Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)

CV Ren Mai 任脉 Yin Conception 📍 24 points ➡️ Genitaliën → Kin 🔗 Paired with GV

Introduction & pathophysiology

The Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) regulates all Yin meridians and reproduction. In dysfunction, we see menstrual disorders, infertility, urinary problems, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. The 24 points run along the midline of the abdomen and chest. This is the Sea of Yin. The meridian has no specific peak hour as it regulates all Yin meridians.

Functions within TCM

1. Regulates all Yin meridians
2. Controls reproduction
3. Regulates digestion
4. Influences respiration
5. Nourishes the uterus

Clinical applications

**Gynecology:** Menstrual disorders, infertility
**Digestive:** Stomach pain, reflux, hernia
**Respiration:** Asthma, bronchitis, chest tightness
**Urinary:** Incontinence, frequent urination
**General:** Exhaustion, low energy

Primary dysfunction patterns

CV Qi stagnationAbdominal pain, bloatingCV Yang deficiencyCold uterus, infertilityCV Yin deficiencyDry mouth, vaginal drynessCV Blood deficiencyMenstrual disorders, paleness

Key points

CV-4Fatigue, infertility, urineCV-6Fatigue, digestion, asthmaCV-12Digestion, nausea, herniaCV-17Asthma, chest tightness, lactationCV-22Asthma, cough, sore throat

Point selection per pattern

CV Qi stagnationCV-12, CV-17LI-4, ST-36CV Yang deficiencyCV-4(moxa), CV-6(moxa)BL-23(moxa)CV Yin deficiencyCV-4, CV-6KI-6, ST-36CV Blood deficiencyCV-4, CV-6SP-6, ST-36

All points of the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)

CV-1
Yin Meeting
Huiyin
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-2
Crooked Bone
Qugu
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-3
Middle Extremity
Zhongji
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-4
Origin Pass
Guanyuan
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-5
Stone Gate
Shimen
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-6
Sea of Qi
Qihai
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-7
Yin Intersection
Yinjiao
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-8
Spirit Palace
Shenque
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-9
Water Division
Shuifen
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-10
Lower Epigastrium
Xiawan
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-11
Internal Foundation
Jianli
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-12
Middle Epigastrium
Zhongwan
📍 On the upper abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus, on the midline
💊 Epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, bloating, poor appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, immune deficiency
📖 View details
CV-13
Upper Epigastrium
Shangwan
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-14
Great Palace
Juque
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-15
Bird Tail
Jiuwei
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-16
Central Courtyard
Zhongting
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-17
Middle of the Chest
Shanzhong
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-18
Jade Hall
Yutang
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-19
Violet Palace
Zigong
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-20
Splendid Cover
Huagai
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-21
Jade Rotator
Xuanji
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-22
Heaven Projection
Tiantu
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-23
Lateral Spring
Lianquan
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details
CV-24
Saliva Container
Chengjiang
📍 Along the Conception Vessel on the midline of the abdomen and chest
💊 Abdominal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, chest tightness
📖 View details

Contraindications & safety

CV-17 to CV-22Pneumothorax risk - no deeper than 0.5 cunCV-1 to CV-8Contraindicated during pregnancyCV-22Caution with thyroid problems

Relation with other meridians

Cooperates with GV - Sea of Yin and Yang
Connects to all Yin meridians
Strengthens reproduction and digestion

Clinical notes

CV-6 and CV-4 are the most important strengthening points
CV-17 is the most important asthma point
CV-12 is the most important digestion point

Comorbidity & drug interactions

Hormone therapyInteract with CV points - use cautionBirth controlMay affect CV pattern - assess menstruationPainkillersMask CV cramps

Prognostic signs

Weak pulse at CV-12|CV deficiency - slow progress
Deep, slow pulse|Cold - responds to moxa
Rapid, empty pulse|Yin deficiency - caution

Conclusion

The Conception Vessel is the Sea of Yin and essential for reproduction, digestion, and respiration.