The Dai Mai and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels: Neurological Focus

 The Dai Mai, or Girdle Vessel, is one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These vessels are considered the foundational pathways in the body’s energetic system, often referred to as the Channels of First Ancestry or Primary Ancestry. The Eight Extraordinary Vessels, including the Dai Mai, are believed to carry the inherited Qi and Jing (essence) from one's ancestors, forming the deep, constitutional layers of the body's energy system.

The Chong Mai: Nerve and Myofascial Integration

 Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with neuroscience and medical chemistry presents the challenge of reconceptualizing how classical descriptions represent reactions in the nervous system. This requires both a qualitative understanding of the nervous system's portrayal in ancient texts and a quantitative, reproducible, and objective method to ensure effective treatment, forming a comprehensive approach to contemporary clinical practice.

Chong Mai (Nerve Focused)

 Chong Mai (Nerve Focused)

1. Branch 1: Origin and Lower Abdomen

Chong Mai Internal Branches in Anatomical Terms (Myofascial Focus)

Primary Origin and Lower Abdomen:

Neuro and myofascial Correspondences in the Chong Mai

TCM Description	Anatomy	Nerves (Symp/Parasym)	Myofascial Line (DFL)	Reflexes/ Plexuses	Acupuncture Points
Originates inside the lower abdomen (in the uterus in women), emerges at the perineum	Originates in the lower abdomen and pelvic cavity	Lumbar plexus (L1-L5), Sacral plexus (S1-S4) (*Parasympathetic)	DFL - Legs: Pelvic floor muscles, iliopsoas	Pelvic floor reflexes	Huiyin REN-1
Ascends inside the spinal column	Ascends through the abdominal cavity, following the anterior aspect of the spine	Lumbar plexus (L1-L5) (*Parasympathetic)	DFL - Trunk: Transversus abdominis, internal oblique	Abdominal reflexes, Enteric nervous system (submucosal and myenteric plexuses)
Connects with the Kidney channel at Henggu KID-11, ascends through the Kidney channel to Youmen KID-21, disperses in the chest	Connects with the kidneys, traversing the paravertebral muscles and fascia	T12-L2 (innervation of kidney area) (*Sympathetic)	DFL - Trunk: Psoas major and minor, quadratus lumborum	Renal reflexes, Renal plexus	Qichong ST-30, Henggu KID-11, Dahe KID-12, Qixue KID-13, Siman KID-14, Zhongzhu KID-15, Huangshu KID-16, Shangqu KID-17, Shiguan KID-18, Yindu KID-19, Futonggu KID-20, Youmen KID-21
Continues to ascend through the thoracic cavity, impacting the diaphragm	Ascends through the thoracic cavity, impacting the diaphragm	Phrenic nerve (C3-C5) (*Parasympathetic), Thoracic spinal nerves (T1-T12) (*Sympathetic)	DFL - Trunk: Diaphragm, DFL - Neck: Deep cervical fascia	Thoracic and diaphragmatic reflexes, Celiac plexus, Splanchnic nerves (*Sympathetic)
Extends into the chest region, influencing the thoracic organs	Extends into the chest region, influencing the thoracic organs	Thoracic spinal nerves (T1-T12) (*Sympathetic)	DFL - Trunk: Deep cervical fascia, DFL - Neck: Longus colli, longus capitis, temporalis	Intercostal and upper thoracic reflexes, Cardiac plexus, Pulmonary plexus (*Parasympathetic)
Ascends along the throat, curves around the lips, terminates below the eye	Ascends along the throat, curves around the lips, terminates below the eye	Various cranial nerves (*Parasympathetic)	DFL - Neck: Scalenes, deep cervical fascia	Primitive reflexes affecting the head and neck regions
Emerges at Qichong ST-30, descends the medial aspect of the legs, terminates on the sole of the foot	Descends the medial aspect of the legs	Lumbar and sacral plexuses (*Parasympathetic)	DFL - Legs: Adductor magnus, tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus	Lower limb reflexes	Qichong ST-30
Separates at the heel, terminates at the big toe	Separates at the heel, terminates at the big toe	Lumbar and sacral plexuses (*Parasympathetic)	DFL - Legs: Flexor digitorum longus, tibialis posterior	Lower limb reflexes