Points

• Opening: GB-41.
• Closure: TE-5 - coupled with Yang Wei Mai.
• LR-13 (some texts).
• GB-26 this point is called Dai Mai, like the meridian, it is very important.
• GB-27.
• GB-28.

Pathway

The Dai Mai Meridian begins between the two kidneys, at the level of Ming Meng. It is nourished by the Kidney meridian through the pathway of its divergent or distinct meridian.

Some texts say it begins at LR-13 and others at GB-26. It then contours the abdomen crossing with GB-27 and GB-28. It continues toward the groin and pubis.

• Zones of influence: Genitals, waist and hip.

Functions

The Dai Mai Meridian is the only meridian that circulates horizontally in the body. It is also called the girdle meridian. It influences the vertical meridians and especially those of the foot. It also has great relationship with the extraordinary vessels Du Mai, Ren Mai and Chong Mai.

According to the six layers, Dai Mai is Shao Yang. It is a hinge, helps the movement of the legs. It helps Yang Ming to internalize energy to nourish the legs, giving them strength. And it helps Tai Yang to open to externalize Wei Qi and defend the surface.

When Dai Mai is affected it causes weakness in the legs, lower back and abdomen and may be related to gynecological and fertility problems.

In some people an unequal constitution is seen of the upper and lower parts: thick legs and narrow torso or vice versa, large torso and thin and weak legs.

References from ancient texts

• Classic of Difficulties: "when the Dai Mai is diseased fullness of the abdomen (fullness) and weakness of the lower back occurs giving a sensation of sitting in water. The floating legs do not seem to be firmly treading".
• Mai Jing: "the Dai Mai contours the abdomen and umbilicus on both sides. This can produce lower back pain that extends toward the perineum and thighs." Belt-like lower back pain.
• ZinJaoTaiChan: "impotence of the hands and feet (the four limbs), in case of Wind-stroke (wind attack), pain and numbness, hands and feet contracted, headache, swelling and cheek pain; swelling, pain and redness of the eyes, vertigo, toothache, deafness, swelling of the throat, itching, leg pain, flanks. In all these cases you can needle GB-41". The coupled point of GB-41 is TE-5 (Yang Wei Mai).

Symptoms

• Belt-like lower back pain with difficulty standing. Pain radiates to the external genitals.
• Gynecological/uro-genital: leukorrhea and prolapse of the uterus (the belt is weak and does not hold the essence and it is lost). Spontaneous abortion. Lower abdominal pain. Damp-Heat in the lower burner.
• Paralysis, atrophy and weakness of the legs. See: Atrophy Syndrome.
• Pain and numbness of the limbs, especially of the legs. See: Ma Mu
• Temporo-parietal or occipital headaches (Shao Yang).
• Pain of the flanks (lateral).
• Pain in the lateral of the leg.
• Swelling and pain of the cheek, throat or eyes (relationship with Yang Wei Mai).
• Vertigo.
• Itching, skin eruptions.