World of Shiatsu

The 8 Extraordinary Vessels

The extraordinary vessels, sometimes referred to as the extraordinary or curious meridians, serve, above all else, to regulate energy circulation and consequently influence all bodily functions. Unlike the normal meridians, they do not have specific points, but each has a “regulation point” known as the Master or Key Point, which can be manipulated towards expansion or contraction. Generally speaking, they play 3 roles:
1. They are the main (though not the only) channel for the circulation of ancestral energy and are therefore involved in the regulation and programming of all bodily functions.
2. They supplement the system of ordinary meridians by virtue of their energy potential.
3. They are not directly integrated in the energy circulation of the main meridians, and provide extra assistance in the fight against stressful climatic energies, preventing them penetrating the organs and gut, especially when other defences break down.