channel of Foot Taiyin

The channel originates from the medial side of the tip of the big toe ( Yinbai , SP 1 ). It runs along the junction of the red and the white skin on the medial aspect of the foot. From there ,it ascends along the anterior border of the medial malleolus and along the mid – line of the medial aspect of the leg to the site 8cun above the medial malleolus. At this point , it crosses the liver channel of the foot Jueyin and continues in front of this channel. It ascends along the anterior border of the medial aspect of the thigh , enters the abdomen , arrives at the spleen , its belonging viscus , and connects with the stomach. Running upward through the diaphragm , it runs alongside the esophagus , reaches the root of the tongue , and scatters its collaterals over the lower surface of the tongue.

The branch : Arising from the stomach , it ascends through the diaphragm and enters the heart , linking with the heart channel of hand Shaoyin (Fig. 6).

5. The Heart Channel of Hand Shaoyin

It originates from the heart , enters the heart connector , runs downward through the diaphragm and connects with the small intestine.

The branch : Coming out from the heart connector , it runs upward alongside the esophagus to connect with the eye connectors.

The straight portion : Emerging from the heart connector , the channel runs through the lung. It then descends and runs superficially from the axilla ( Jiquan , HT 1 ). Along the posterior border of the medial aspect the upper limb , it runs and passes through the cubital fossa . Near the styloid process of the ulna , it enters the palm. Then it runs along the radial side of the little finger to its tip ( Shaochong , HT 9) and links the small intestine channel of the hand Taiyang (Fig. 7).

6. The Small Intestine Channel of Hand Taiyang

The channel originates at the tip of the ulnar side of the little finger ( Shaoze, SP 1 ). Following the posterior border of lateral aspect of the dorsum and upper limbs, it runs and passes the cubital region, reaching the region posterior to the shoulder joint. After winding through the scapular region, it reaches the superior part of the shoulder ( Dazhui, GV 14 ). It then runs forward to Quepen ( ST 12 ), enters the body cavity to connect with the heart, descends along the esophagus, passes through the diaphragm, reaches the stomach ,and finally enters the small intestine, its belonging viscus.

Branch1 : Emerging from Quepen ( ST 12 ), it ascends along the neck to the cheek. Arriving at the outer canthus, it then runs back and enters the ear ( Tinggong, SP 19 ).

Branch2 : Emerging from the cheek, it runs up to the infraorbital region, then reaches the inner canthus ( Jingming, BL 1 ) to link with the bladder channel of foot Taiyang (Fig. 8).

7. The Bladder Channel of Foot Taiyang

The channel originates from the inner canthus ( Jingming, BL 1 ). Ascending to the forehead, it reaches the vertex ( Baihui, GV 20 ) and meets its opposite channel there.

Branch 1 : Arising from the vertex, it runs to the region above the ear apex.
The straight portion : Starting from the vertex, the channel runs backward to the occipital region where it enters the cranial cavity to communicate with the brain. Returning, it descends to the nape ( Tianzhu, BL 10 ), and further to Dazhui ( GV 14 ), meeting its opposite channel. It then runs down the medial aspect of the scapula at a measurement of 1.5cun lateral to the vertebral column. Arriving at the lumbar region (Shenshu, BL 23 ), it enters the body cavity via the paravertebral muscles to connect with the kidney and join its belonging viscus, the bladder.

Branch 2 : Branching out from the lumbar region, it descends alongside the vertebral column, and passes through the gluteal region. Then following the posterior aspect of the thigh, it ends at the popliteal fossa (Weizhong, BL 40).

Branch 3 : Starting at the nape ( Tianzhu, BL 10 ), it descends along the medial aspect of the scapula. From Fufen ( BL 41 ), it descends alongside the vertebral column ( 3cun ) to the region of the greater trochanter. It then runs down along the posterior aspect of the lateral side of the thigh to the popliteal fossa, where it meets the preceding branch. It further runs down and passes the musculus gastrocnemius. Passing by the posterior of the lateral malleolus, it runs along the lateral border of the dorsum of the foot and reaches the lateral side of the tip of the little toe ( Zhiyin, BL 67 ),where it links with the kidney channel of foot Shaoyin (Fig. 9).

8. Kidney Channel of Foot Shaoyin

It originates at the inferior aspect the little toe and runs obliquely through the center of the sole ( Yongquan, KL ). Emerging from the lower aspect of the tuberosity of the navicular bone, it runs behind the medial malleolus and branches out to enter the heel. Ascending along the posterior border of the medial aspect of the leg to the medial side of the popliteal fossa, it runs further upwards along the posteromedial border of the thigh to enter the vertebral column ( Changqiang, GV 1 ). Passing through the vertebral column, it enters the kidney, its belonging viscus, and connects with the bladder.
The straight portion : Starting from the kidney, it ascends and passes through the liver and diaphragm; then it enters the lung, and runs along the throat up to the tongue, ending on the two sides of it.

The branch : Arising from the lung, it connects with the heart and enters the chest to link the pericardium channel of hand Jueyin (Fig. 10).

9. The Pericardium Channel of Hand Jueyin

It ogiginatates from the inside of the chaest. Emerging, it enters its belonging viscus, the pericardium. Then, it descends through the diaphagm to connect successively with the upper, middle, and lower – jiao.

