Yin Linking Vessel (Yīn Wéi Mài, 阴维脉) is one of the eight extraordinary vessels in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin in polarity. This vessel is responsible for linking and integrating all the yin channels, regulating the yin qi of the body.
| Chinese | 阴维脉 |
| Pinyin | Yīn Wéi Mài |
| Group | extraordinary |
| Yin / Yang | Yin |
| Master point | PC6 |
| Coupled point | SP4 |
The Yin Linking Vessel begins on the medial aspect of the lower leg at KI9 (Zhubin), its Xi-cleft point, about 5 cun above the medial malleolus. It ascends the medial thigh to the lower abdomen, where it meets the Spleen channel at SP13, then rises through SP15 and SP16 and crosses the hypochondrium to meet the Liver channel at LR14. From there it ascends through the chest and diaphragm, flanks the throat and meets the Ren Mai at REN22 and REN23; some classical texts describe it continuing up to the front of the vertex. Along its course it links all the yin channels of the body.
This vessel is responsible for linking and integrating all the yin channels, regulating the yin qi of the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of yin and blood, particularly in the interior. It also influences the heart, chest, and stomach, and has a connection to emotional and mental well-being.
Disorders of the Yin Linking Vessel often manifest as internal urgency, characterized by sensations of fullness or pain in the chest, heart, and stomach. Other symptoms can include mental-emotional disturbances such as anxiety, depression, and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Issues related to the heart and blood, like palpitations or blood stasis, may also arise.
The Yin Linking Vessel begins on the medial aspect of the lower leg at KI9 (Zhubin), its Xi-cleft point, about 5 cun above the medial malleolus. It ascends the medial thigh to the lower abdomen, where it meets the Spleen channel at SP13, then rises through SP15 and SP16 and crosses the hypochondrium to meet the Liver channel at LR14. From there it ascends through the chest and diaphragm, flanks the throat and meets the Ren Mai at REN22 and REN23; some classical texts describe it continuing up to the front of the vertex. Along its course it links all the yin channels of the body.
This vessel is responsible for linking and integrating all the yin channels, regulating the yin qi of the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of yin and blood, particularly in the interior. It also influences the heart, chest, and stomach, and has a connection to emotional and mental well-being.