(225) Usages of 8 Extra Vessels

[HB KIM]

Usages of 8 Extra Vessels

1. Combinations
LU7 (Ren) + KD6 (Yinqiao)
SI3 (Du) + UB62 (Yangqiao)
PC6 (Yinwei) + SP4 (Chong)
SJ5 (Yangwei) + GB41 (Dai)

2. Reserviors
The concept of the Eight Extra Vessels comes from the experience of ancient civilizations and the vital need for water.  Cities thrived near rivers, but all was lost in times of flooding.  Wise men developed ways to divert the flood waters away from the cities through canals and into reservoirs.  This not only prevented flooding, but also created a water source to be used in times of need.  This is the intelligent design of all living beings.  Qi and blood routinely flow through the main channels.  When there is an excess of qi and blood, it is diverted into the Extra Vessels, which serve as a reservoir.  That is why the Chong and Du channels are called the "Sea of Blood" and the "Sea of Yang."  When there is a deficiency of qi or blood, the reserve sources stored in the Extra Vessels can be used.   

3. Warfare
Consider warfare.  If an army is strong and the enemy is weak, there is no need to call for additional troops.  However, if the army has been weakened and the enemy is stronger, the general will call in the reserves for assistance.  Think of the army as the Righteous Qi, the enemy as the Pathogenic Qi, and the Eight Extra Vessels as the reserves.  An appropriate circumstance for choosing Eight Extra Vessel treatment is in the case of disease in which the Righteous Qi (army) is weak and Pathogenic Qi (enemy) is strong, as is often the case of chronic disease (long term warfare).