Primitive Reflexes, Sinew Channels, and Eight Extraordinary Vessels

 Primitive Reflexes, Sinew Channels, and Eight Extraordinary Vessels

1. Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)

   • Corresponds to:
     • Tai Yang Sinew Channels (Urinary Bladder and Small Intestine)
     • Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
   • Role: TLR influences the development of muscle tone and balance by responding to changes in head position relative to gravity. This reflex is foundational for the activation of the deep spinal muscles and upright posture, aligning with the functions of the Du Mai and Tai Yang channels.

2. Landau Reflex

   • Corresponds to:
     • Tai Yang Sinew Channels
     • Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
   • Role: The Landau Reflex helps in the extension of the spine and the posterior chain, which are essential for maintaining an upright posture. This reflex integrates well with the Du Mai and the Tai Yang sinew channels, contributing to spinal extension and stability.

3. Head Righting Reflex

   • Corresponds to:
     • Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
     • Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
   • Role: The Head Righting Reflex helps maintain proper head alignment in response to changes in body position. The Ren and Du Mai work together to stabilize the body’s central axis, ensuring that the head remains aligned with the spine and body during movement.

4. Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)

   • Corresponds to:
     • Tai Yang Sinew Channels
     • Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
   • Role: STNR helps the infant transition from lying to sitting and crawling by coordinating the movements of the upper and lower body. The Tai Yang sinew channels support the back muscles, while the Ren Mai coordinates the core.

5. Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

   • Corresponds to:
     • Shao Yang Sinew Channels (Gallbladder and San Jiao)
     • Dai Mai (Belt Vessel)
   • Role: ATNR affects the body’s lateral movements and rotational stability. It aligns with the Dai Mai and the Gallbladder sinew channel, which contribute to the body's ability to rotate and stabilize during movement.

6. Spinal Galant Reflex

   • Corresponds to:
     • Tai Yang Sinew Channels
     • Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
   • Role: This reflex is activated by stimulation along the sides of the spine, promoting flexibility and movement of the hips. It aligns with the Du Mai and the Urinary Bladder sinew channel, which support the spine and back muscles.

7. Core Tendon Guard Reflex (CTG)

   • Full-Body Version:
     • Corresponds to:
       • Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
       • Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
       • Dai Mai (Belt Vessel)
   • Role: The CTG Reflex involves a full-body contraction in response to a perceived threat, engaging the core muscles to protect the spine and internal organs. The Du Mai and Ren Mai provide upright support, while the Dai Mai stabilizes the midsection, making them integral to the full-body CTG reflex.
   • Achilles Version:
     • Corresponds to:
       • Urinary Bladder (Leg Tai Yang) Sinew Channel
       • Kidney (Leg Shao Yin) Sinew Channel
   • Role: The Achilles version of the CTG Reflex relates to the body's response to stress or impact on the lower limbs. The Urinary Bladder sinew channel influences the Achilles tendon, while the Kidney sinew channel is crucial for grounding and stabilizing the body.

8. Palmar Grasp Reflex

   • Corresponds to:
     • Lung (Arm Tai Yin) Sinew Channel
     • Large Intestine (Arm Yang Ming) Sinew Channel
     • Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel)
   • Role: The Palmar Grasp Reflex involves the reflexive clenching of the fingers when the palm is stimulated. The Lung sinew channel governs the inner aspect of the arm and hand, while the Large Intestine sinew channel influences the outer arm and hand. This reflex is essential for early motor development and grasping behavior.

9. Plantar Grasp Reflex

   • Corresponds to:
     • Kidney (Leg Shao Yin) Sinew Channel
     • Spleen (Leg Tai Yin) Sinew Channel
     • Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel)
   • Role: The Plantar Grasp Reflex, which involves the toes curling in response to stimulation of the sole, is related to the Kidney and Spleen sinew channels. These channels run along the inner legs and connect to the feet, playing a vital role in grounding and stabilizing the body, particularly in preparation for standing and walking.

10. Rooting Reflex

    • Corresponds to:
      • Stomach (Leg Yang Ming) Sinew Channel
      • Large Intestine (Arm Yang Ming) Sinew Channel
      • Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
    • Role: The Rooting Reflex, where an infant turns its head and opens its mouth in response to cheek stimulation, is related to the Yang Ming sinew channels. The Stomach channel runs along the face, while the Large Intestine channel influences the side of the face and mouth. This reflex is essential for feeding and early development.

11. Moro Reflex

    • Corresponds to:
      • Small Intestine (Arm Tai Yang) Sinew Channel
      • Urinary Bladder (Leg Tai Yang) Sinew Channel
      • Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
    • Role: The Moro Reflex, or startle reflex, involves the sudden extension and then flexion of the arms in response to a startling stimulus. The Tai Yang sinew channels govern the back and outer arms, facilitating this protective, whole-body response to sudden changes in the environment.