Branch 1 : Arising from the chest, it runs transversely and emerges superficially from the costal region at a point 3cun below the anterior axillary fold ( Tianchi, PC 1 ). Then, it ascends to the axilla; following the midline of the medial aspect of the upper limb, it enters the cubital fossa, passes through the wrist, and enters the palm ( Laogong, PC 8). It further runs along the radial aspect of the middle finger to its tip ( Zhongchong, PC 9 ).

Branch 2 : Coming out from the center of palm, it runs along the ulnar aspect of the ring finger to its tip ( Guanchong , TE 1 ) , and links the Triple – Jiao Channel of Hand Shaoyang (Fig. 11).

10. The Triple – Jiao Channel of Hand Shaoyang

It originates from the end of the ulnar aspect of the ring finger ( Guanchong, TE 1 ). Ascending along the ulnar aspect of the ring finger to the dorsal aspect of the wrist, it runs upward between the radius and ulna. Passing through the olecranon and along the lateral aspect of the upper arm, it reaches the shoulder region. From there it runs anterior and enters Quepen ( ST 12 ) and further scatters over and connects with the pericardium. Passing through the diaphragm, it successively enters the upper – middle and lower – jiao, its belonging viscus.

Branch 1: Arising from the pericardium, it ascends and then emerges from Quepen ( ST 12 ), and runs to the shoulder region. Meeting its opposite channel at the Dazhui ( GV 14 ), it ascends to the nape, and runs by the posterior border of the ear ( Yifeng, TE 7 ), running directly up to the region superior to the apex of the ear. It then curves downward to the cheek and arrives at the infraobital region.

Branch 2: Emerging from the retrouricular region, it enters the ear, comes out in front of the ear and passes by the area anterior to Shangguan point ( GB 3 ) to cross the preceding branch at the cheek. It further runs to the outer canthus ( Tongziliao, GB 1 ) to link with the gallbladder channel of foot Shaoyang (Fig. 12).

11. The Gallbladder Channel of Foot Shaoyang

It originates from the outer canthus ( Tongziliao, GB 1 ) and ascends to the corner of the forehead ( Hanyan, GB 14 ). The channel then turns downward to the retroauricular region ( Wangu, GB 12 ) and turns back to re – ascend through the forehead to the superior region of the eyebrow ( Yangbai, GB 14 ). Hereafter it returns and runs down to Fengchi point ( GB 20 ), descending along the neck to the shoulder where it meets its opposite channel at Dazhui (GV 14 ). After this, it finally reaches Quepen (ST 12 ).

Branch 1 : Arising from the retroauricular region, it enters the ear, comes back out, passes the preauricular region, and runs up to the posterior aspect of the outer canthus.

Branch 2 : Emerging from the outer canthus ( Tongziliao, GB 1 ), it descends to the Daying ( ST 5 ) where it meets the branch of the Triple – Jiao Channel of Hand Shaoyang at the cheek, and arrives at the infraorbital region. It then returns and runs down through the angle of the mandible to the neck; meeting the main channel at Quepen ( ST 12 ). From there it enters the body cavity, passes through the diaphragm to connect with the liver, and enters its belonging viscus, the gallbladder. Then it runs inside the hypochondriac region to the inguinal region. From there it emerges and runs superficially along the margin of the public hair and transversely runs into the Huantiao acupoint ( GB 30 ) at the hip region.

The straight portion : Starting from the Quepen ( ST 12 ），it runs downward to the axilla, further descends along the lateral aspect of the chest and through the floating ribs to Huantiao point ( GB 30 ) where it meets the preceding branch. Then it again runs downward along the lateral aspect of the thigh and the lateral side of the knee joint. Going down in front of the fibula it directly reaches the lower end of the fibula. Coming out superficially at the anterior aspect of the external malleous, finally it runs along the dorsum of the foot to the lateral aspect of the tip of the 4th toe ( Foot Qiaoyin, GB 44 ).

Branch 3 : Branching out at the dorsum of the foot ( foot – Linqi, GB 41 ), it runs anterior to the lateral aspect of the tip of the big toe. Returning, it passes through the nail and arrives at the hairy region of the big toe, where it links the Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin (Fig. 13).

12. The Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin

It originates from the dorsal hairy region of the big toe, and ascends along the dorsum of the foot to the region 1cun anterior to the medial malleolus ( Zhongfeng, LV 4 ). It then runs superior along the medial border of the tibia to a site 8cun above the medial malleolu. From here, it crosses the Spleen Channel of Foot Taiyin, runs alongside the medial side of the knee, and continues along the midline of the medial aspect of the thigh to the pubic hairy region. Curving around the external genitalia, it runs up to the lower abdomen and enters the abdominal cavity. It runs by the stomach, enters its belonging viscus, the liver, and connects with the gallbladder. After that, it ascends through the diaphragm, branching out to spread over the costal and hypochondriac region. The channel then ascends along the posterior aspect of the throat to the nasopharynx and runs up to link the eye connector. Emerging from the forehead, it runs up to the vertex where it meets Du vessel at the Baihui ( GV 20 ).

Branch 1 : Arising from the eye connector, it descends, runs along the inside of the cheek, and curves round the inner surface of the lips.

Branch 2 : Coming our of the liver, it ascends through the diaphragm and enters the lung to connect with the Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin (Fig. 14).