Chong Mai Internal Branches in Anatomical Terms (Myofascial Focus)

Primary Origin and Lower Abdomen:

• Pathway: Originates inside the lower abdomen (in the uterus in women).
• Emerges: At the perineum.
• Acupuncture Point: Huiyin REN-1

  Ascending Branch Inside the Spinal Column:

• Pathway: One branch ascends inside the spinal column.

  Branch Emerging at Qichong ST-30:

• Pathway:
• Emerges at Qichong ST-30.
• Connects with the Kidney channel at Henggu KID-11.
• Ascends through the Kidney channel to Youmen KID-21.
• Disperses in the chest.
• Acupuncture Points:
• Qichong ST-30
• Henggu KID-11
• Youmen KID-21

  Throat Branch:

o    Pathway:

o    Ascends along the throat.

o    Curves around the lips.Terminates below the eye.

 Leg Branch:

o   Pathway:

o   Emerges at Qichong ST-30.

o   Descends the medial aspect of the legs.

o   Terminates on the sole of the foot.

o   Acupuncture Point: Qichong ST-30

  Heel and Big Toe Branch:

o    Pathway:

o    Separates at the heel.

o    Terminates at the big toe.

 

Myofascial and Osteopathic Correlates with the Chong Mai

Deep Front Line (Legs):

·         Flexor digitorum longus
·         Tibialis posterior
·         Popliteus
·         Adductor magnus
·         Iliopsoas

 

                                                                     

   Deep Front Line (Trunk):

• Pelvic floor muscles
• Transversus abdominis
• Internal oblique
• Diaphragm
• Psoas major and minor
• Quadratus lumborum
• Iliacus
• Lumbar vertebrae
• Anterior longitudinal ligament

Deep Front Line (Torso):

• Pericardium, Sternum

Deep Front Line (Neck and Head):  Deep cervical fascia, Scalenes, Longus colli, Longus capitis, Temporalis

  

Deep Front Arm Line: The DAFL is not technically part of the Chong Mai but is connected via the Yin Wei Mai. So if we understand that the frequency of nourishment as reflected by the Enteric nervous system (ENS), and a parasympathetically neutral environment is carried via the Pericardium/San Jiao.

·       Pectoralis minor

      Clavipectoral fascia

·         Biceps brachii

·         Coracobrachialis

·         Brachialis

·         Thenar muscles

 

Deadman, P., Al-Khafaji, M., & Baker, K. (2007). A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications. ISBN: 9780951054659.

Maciocia, G. (1989). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. Churchill Livingstone. ISBN: 9780443040142.

Myers, T. W. (2020). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists (4th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN: 9780702078132.

Soulié de Morant, G. (1994). Chinese Acupuncture. Paradigm Publications. ISBN: 9780912111206.