Governing Vessel (Dū Mài, 督脉) is one of the eight extraordinary vessels in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yang in polarity. It governs all Yang channels of the body, strengthening the spine and brain.
| Chinese | 督脉 |
| Pinyin | Dū Mài |
| Group | extraordinary |
| Yin / Yang | Yang |
| Number of points | 28 |
| Master point | SI3 |
| Coupled point | BL62 |
The Governing Vessel originates in the lower abdomen, emerges at the perineum (DU1), ascends along the midline of the sacrum and spine to the nape of the neck. It enters the brain at DU16, continues over the vertex, forehead, and nose, terminating at the upper lip (DU28). Internal branches connect to the Kidneys, brain, and heart.
It governs all Yang channels of the body, strengthening the spine and brain. It regulates Qi and Blood in the back, supports Kidney Yang, and influences mental clarity and consciousness.
Disorders manifest as stiffness and pain along the spine, tremors, epilepsy, mental disorders, and urinary incontinence. Headaches, dizziness, and problems with the brain or nervous system are also common.
The Governing Vessel originates in the lower abdomen, emerges at the perineum (DU1), ascends along the midline of the sacrum and spine to the nape of the neck. It enters the brain at DU16, continues over the vertex, forehead, and nose, terminating at the upper lip (DU28). Internal branches connect to the Kidneys, brain, and heart.
It governs all Yang channels of the body, strengthening the spine and brain. It regulates Qi and Blood in the back, supports Kidney Yang, and influences mental clarity and consciousness.
The Governing Vessel has 28 acupuncture points, from DU1 to DU28.